2023 Kia K5 Safety Report
2023 KIA K5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Kia K5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 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 (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (86) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 6 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia K5 | 20 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Kia K5 | 108 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Kia K5 | 38 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia K5 | 138 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Kia K5 | 7 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2023 Kia K5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 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
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Kia onlyStructure
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Kia onlyFuel System, Gasoline
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline issues Kia onlyPower Train
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyEngine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Kia K5
Reliability Score
The 2023 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 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 2023 Kia K5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Kia K5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline A damaged check valve can allow gasoline to leak, posing a fire hazard. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Structure The trim below the rear windshield may detach, posing a road hazard. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bags Side curtain air bags may not deploy properly in a crash. |
Low | Occasional | 0-100k miles |
| Power Train Automatic transmission issues may cause the vehicle to stall or shift into neutral unexpectedly. |
Low | Occasional | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Kia K5:
Fuel system issues are the most common problem reported.
Recall Details for the 2023 Kia K5
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2023 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 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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Kia K5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Kia K5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
On March 9, 2026, I brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership in Alexandria, Virginia after experiencing a loud thump noise from the rear of the vehicle while stopped at a red light. (3/08/2026) Immediately following the incident, I smelled gasoline, noticed a significant drop in fuel economy, and heard persistent road noise as if a window were open. I explained these concerns in detail to the serv...
RECALL CHECK AND THEY KEPT MY CAR AND SAID THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the trim below the rear windshield and the trunk lid trim had partially detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the trunk lid trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. Th...
My 2023 Kia K5 experienced a fuel system issue related to Recall SC288 (Fuel Tank Inspection & ECM Update). The vehicle displayed a check engine light and could not accept fuel while refueling. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership on May 21, 2025 where the recall inspection failed. The repair order states the fuel tank swelled and damaged the body of the vehicle. Kia opened a Techline case a...
My car started shaking as I was on the interstate headed to Orlando I decided to turn around and go back home I tried putting gas in the car and the gas was shooting back out I was literally a hour away from home so as I’m driving back home the back seat flew off causing my niece to fly from the back seat half way to the front the dealership said I have to pay for my own rental they can’t give me ...
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. 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. The contact stated that the brake pedal went soft and depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that he crashed into the...
serious safety-related defects in my 2023 Kia K5 involving the fuel/emissions system &other vehicle components. From early ownership & throughout the lease period, the vehicle experienced repeated& unresolved issues including fuel system abnormalities, emissions failures, fuel odors, check engine light activation, abnormal noises, &performance concerns consistent with fuel pressure or fuel tank-re...
Front driver side bottom bumper has unclipped randomly. I’ve spoken to a group with other 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line owners and at minimum 30 others have had the same exact clip from the bumper randomly detach. This could cause a hazard for other drivers if the bumper were to detach and possibly hang while driving at a high speed on the freeway.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious fuel system defect involving my 2023 Kia GT-Line. The vehicle was subject to a manufacturer recall due to fuel tank expansion. Kia has acknowledged that the fuel tank expands beyond normal specifications, creating a potential safety hazard. As a result of this defect, Kia of America determined that the vehicle is not repairable and declared it a ...
•Back/Rear Windshield Trim Partial Detachment: unknown if available for inspection. •Large rear window trim piece might fall off, posing a road hazard. •Unknown if problem has been reproduced or confirmed • Unknown if component has been revised by anyone •No warning lights needed for this component
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not e...
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader to diagnose the failure and received a code for a defective valve with an excessive amount of air. The contact then stated that while driving 80 MPH, there were three loud booming sounds coming from th...
The kia since bought brand new would have alignment issues even after getting alignments every 3-4 months and the dealership claim that they don’t whats causing constant misalignment after seeing theres no signs of external damage. Due to the misalignment it wears down the tires and made one of my tires explode on the road. Also the door seal on the driver side gets a chunk ripped out from just op...
The contact owns a 2023 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, the fuel level was lowering, and a fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact received notification ...
I am submitting this complaint regarding unresolved safety recalls affecting my Kia K5: Recall SC356 and Recall SC346. I have contacted my authorized Kia dealer multiple times over the past several months, yet no remedy has been provided. Most alarmingly, I was informed today that my recall “ticket” was closed without any repairs being completed, which is unacceptable. Recall SC356 involves a dam...
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V493000 (Structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact ...
10/25 I was traveling, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. 10/28 I was traveling on interstate, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. This is ridiculous.. When I hit the gas sometimes, feels like it fluttering and jerking. I’ve reported multiple times over the years and this one having hesitation when driving thi...
While driving my car i heard a loud pop come from the rear of the car. Vehicle began driving poorly as if it could not get proper fuel. I took car to dealership on October 3, 2025 where fuel system was tested and failed all 3 stages of recall for fuel system. Fuel tank had expanded straps and clips had broken and was deemed unsafe to drive. Kia placed the vehicle on hold.at the dealership with a d...
I’m loosing power when i drive
Showing 20 of 86 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2023 Kia K5
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
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 spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Kia K5
Has the 2023 KIA K5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 KIA K5 has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 KIA K5 have?
The 2023 KIA K5 has 86 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 6 involved crashes. 13 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 KIA K5?
The 2023 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 2023 KIA K5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 KIA K5 involve fuel/propulsion system (16 complaints), structure (9 complaints), fuel system, gasoline (9 complaints). Other affected components include power train, unknown or other, engine.
How many crash reports does the 2023 KIA K5 have?
There are 6 crash reports associated with the 2023 KIA K5 out of 86 total complaints (7.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2023 KIA K5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2023 KIA K5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 KIA K5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 KIA K5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 KIA K5?
13 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 KIA K5. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2023 KIA K5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 KIA K5 is acceptable with caveats. It has 86 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 KIA K5?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 KIA K5 are: 1. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (16 complaints), 2. STRUCTURE (9 complaints), 3. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (9 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints). FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 16 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 KIA K5?
Be cautious of fuel system and rear window trim issues. Check for recalls and address any issues promptly. The 2023 KIA K5 has 86 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2023 KIA K5?
The 2023 KIA K5 receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 86 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 6 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel System, Gasoline and Structure.
What are the known issues with the 2023 KIA K5?
Known issues with the 2023 KIA K5 include: Fuel System, Gasoline, Structure, Air Bags, Power Train. These are based on patterns found across 86 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 KIA K5?
Yes, there are recalls related to fuel system issues and rear window trim detachment.
What should I do if I experience a fuel system issue?
Contact a Kia dealership immediately to have the vehicle inspected and repaired.
Are there any safety concerns with the 2023 KIA K5?
Yes, there are concerns with fuel system leaks and rear window trim detachment, which can pose safety risks.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of fuel system and rear window trim issues. Check for recalls and address any issues promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Kia K5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Kia K5. The data includes 86 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 13 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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