NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
106 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 31, 2026
Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact’s son owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was repaired. A day or two after the recall repair was completed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer to be diagn…
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The contact’s son owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was repaired. A day or two after the recall repair was completed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank could expand and explode. The contact was informed that the fuel tank and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after driving 10 miles after the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, and similar fault codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired after the latest failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11760941
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2026
Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed and the contact was provided a receipt. However, the contact later received several email …
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The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed and the contact was provided a receipt. However, the contact later received several email recall notifications and verified that the VIN remained included in the recall three months after the repair. The dealer was contacted several times and eventually informed the contact that the recall repair had not been completed. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI #11760869
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
The infotainment system in my Kia K5 has failed completely. The screen went black, causing the radio, infotainment features, and backup camera display to stop functioning. At times, the system will attempt to reboot on its own, but it does not return to normal operation and continues to malfunction. I have attempted to reset the…
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The infotainment system in my Kia K5 has failed completely. The screen went black, causing the radio, infotainment features, and backup camera display to stop functioning. At times, the system will attempt to reboot on its own, but it does not return to normal operation and continues to malfunction. I have attempted to reset the system multiple times using the available reset methods, but none have resolved the issue. I took the vehicle to my local Kia dealership, where I was informed that the radio/infotainment unit itself is defective and needs to be replaced. The loss of the backup camera display is particularly concerning because it affects visibility and safety while reversing. I have also found numerous reports of similar infotainment and radio failures involving Kia vehicles, which makes me concerned that this may be a widespread defect rather than an isolated failure. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated as a potential vehicle defect.
NHTSA ODI #11755373
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel pump, fuel tank and valve check. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? SEE PHOTO. on turnpike 95. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Confirmed by the de…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel pump, fuel tank and valve check. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? SEE PHOTO. on turnpike 95. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Confirmed by the dealer yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Bev smith KIA sent my info to KIA America when they saw it. SEE PHOTO. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? It blew up on me.
NHTSA ODI #11754095
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System
car taken to Hutchenson Kia of Macon for Kia recall Campaign SC356. I heard loud pop a few days before appointment. The dealership stated the gas tank failed structural inspection and has already expanded. This put me and my children in danger. The dealership kept my vehicle and will not give me me a loaner. They left me strand…
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car taken to Hutchenson Kia of Macon for Kia recall Campaign SC356. I heard loud pop a few days before appointment. The dealership stated the gas tank failed structural inspection and has already expanded. This put me and my children in danger. The dealership kept my vehicle and will not give me me a loaner. They left me stranded without a way to get home or pick up my kids from daycare. the 1800 # said my car isnt under warranty so they arent obligated. If they keep my car an say its a safety hazard they should be obligated. im told i have to wait 3-5 business day to get a case manager to see how they can assist me,
NHTSA ODI #11753777
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2026
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
The vehicle is grounded at the dealership due to NHTSA Campaign 25V794 (Kia Recall SC356). The vehicle's fuel tank has critically expanded and swollen, causing permanent structural and chassis deformation inside the vehicle. The dealership service department has documented this structural damage, confirmed the vehicle is entirel…
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The vehicle is grounded at the dealership due to NHTSA Campaign 25V794 (Kia Recall SC356). The vehicle's fuel tank has critically expanded and swollen, causing permanent structural and chassis deformation inside the vehicle. The dealership service department has documented this structural damage, confirmed the vehicle is entirely unsafe to operate due to an immediate fuel system fire hazard, and stated the vehicle is likely unrepairable. The manufacturer is currently holding the hazardous vehicle but is failing to provide immediate alternative transportation, leaving the consumer stranded and creating severe financial hardship. I do not have the financial means to pay rental car fees up front for an extended and undetermined amount of time while waiting for Kia to decide the next step. All of the issues with the vehicle are directly related to the manufacturer defect. My safety was at risk while operating the vehicle due to a severe fire risk.
NHTSA ODI #11753686
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System
I brought my 2023 Kia K5 to Citrus Kia in Ontario, California on 2/20/2026 for two safety recalls, including Recall SC356 involving a defective fuel check valve that can cause the fuel tank to expand, melt, and potentially catch fire. When I picked up my vehicle on XXX, I was given a repair invoice stating that both recalls had …
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I brought my 2023 Kia K5 to Citrus Kia in Ontario, California on 2/20/2026 for two safety recalls, including Recall SC356 involving a defective fuel check valve that can cause the fuel tank to expand, melt, and potentially catch fire. When I picked up my vehicle on XXX, I was given a repair invoice stating that both recalls had been completed. Four months later, I received another recall notice by mail for SC356. After contacting Kia corporate, they confirmed that Citrus Kia had never completed the recall, despite providing me with paperwork stating that it had been done. I made multiple attempts to contact the dealership for an explanation but my calls were never returned. Kia corporate also had difficulty reaching the dealership. They ultimately confirmed with Citrus Kia that the recall had NOT been performed and instructed me to have it completed at another dealership. This was not a minor paperwork error. Citrus Kia falsely represented that a serious safety recall involving a potential fire hazard had been completed when it had not. I have the dealership's own repair invoice documenting that they claimed the work was finished. I also have a voicemail recording from Kia corporate stating they were told by Citrus Kia that the recall was actually not completed. What is most alarming is that Kia corporate never asked the dealership why they provided an invoice stating the safety recall was completed when it had not. Attachments: page 3 of invoice from 2/23/2026 shows Recall SC356 as completed; 2 screenshots from NHTSA and [XXX] on 7/23/2026 shows Recall SC356 as not completed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11752750
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2026
EngineForward Collision AvoidanceFuel/propulsion System
I am filing this complaint regarding Kia America’s handling of a safety recall and repurchase of my 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line (VIN: [XXX]. I purchased this vehicle used on XXX, and financed it through Capital One. After taking my vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership for the fuel tank valve safety recall, I was informed that my vehi…
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I am filing this complaint regarding Kia America’s handling of a safety recall and repurchase of my 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line (VIN: [XXX]. I purchased this vehicle used on XXX, and financed it through Capital One. After taking my vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership for the fuel tank valve safety recall, I was informed that my vehicle was unsafe to drive and could not be repaired. The dealership advised me that Kia would be repurchasing the vehicle. Kia has offered to buy back the vehicle, but the settlement being offered does not appear fair under the circumstances. Although Kia has determined that my vehicle is unsafe and unrepairable due to a manufacturer safety defect, I have only been provided with 15 days of rental vehicle coverage while Kia’s own repurchase letter states that the process may take 60 to 90 days to complete. This could leave me without transportation through no fault of my own. Additionally, Kia has refused to reimburse my $4,000 down payment or provide any additional compensation related to the loss of use of my vehicle. Their offer also includes a substantial mileage deduction under certain options, despite the fact that this repurchase is the result of a manufacturer safety defect rather than a voluntary sale or trade-in. I requested written clarification regarding my settlement options, rental coverage, loan payoff, and reimbursement of my expenses. Rather than answering my questions, Kia responded only that the offer was “firm” and compliant with Florida law, without addressing the specific concerns I raised. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed to determine whether Kia is handling this safety recall and repurchase fairly and whether consumers whose vehicles are deemed unsafe and unrepairable should receive adequate transportation assistance and fair compensation while waiting for the manufacturer to complete the repurchase process. I respectfully request assistance in reviewing Kia America’s handling this case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
NHTSA ODI #11752242
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2026
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeatsUnknown Or Other
7/20/26 My 17 year old daughter was on the way to work and heard a loud noise like an explosion in her car. She, new to driving, scared and in a panic just assumed this was a blowout on a tire and pulled over to check the tires. All tires were clear so she proceeded to work cautiously, on her way home she noticed her check eng…
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7/20/26 My 17 year old daughter was on the way to work and heard a loud noise like an explosion in her car. She, new to driving, scared and in a panic just assumed this was a blowout on a tire and pulled over to check the tires. All tires were clear so she proceeded to work cautiously, on her way home she noticed her check engine light had come on and noticed there was some road noise coming from the back. She then called me, note this is the first I heard of the situation. While on the phone with her I pulled up the CarFax to check when it had last been maintenanced, while doing that I saw for the first time TWO RECALLS on this car we had just purchased 3 months ago! By this time she was home and I instructed her to get out of the car while I Immediately called our local Kia dealership to schedule an appt to have the two recalls fixed (7/20/26 at 4:38pm). I gave the make and model to the service department and they informed me they couldn’t see me till Wed July 29th,at 8:00 am. When my husband and I further assessed the car after we got home we found that an explosion had occurred around her fuel tank, which was full at the time of the incident! The fuel tank expanded enough to completely rupture and detach her entire backseat! This incident was due to a recall replacing a valve on the fuel tank that was not conducted on the car from prior owners nor communication to the new owners (ME) upon my purchase of the vehicle. This could have been catastrophic to my daughter and anyone else in the vehicle had she kept driving the car and could have very easily been engulfed with flames and loss of life especially with a full tank of gas. The car has been towed to the local Kia dealership and leaked gas all in our driveway as it sat there. We are still awaiting response from Kia on our case it has been over 48 hours now and we have received no communication from them. KIA NEEDS TO DEEM THIS RECALL AS POSSIBLY FATAL AND ACT IMMEDIATELY TO SAVE LIVES!
NHTSA ODI #11752175
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2026
Service Brakes
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia K5 and the unacceptable experience I have had following a dangerous brake system failure. On Wednesday June 24th, while driving on Route 22 in New Jersey, my vehicle's brakes suddenly became extremely hard, making it incredibly difficult to stop. There were no light…
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I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia K5 and the unacceptable experience I have had following a dangerous brake system failure. On Wednesday June 24th, while driving on Route 22 in New Jersey, my vehicle's brakes suddenly became extremely hard, making it incredibly difficult to stop. There were no lights on indicating an issue, neither any concerning sounds prior to this incident. I came dangerously close to being involved in an accident and was left extremely shaken. The situation was serious enough that my father had to come retrieve both me and my vehicle because I no longer felt safe driving it. I brought my vehicle to the Kia dealership on Friday, where I was informed that the repair would cost over $1,000. I find this extremely concerning given that Kia has previously recalled brake system components on other models for similar issues. While I understand my vehicle may not currently be included in that recall, a brake system failure on a 2023 vehicle is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about safety and product reliability. To make matters worse, I never even received a phone call from the service department to explain what was wrong with my vehicle or discuss the recommended repairs. Instead, I received nothing more than a text message with a link to a video. The first words I heard were, "Your brakes are really bad." For a customer who had just experienced a frightening brake failure that nearly resulted in an accident, I expected the courtesy of a direct phone call to explain the diagnosis, answer my questions, and discuss my options. Receiving only a video link felt impersonal and dismissive given the seriousness of the situation. After repeated back and forth with Kia corporate over the span of two weeks they determined that the repairs are on me, and I was offered nothing, even though this issue was of no fault of my own.
NHTSA ODI #11749430
Official recalls
4Nov 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.
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.
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.
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
1DP22003 · 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.