Kia K5 Best and Worst Years (2021–2025)
Avoid the 2022 and 2023 Kia K5: 2022 has the highest complaint index (100) with 127 complaints, 15 crashes, 4 fires and 2 deaths, while 2023 has a complaint index of 75 with 107 complaints, most tied to the Fuel System. The 2024 K5 is the best year (index 0, 30 complaints).
- Model years
- 5
- 2021–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 482
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 34
- Fires reported
- 6
- Top problem area
- Fuel System
K5 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Kia K5 problems and recalls by year
K5 years to avoid: what went wrong
2022 Kia K5 Index 100 · 127 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2022 K5 ranks worst of all five model years, with a complaint index of 100 on 127 complaints. NHTSA recorded 15 crashes, 4 fires, 20 injuries, and 2 deaths for this year. Fuel System complaints lead at 43 (34%), with a median failure mileage of 83,000, followed by Engine issues at 32 complaints (median 76,000 miles) and Electrical System problems at 28 complaints (median 14,500 miles). Owners describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes, driver-assist features not slowing for slower traffic ahead, and steering locking up while braking. Five recalls apply to this year, including a fuel tank check-valve issue, incorrectly installed side curtain airbags, and a transmission fail-safe mode malfunction.
2022 fuel system problems →2022 engine problems →2022 electrical system problems →
2023 Kia K5 Index 75 · 107 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2023 K5 has a complaint index of 75 on 107 complaints, with 6 crashes and 17 injuries reported, though no fires or deaths. Fuel System complaints dominate at 53 (50%), median failure mileage 60,000, followed by Structure & Body issues at 19 complaints (median 33,884.5 miles). Owners report airbags failing to deploy or deploying improperly during collisions, causing injuries including a documented concussion, and a case where automatic braking failed to activate in a car wash, leading to a collision. Four recalls apply, covering the fuel tank check valve, loosening rear window trim, and side curtain airbag installation.
Most common Kia K5 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Fuel System156 (32%)
- Electrical System100 (21%)
- Engine93 (19%)
- Other88 (18%)
- Structure & Body66 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain59 (12%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras35 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires30 (6%)
- Brakes28 (6%)
- Airbags26 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Kia K5 model years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2022 and 2023 as the years to avoid, relative to other K5 years. The 2022 K5 has the highest complaint index (100) with 127 complaints, 15 crashes, 4 fires, and 2 deaths, while 2023 has a complaint index of 75 with 107 complaints and 17 injuries.
- What is the best Kia K5 model year?
- The 2024 K5 is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 0, only 30 complaints, 1 crash, and no fires or deaths.
- What is the most common problem with the Kia K5?
- Across all model years, the Fuel System is the top problem area, accounting for 156 complaints, or 32% of all complaints, followed by Electrical System issues at 100 complaints (21%).
- Are there recalls on the 2022 and 2023 Kia K5?
- Yes. The 2022 K5 has 5 recall campaigns and the 2023 K5 has 4, including a shared fuel tank check-valve recall and a side curtain airbag installation recall; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- Is the 2025 Kia K5 reliable?
- The 2025 K5 is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 50 on 51 complaints, 4 crashes, and 6 injuries, with Suspension, Wheels & Tires as the top problem area.