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2023 Kia K5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2023 Kia K5 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 78.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 14 of 106 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports0 fire reports8 injury reports

Structure complaints

14 reports
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54,269 miles · Jun 26, 2026
Structure

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the front splash guard had detached from the vehicle following a night of driving in the rain. The contact stated that the failure had occurred without impact. Upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under warranty and provided …

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The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the front splash guard had detached from the vehicle following a night of driving in the rain. The contact stated that the failure had occurred without impact. Upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under warranty and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The failure mileage was 54,269.

NHTSA ODI #11746788

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2026
Structure

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the trim below the rear windshield and the trunk lid trim had partially detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the trunk lid trim needed to be replaced. The vehi…

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The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the trim below the rear windshield and the trunk lid trim had partially detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the trunk lid trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11723003

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2026
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructure

My 2023 Kia K5 experienced a fuel system issue related to Recall SC288 (Fuel Tank Inspection & ECM Update). The vehicle displayed a check engine light and could not accept fuel while refueling. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership on May 21, 2025 where the recall inspection failed. The repair order states the fuel tank swe…

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My 2023 Kia K5 experienced a fuel system issue related to Recall SC288 (Fuel Tank Inspection & ECM Update). The vehicle displayed a check engine light and could not accept fuel while refueling. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership on May 21, 2025 where the recall inspection failed. The repair order states the fuel tank swelled and damaged the body of the vehicle. Kia opened a Techline case and retained possession of the vehicle. Kia has now acknowledged the vehicle is not repairable. The vehicle has been in Kia’s possession since May 2025. This situation resulted in extended loss of use and financial hardship.

NHTSA ODI #11722642

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2026
Structure

Front driver side bottom bumper has unclipped randomly. I’ve spoken to a group with other 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line owners and at minimum 30 others have had the same exact clip from the bumper randomly detach. This could cause a hazard for other drivers if the bumper were to detach and possibly hang while driving at a high speed on th…

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Front driver side bottom bumper has unclipped randomly. I’ve spoken to a group with other 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line owners and at minimum 30 others have had the same exact clip from the bumper randomly detach. This could cause a hazard for other drivers if the bumper were to detach and possibly hang while driving at a high speed on the freeway.

NHTSA ODI #11712498

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2026
Structure

•Back/Rear Windshield Trim Partial Detachment: unknown if available for inspection. •Large rear window trim piece might fall off, posing a road hazard. •Unknown if problem has been reproduced or confirmed • Unknown if component has been revised by anyone •No warning lights needed for this component

NHTSA ODI #11709209

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2025
Fuel System, GasolineStructure

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V493000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back…

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The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V493000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI #11703918

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2025
Structure

Left rear car door C-Pillar trim ripped off while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11678704

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2025
Structure

Component or System: Front sunroof glass – panoramic sunroof system The sunroof has been removed but I could provide pictures What happened: While my vehicle was parked, the front sunroof glass panel spontaneously exploded outward, sending shattered glass fragments upward and outward. There was no external impact, object, or we…

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Component or System: Front sunroof glass – panoramic sunroof system The sunroof has been removed but I could provide pictures What happened: While my vehicle was parked, the front sunroof glass panel spontaneously exploded outward, sending shattered glass fragments upward and outward. There was no external impact, object, or weather condition that could have caused this. The sunshade was closed, which fortunately prevented the glass from falling into the cabin. Had the shade been open, I or any occupant would have been at serious risk of injury. How safety was compromised: This is a serious vehicle safety defect. Spontaneous sunroof explosion could have caused glass-related injury to occupants, or road hazards to nearby vehicles or pedestrians if this had occurred while driving. The vehicle is currently unsafe to drive, especially in bad weather, due to a gaping opening in the roof. Inspection/confirmation by service center: Yes – the vehicle was inspected by two authorized Kia service centers. Both confirmed the glass was blown outward, not due to any external force. The second service center provided a quote to replace only the glass, not the entire sunroof system, indicating it was a glass failure. Inspection by manufacturer/insurance/police: Kia America has not physically inspected the vehicle and refused to request a statement from the service center, even after I submitted photographic evidence and a recording where the service manager agreed with my explanation. The vehicle was not inspected by police. My insurance was notified, but I am attempting to resolve this under warranty due to the nature of the defect. Warning messages or symptoms before failure: There were no warning lights, sounds, messages, or cracks leading up to the incident. The glass exploded without warning, which is why this poses a critical safety concern. Best assessment of cause: I believe this was a structural defect in the sunroof glass or a manufacturing/design flaw. I’v

NHTSA ODI #11673808

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2025
Structure

at 2:30 PM i had noticed that my passenger rear trim, right above my trunk was loose. I made note of it. about three hours later, i was driving down the interstate and i noticed it came off and was flying through the air. Thankfully it didn’t hit another vehicle but this isn’t the first time I have had issues with the trim and a…

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at 2:30 PM i had noticed that my passenger rear trim, right above my trunk was loose. I made note of it. about three hours later, i was driving down the interstate and i noticed it came off and was flying through the air. Thankfully it didn’t hit another vehicle but this isn’t the first time I have had issues with the trim and a lot of other k5 owners have had issues as well.

NHTSA ODI #11667048

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2025
StructureUnknown Or Other

I was driving with no other cars around, and i heard what sounded to be an explosion, come to find out my sunroof had exploded. I had glass fly all over the back windshield, and onto the road behind me. This could have caused an accident or damage to other vehicles if someone was around me.

NHTSA ODI #11655970

Official recalls

4

25V794000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Nov 17, 2025

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.

25V493000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars; Structure:exterior Trim

Jul 28, 2025

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:exterior Trim

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

Consequence: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

Consequence: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

23V149000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain

Mar 7, 2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC263.

22V760000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Oct 11, 2022

Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.