2022 Kia K5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2022 Kia K5 ranks worst of 5 model years, with a Complaint Index of 100, 127 NHTSA complaints, and 5 recalls. Fuel System issues lead at 34% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 83,000 miles. NHTSA calls it 'Avoid' relative to other K5 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 5 K5 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 127
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 15
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 20
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 26 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 20 / 2
Top 2022 Kia K5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System43 (34%)
- Engine32 (25%)
- Electrical System28 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (17%)
- Other20 (16%)
- Structure & Body16 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (10%)
- Airbags9 (7%)
- Brakes9 (7%)
- Steering6 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags sometimes fail to deploy in frontal or side-impact crashes, leading to injuries.
- Forward collision warning and automatic braking systems reportedly fail to detect slower vehicles ahead, resulting in rear-end crashes.
- Some drivers report the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn or locking up suddenly at highway speed, leading to loss of control.
- Owners describe sudden acceleration or engine power loss while driving, making it hard to speed up or slow down properly.
- A parked vehicle reportedly caught fire without warning while sitting in a driveway.
2022 Kia K5 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V794000Nov 17, 2025Fuel System250,547 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
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.
Risk: 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 beginning December 1, 2025.
- NHTSA 23V149000Mar 7, 2023Airbags188,912 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 22V760000Oct 11, 2022Transmission & Powertrain69,038 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: 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.
2022 Kia K5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 29.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other K5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Kia K5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2022 K5 ranks worst among the 5 model years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 127 complaints, so it's rated 'Avoid' relative to other K5 years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2022 Kia K5?
- Fuel System complaints are the largest category, making up 34% of complaints (43 total), with a median failure mileage of 83,000 miles.
- Does the 2022 Kia K5 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2022 K5, covering the fuel system, side curtain airbags, transmission fail-safe mode, a fuel pipe leak, and steering software.
- How does the 2022 K5 compare to other years?
- The 2022 K5 has the highest Complaint Index (100) of the 5 years tracked; by contrast, 2024 has an index of 0 and is rated 'Best', while 2021 scores 25 and is rated 'Good'.