2022 Kia K5 Safety Report
2022 KIA K5: Strong crash ratings, but significant fuel system and power train recalls raise fire and loss of power concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Kia K5
Reliability Score
The 2022 Kia K5 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2022 Kia K5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Kia K5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Expansion/Leakage A damaged check valve can allow air into the fuel tank, causing it to expand, contact hot exhaust components, and melt, leading to fuel leaks and fire risk. Multiple complaints describe strong gasoline smells, tank expansion, and even fuel dripping. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Loss Of Drive Power/Limp Mode Impaired 'fail-safe' limited-mobility drive mode due to transmission oil pump issues can lead to sudden loss of drive power. Complaints describe the car going into limp mode, not accelerating, and stalling. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Incorrect Side Curtain Airbag Installation Side curtain airbags may be incorrectly installed, preventing proper deployment in a crash and increasing injury risk. This is addressed by a recall. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Fuel Leak At High-Pressure Fuel Pump Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel rail, increasing the risk of fire. This issue is specific to 2.5L turbocharged engines. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Sudden Increase In Steering Effort The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system may lack communication diagnosis, leading to a sudden increase in steering effort and increased crash risk. This is specific to 2.5L T-GDI engines. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Infotainment System Failure The infotainment screen repeatedly displays the startup screen, flashes, and does not fully load, rendering it inoperable. |
Medium | Occasional | 44000-47000 miles |
| Hvac Fuse Panel Melting Components of the multi-fuse for the AC/HVAC system can burn and melt the fuse panel due to excessive current draw and heat, leading to HVAC failure. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Kia K5:
Frequent complaints about fuel leaks, strong gasoline odors, fuel tank expansion, and issues related to the fuel system's integrity, directly linked to multiple recalls.
Reports of loss of drive power, vehicle going into limp mode, rough driving, and issues with acceleration and shifting, often related to transmission or engine management.
Various electrical issues including infotainment system failures, dashboard warning lights illuminating without cause, and HVAC system malfunctions due to melting fuse components.
Complaints of engine misfires, stalling without warning, and engine revving up on its own, sometimes leading to complete engine failure.
Issues such as rear seats rising independently due to fuel tank expansion and paint chipping.
Concerns about sudden increases in steering effort, particularly at higher speeds, as addressed by a recall.
Recalls and complaints related to side curtain airbags not deploying properly, increasing injury risk in a crash.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Kia K5
Is the 2022 KIA K5 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 KIA K5 received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall). However, it has 108 complaints, 14 crashes, 3 fires, 18 injuries, and 2 deaths reported. There are 5 recalls, with significant issues concerning the fuel system (fire risk) and power train (loss of drive power), which are critical safety concerns despite good crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2022 KIA K5?
The most reported issues for the 2022 KIA K5 are related to the FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (13 complaints), POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints). Specific problems include fuel tank expansion and leaks, sudden loss of drive power, and infotainment system malfunctions. Several recalls address these exact issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2022 KIA K5?
Yes, the 2022 KIA K5 has 5 recalls. These include issues with the fuel system (risk of fire due to tank expansion or leaks), power train (loss of drive power), side curtain airbags (improper deployment), and steering (sudden increase in steering effort).
What should I look out for when buying a used 2022 KIA K5?
When considering a used 2022 KIA K5, prioritize checking if all 5 recalls have been addressed. Pay close attention to any signs of fuel leaks or gasoline odors, power train issues like hesitation or limp mode, and ensure the infotainment system functions correctly. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended.
How do the 2022 KIA K5's safety ratings compare to its real-world issues?
The 2022 KIA K5 has strong NHTSA crash test ratings (5-star overall), indicating good occupant protection in a crash. However, the 108 complaints, 14 crashes, 3 fires, and 2 deaths, along with 5 recalls, suggest that while it performs well in controlled crash tests, there are significant reliability and defect-related safety issues, particularly with the fuel and power train systems, that could lead to dangerous situations outside of a crash.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the significant recalls and complaints regarding fire risk and loss of drive power, thoroughly verify all recalls have been completed and consider an extended warranty for critical components like the fuel system and power train.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Kia K5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Kia K5. The data includes 108 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 18 reported injuries, and 2 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Kia K5 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.