KIA K5 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 504 owner complaints and 9 safety recalls on file for the KIA K5, across 6 model years (2021–2026). The 2021 model year has the most complaints (169). The most reported problem area overall is fuel/propulsion system.
KIA K5 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical K5 year: 2021, 2022, 2023. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2021 K5: 169 complaints, 6 recalls
- 2022 K5: 129 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2023 K5: 108 complaints, 4 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common KIA K5 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System problems | 122 | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 97 | 6 | 2 |
| Engine | 86 | 6 | 3 |
| Power Train | 60 | 5 | 3 |
| Structure | 44 | 5 | 5 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 38 | 4 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 35 | 6 | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 29 | 5 | 3 |
| Air Bags | 27 | 5 | 20 |
| Seats | 22 | 4 | 1 |
| Tires | 20 | 5 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 18 | 4 | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 13 | 2 | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 9 | 3 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All KIA K5 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 K5 | 14 | 1 | 5★ | Unknown or Other | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2025 K5 | 53 | 2 | 5★ | Tires | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2024 K5 | 31 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2023 K5 | 108 | 4 | 5★ | Fuel/propulsion System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2022 K5 | 129 | 5 | 5★ | Fuel/propulsion System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2021 K5 | 169 | 6 | 5★ | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
More from KIA: all KIA models · KIA VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which KIA K5 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2021 (169), 2022 (129), 2023 (108) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical K5 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the KIA K5?
Fuel/propulsion System, with 122 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the KIA K5 have?
9 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.