AI Damage2023 KIA K5: common problems
Owners of the 2023 KIA K5 filed 110 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and fuel system. The maker issued 68 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 110
- involving a crash
- 6
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 68
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 37% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 13% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 12% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 6 Electrical system 5% of all complaints
- 7 Forward collision avoidance 5% of all complaints
- 8 Service brakes 5% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 41 complaints (37% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 13.
- Fuel system: 14 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 8.
- Structure: 14 complaints (13% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 5.
- Engine: 13 complaints (12% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
- Powertrain: 11 complaints (10% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 15.
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
- 2.5 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
- dual-clutch (DCT), 8-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 110 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 | 41 | 0 | 13 |
| Fuel system | 14 | 0 | 8 |
| Structure | 14 | 2 | 5 |
| Engine | 13 | 0 | 1 |
| Powertrain | 11 | 0 | 15 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 | 41 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Seats | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Air bags | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
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 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.
I was involved in a head on collision, all of my safety warning notified me but my airbags NEVER deployed. This is a serious safety hazard especially with many problems being reported with airbag deployment.
I was side swiped and the front airbag deployed and exploded in my face, knocking me unconscious and leaving me with chemical burns. I had a grade 2 concussion so it's hard to remember a lot. I was taken to the hospital. And drivers and passengers from 3 other vehicles were also taken to area hospitals.
The vehicle stops accelerating all together in the middle of traffic, shudders when trying to speed up, sounds like and feels like the entire engine is going to drop out of the car to the floor. You can feel the gears slip. Even though it is more infrequent now, it still happens
This is not related to the radio, car play, phone connection, weather, etc. Adjusting the volume dial does not effect the issue either, for example. Shutting the car off, stops it momentarily, but will return upon starting it.
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 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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 536 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 25% most complained about).
On average one model year of the K5 has 82 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 110, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
CUSTOMER ACTION: CHROME TRUNK LID MOLDING REPLACEMENT (CA2514) - This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the chrome trunk lid molding on certain 2023-2024MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles produced from October…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV CHECK VALVE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT + ECU SW UPGRADE (SC288/SC288A) CLOSED & SUPERSEDED - This bulletin is now closed and superseded by SC356. This bulletin…
- PITSTOP
TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SERVICE ACTION: TRUNK LID AND C-PILLAR GARNISH INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT (SA552) - CLOSED AND SUPERSEDED BY SC346 - This bulletin is now closed and superseded. This bulletin provides information to inspect the rear…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
ITM REPLACEMENT AND ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (CA2511) - This bulletin provides information to replace the Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM) and then upgrade the Engine Control Module ‘ECM’ system software on…
- VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN
OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC288 FLIGHT 301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2021-2024 MY K5 vehicles equipped with 1.6L Turbo…
- VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN
OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC288A) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2021-2024 MY K5 vehicles equipped with 1.6L Turbo Gas Direct…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SERVICE ACTION: PARTS COLLECTION SERVICE ACTION: PCSV REPLACEMENT (SA612) CLOSED - This bulletin is now closed. This bulletin provided information to replace Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) on certain 2021-2024MY…
- VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN
OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC288) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2021-2024 MY K5 vehicles equipped with 1.6L Turbo Gas Direct…
- VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN
FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV CHECK VALVE INSPECTION/ REPLACEMENT + ECU SW UPGRADE (SC288/SC288A) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a…
NHTSA lists 68 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2023 KIA K5?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, structure. Total complaints: 110. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (22%), fuel system, fuel smell (10%), smoke, burning smell, fire (10%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2023 KIA K5?
NHTSA lists 68 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2023 KIA K5 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2023 models
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.