2023 Kia K5 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#2 most-complained of 5 K5 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2023 Kia K5 has a Complaint Index of 75, ranking 2nd-worst among 5 model years, with 107 complaints, 4 recalls, and a Fuel System problem area covering 50% of complaints. NHTSA also lists an airbag recall affecting side curtain deployment.
- Complaints
- 107
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25 city / 33 hwy
Top 2023 Kia K5 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System53 (50%)
- Other23 (21%)
- Structure & Body19 (18%)
- Engine14 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (10%)
- Brakes7 (7%)
- Electrical System7 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (5%)
- Airbags4 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy or deploying improperly during side-impact and head-on crashes, in some cases causing injury.
- Some drivers describe the transmission losing acceleration on the highway, with RPMs climbing while the car slows down before recovering after a restart.
- Brake pedal reportedly went soft and sank to the floorboard while approaching a stop, with the collision warning light illuminating at the same time.
- Engine RPMs have been reported to surge on their own when coming to a stop, requiring the driver to hold the brake and shift to neutral or park.
- One owner described a wheel resonance ducting piece separating inside the tire, throwing off wheel balance and causing excessive vibration.
- A forward collision system reportedly failed to sound a warning or apply automatic braking during a low-speed bump in an automatic car wash.
2023 Kia K5 recalls
4 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 25V493000Jul 28, 2025Structure & Body100,063 vehicles
Structure:exterior trim
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
Risk: 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.
- 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.
2023 Kia K5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,300
- 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.
2023 compared with other K5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Kia K5 reliable?
- Among the 5 model years with data, the 2023 K5 ranks 2nd-worst with a Complaint Index of 75 and a verdict of Avoid relative to other K5 years. It has 107 complaints and 4 recalls on file with NHTSA.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2023 Kia K5?
- Fuel System complaints make up 50% of all reports for this year, with a median mileage at failure of 60,000 miles, tied to a recall for a damaged check valve that can let air into the fuel tank.
- Does the 2023 Kia K5 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2023 K5, covering the Fuel System (check valve/tank), Structure & Body (rear window trim), Airbags (side curtain), and Transmission & Powertrain (fail-safe drive mode).
- How does the 2023 K5 compare to other model years?
- The 2023 K5 has a Complaint Index of 75, worse than 2021 (25, Good), 2024 (0, Best), and 2025 (50, Caution), but better than 2022 (100, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Kia K5?
- The 2023 K5 is EPA-rated at 28 mpg combined (25 city / 33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300.