2022 Kia K5 Safety Report
2022 KIA K5 Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2022 Kia K5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2022 Kia K5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (108) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 17 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Fuel/Propulsion System | Compare fuel/propulsion system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Kia K5 with 7 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2021 | Check the 2021 Kia K5 before buying across this generation. |
Kia K5 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia K5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia K5 | 86 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia K5 | 138 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Kia K5 | 20 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2025 Kia K5 | 38 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2026 Kia K5 | 7 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2022 Kia K5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2022 Kia K5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Fuel/Propulsion System
13 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Kia onlyPower Train
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Kia onlyElectrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Kia onlyFuel System, Gasoline
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline issues Kia onlyStructure
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Kia K5
Reliability Score
The 2022 Kia K5 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2022 Kia K5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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 System, Gasoline A damaged check valve can allow gasoline leaks, potentially leading to safety hazards. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbags Side curtain airbags may malfunction, posing a risk in accidents. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train, Automatic Transmission Automatic transmission issues have been reported, affecting vehicle performance and safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Infotainment System The infotainment system has shown signs of failure, impacting the driving experience. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k 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:
Issues with the fuel system, including damaged check valves, are the most common problems reported.
Recall Details for the 2022 Kia K5
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Kia K5 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov...
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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 recall is SC250.
Summary: Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults. If a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve with Lane Following Assist (LFA) engaged, the steering assist level may not adjust properly, causing a sudden increase in the steering effort required.
Consequence: A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2022 Kia K5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2022 Kia K5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The infotainment system in my 2022 Kia K5 began failing on or around early December, 2025, at approximately 44,000 miles and has continued to worsen. The vehicle is currently at approximately 47,000 miles. The screen displays the Kia startup screen repeatedly and does not fully load, flashing, becoming unresponsive, and ultimately causing distraction while driving. Audio may still function, but k...
EPB light with multiple other dash lights come on. It affects my breaking, shifting and acceleration. I was attempting to get on the freeway the first time it happened and my car would not accelerate. I had to drive off to the side to prevent getting hit. It happens intermittently at no given time. I just got it back from the dealership and am still having the issue.
The car was in an accident with the previous owner I bout the car and the carfax showed rear end collision I told the car worked perfectly. 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 ...
My 2022 Kia k5 has gone into limp mode multiple times now while I am driving in addition to when it starts up. Check engine light, AUTOHOLD, EPB, traction control, etc. all aluminate on my dashboard. Car drives very rough and doesn’t want to accelerate or shift. Huge safety issue. Dealership said it was the throttle body assembly. Paid to have it replaced and the issues still persists. I have read...
The driver's seat heater automatically deactivates after 30 seconds. The heating element remains active for only 20 seconds, and unfortunately, the console with the wireless phone charging station is not functioning.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a confirmed safety recall on my 2022 Kia K5 LX that has not been repaired and currently has no available remedy, despite being acknowledged by Kia. This unresolved recall places me, my passengers, and other motorists at ongoing risk. I rely on this vehicle for daily transportation, and continuing to operate it under these conditions creates a constant safe...
The ac and or heat goes out and I have to press the fuse under the hood and it comes back on other Kia k5 owners have had the same problem was told to report here for recall so fuse box doesn’t get burned out.
The drive train car would not go then my accelerator will rev up and down and not go over 10 miles a hour then all these service lights come on and car go in like limp mode and not drive in middle of intersection no one inspected the car i tuned it off and let it sit for 24 hours and started it and it was normally except the acceleration goes up and down when it wants to there were a lot of w...
UNKNOWN. Engine misfires. Piston rings
My son owned the 2022 Kia s-K5 and lost his life in the same car ...him and my nephew died in this car last [XXX] one month after his [XXX] birthday...he was driving the car hit maybe black ice or the car lock up and went sideways on the payment for .3 of a mile and couldn't pick straits or gain control of the car and then hit a ditch n tree and satellites 2 total with the front of the car rolled...
My vehicle is subject to an unrepaired safety recall involving the fuel system. According to the manufacturer’s recall notice, a damaged check valve may allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing the tank to expand and contact hot exhaust components. This can melt the fuel tank, cause fuel leakage, and increase the risk of a vehicle fire. This vehicle has experienced multiple fuel-system-related re...
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wa...
When engine is Idling the cabin immediately starts to smell completely like gasoline. This happens whether the A/C system is on or not. It’s so strong sometimes that I have to put my window down to release the fumes.
My 2022 Kia K5 EX has a serious fuel-system safety defect involving fuel tank expansion, which caused rear seat pan deformation and rear seat strap deformation. Kia America’s engineering review confirmed this in their findings. The fuel tank expansion caused the rear seat to lift/warp from underneath, creating a risk of fuel leakage, fire, and structural failure in a crash. This is a significant ...
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV), resulting in damage and fuel tank expansion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Service Cam...
While driving my 2022 Kia K5 LXS, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost acceleration. The check-engine light came on, showing code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). The issue caused unsafe driving conditions, especially with my child in the car. Kia Roseville incorrectly documented the repair, while Kia Folsom later confirmed the issue was engine-related. The vehicle has also been subject to fuel...
While driving on the highway under normal weather conditions and at the speed limit at approx 50 MPH a loud explosion like a gun shot was heard through the car. The sound of broken glass and wind could be heard; however, there was no collision or object that struck the vehicle in any way. Glass began dropping through the sun shade area and upon pulling over and further inspection the sunroof appe...
I noticed my car jerking from a stopped position a few months back it wasn’t consistent but it happened I figured it was just a powerful motor however last on October 7th I was driving down the street to go to the dealership and my car lost power I had to pull over my son was panicking he’s just little and I sat there and luckily it started after a few minutes and I went to the dealership and they...
the fuel tank on my car expanded a few hours after inspection was taken place. The dealership stated my car was completely unsafe to drive and would not let me leave with it. My daughter was in the backseat when it happened, but she is safe and so am i
I was driving my car and heard a loud pop, I was on the interstate and thought maybe my tire was going flat but nothing alerted me on my dash. I heard loud wind noises but everything seemed fine until my car started basically hopping forward and it became hard to accelerate. I had to push the gas harder than normal to maintain average highway speeds. I was also feeling super lightheaded while driv...
Showing 20 of 108 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Kia K5
Has the 2022 KIA K5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2022 KIA K5 has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2022 KIA K5 have?
The 2022 KIA K5 has 108 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 14 involved crashes. 18 injuries and 2 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2022 KIA K5?
The 2022 KIA K5 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 KIA K5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 KIA K5 involve fuel/propulsion system (13 complaints), power train (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints). Other affected components include fuel system, gasoline, structure, unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2022 KIA K5 have?
There are 14 crash reports associated with the 2022 KIA K5 out of 108 total complaints (13.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2022 KIA K5 have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2022 KIA K5 out of 108 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2022 KIA K5?
Yes, 2 deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2022 KIA K5. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2022 KIA K5?
18 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2022 KIA K5. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2022 KIA K5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 KIA K5 is acceptable with caveats. It has 108 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 2 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2022 KIA K5?
The components with the most failures on the 2022 KIA K5 are: 1. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (13 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), 4. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (5 complaints), 5. STRUCTURE (5 complaints). FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 13 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2022 KIA K5?
Be aware of potential fuel system and airbag issues. Regularly check the infotainment system for signs of failure. The 2022 KIA K5 has 108 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2022 KIA K5?
The 2022 KIA K5 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 108 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 17 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel System, Gasoline and Airbags.
What are the known issues with the 2022 KIA K5?
Known issues with the 2022 KIA K5 include: Fuel System, Gasoline, Airbags, Power Train, Automatic Transmission, Infotainment System. These are based on patterns found across 108 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any known safety recalls for the 2022 KIA K5?
Yes, there are recalls related to fuel system issues and airbags. Check for recalls and have them addressed.
What are the signs of a failing infotainment system?
Signs include system crashes, unresponsive controls, and display issues. Regularly check for updates.
Can I drive my 2022 KIA K5 if it has a fuel system issue?
Avoid driving if there are fuel system issues, as it can lead to gasoline leaks and safety hazards.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential fuel system and airbag issues. Regularly check the infotainment system for signs of failure.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16