This page covers 5 recalls, 92 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Kia K5.
27–31 mpg combined
7.6–8.7 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Fuel system complaints dominate what 2023 K5 owners report. The most common pattern involves fuel not filling properly, owners describe fuel backing up or failing to enter the tank during refueling, sometimes accompanied by a persistent fuel smell inside the cabin. Several owners also report the fuel gauge reading empty shortly after a full fill-up, with the low fuel warning light triggering incorrectly. Powertrain complaints round out the picture, though they cover a broader range of symptoms without a single sharp pattern. The fuel delivery and gauge issues appear to be the clearest recurring theme, with some owners noting the problem persisted across multiple attempts to have it diagnosed or fixed at a dealership.
92
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 KIA K5 has 5 recalls, with two tied for the most serious: the transmission can lose drive power entirely, and a damaged fuel tank check valve can allow the tank to expand against hot exhaust components, melt, and leak fuel with a risk of fire.
On the safety equipment side, side curtain airbags on certain vehicles may have been installed incorrectly and can fail to deploy in a crash, reducing protection for occupants. Two recalls cover exterior trim on the rear of the vehicle: rear window trim pieces and C-pillar trim can both loosen and detach while driving, leaving debris on the road that can create a hazard for other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
A damaged check valve allows air to enter the fuel tank. The tank expands and contacts hot exhaust components, which can melt the tank.
What the fix does
The check valve will be replaced. The fuel tank will be inspected and replaced if damaged.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The exterior trim pieces on the C-pillars (the vertical supports behind the rear doors) may not be properly attached and could loosen or separate from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Kia will replace the exterior C-pillar trims at an authorized dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the C-pillar trim assemblies and replace them if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bags may be installed incorrectly, preventing them from deploying properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission oil pump may malfunction, impairing the vehicle's fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode and potentially causing complete loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if needed, and update the transmission control unit software. All repairs are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
