AI DamageKIA K5: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the KIA K5 across 6 model years: 492 owner complaints and 197 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 19% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 17% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 12% of all complaints
- 5 Structure 9% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel system 8% of all complaints
- 7 Forward collision avoidance 7% of all complaints
- 8 Service brakes 6% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 123 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 52.
- Electrical system: 94 complaints (19% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 246.
- Engine: 83 complaints (17% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 12.
- Powertrain: 60 complaints (12% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 67.
- Structure: 44 complaints (9% of all), 5 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 30.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.6 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2021–2024
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2025–2027
- 2.5 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2021–2027named in 2 complaints
- automatic, 8-speed 2021–2027
- dual-clutch (DCT), 8-speed 2021–2027named in 1 complaints
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 492 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 123 | 0 | 52 |
| Electrical system | 94 | 2 | 246 |
| Engine | 83 | 3 | 12 |
| Powertrain | 60 | 3 | 67 |
| Structure | 44 | 5 | 30 |
| Fuel system | 38 | 0 | 34 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 34 | 7 | 15 |
| Service brakes | 29 | 3 | 13 |
| Air bags | 26 | 19 | 2 |
| Seats | 22 | 1 | 5 |
| Tires | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 18 | 0 | 31 |
| Lane departure | 16 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 2 | 10 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. The contact did not attempt to restart the vehicle.
Now it’s just hanging off and shaking badly because of the poor material, it isn’t stuff enough to keep in place.
After purchase the car brakes have built up 2 times in 5 months the car stalled it has rpm issues lagging and hesitation as well as the safety front end collision has malfunctioned and it locked my brakes up I did all the steps to try to fix it and I ended up having to disconnect the battery.
The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign exiting a parking lot, as the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop for a commercial truck stopped at the exit, the "collision warning" illuminated.
Combination of Side Curtain and Seat Side airbags, and seat belt, resulted in catastrophic shoulder injuries. Additionally, the gases and powder substance from the airbag deployment caused a severe asthma attack. I was told that the entire interior was covered in a powder substance.
In the days prior to the crash, I experienced recurring issues including screen reboots while driving and temporary power loss. I do not remember the moment of the accident, and I am currently under medical care for head trauma.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
- VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAINGN
- RELEASE NOTES
- VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN & WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
- RELEASE NOTES
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
- VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN
- VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN
- VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- This 2026 Kia K5 Is Wrecked… But Would YOU Fix It?amount per author: 1,200 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- В полном разборе на запчасти Kia K5 2021
- 2021 Kia K5 oil maintenance reset
- 0554 28 99 94 KIA K5 2021 🇰🇷 2.0 Gasoline 49k miles Price $12,500💰
- 2025 Kia K5 Front Clip | Salvage Rebuild | Example Video | Front end repair kit
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.