The 2023 Kia K5 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 608,560 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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
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…
STRUCTURE25V4930002025-07-28100,063 affected
Defect
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.
AIR BAGS23V1490002023-03-07188,912 affected
Defect
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
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.
POWER TRAIN22V7600002022-10-1169,038 affected
Defect
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
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…
Complaints by component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
33
6injuries
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
19
1crashes3injuries
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
12
3injuries
ENGINE
11
POWER TRAIN
11
STRUCTURE:BODY
10
2crashes
SERVICE BRAKES
5
1crashes1injuries
AIR BAGS
4
3crashes7injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4
SEATS
4
3injuries
Total complaints138
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“I dropped off my car at the covina kia dealership explaining the recall and the issues I notice such as a bulge in the vertical portion of the seat near where the calves touch. The seat also feels different from the other side of the car. They said there is a 3 business day wait to even be…”
“A recall from kia a damage check valve and a fuel tank issue. I have called the manufacture kia company and they have no result, I have called for over a month now and haven’t had my car for a month and an half now, still waiting for a results or a solution for the kia k5 gt line. I have called…”
“A recall from kia a damage check valve and a fuel tank issue. I have called the manufacture kia company and they have no result, I have called for over a month now and haven’t had my car for a month and an half now, still waiting for a results or a solution for the kia k5 gt line. I have called…”
“On april 8th my car was taken to the dealership for repair on a hose. When the dealership did a diagnostic on the vehicle it had 4 safety recalls. And my car had a major recall the fuel pump on my car expanded and it was very dangerous for me and my kids to drive the vehicle per kia they say it…”
“I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to manufacturer recall number sc356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.however,…”
“I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to manufacturer recall number sc356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.however,…”
“I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to manufacturer recall number sc356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.however,…”
Defect investigations
InvestigationDP22003 Opened 2022-09-12 · closed 2023-12-12
Loss of Motive Power
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…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2023 Kia K5 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.