Fuel system, gasoline
Free remedy
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.
Research · Large Cars
2022 Kia K5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 129 owner complaints for the 2022 Kia K5. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (35) and engine (28). The EPA rates it 27–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
27–32mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Nov 2025
Owner complaints
129
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Air bags: side
Free remedy
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.
Power train: automatic transmission
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
129 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2021 – Sep 2026
- Fuel/propulsion system35
- Engine28
- Electrical system25
- Power train21
- Forward collision avoidance12
- Fuel system, gasoline9
- Air bags9
- Service brakes9
- Seats8
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Fuel/propulsion system
35 reports3 fires
“- The exact component that failed has not yet been determined. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of acceleration while driving, followed by a popping noise, smoke, and a fire that severely damaged the vehicle. The vehicle is a 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle has an open Safety Recall SC356 / NHTSA Recall 25V794 involving the purge control system check valve and fuel tank, which may result in fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire. The recall repair had not been performed prior to the incident. The vehicle is currently being preserved and is available for inspection upon request. - The vehicle caught fire while driving on XXX, in [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating, a popping noise, and then smoke began coming from the vehicle shortly afterward. The vehicle subsequently caught fire and was destroyed. The incident created a serious risk of injury to me, other occupants, nearby motorists, and others in the area. Fortunately, there were no injuries. - The cause of the failure and fire has not yet been confirmed. The vehicle was severely damaged by the fire. The vehicle has an open Kia SC356 / NHTSA 25V794 safety recall, which we…”
Engine
28 reports2 crashes3 fires
“Verified by ASE Certified Mechanic Premature PCV valve/ Oil Separator failure. Causes codes such as P0507, P0171, P0471. This can trigger limp mode, sudden loss of speed/engine power, thus increasing the event of an accident.”
Electrical system
25 reports2 crashes2 fires
“All lights on dash appear. Forward collision warning, blind spot warning, other warnings. Car loses ability to accelerate for a few moments and makes unsafe to drive. RPM needle bounces.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8) · Automatic (AM-S8)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K5 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 38 | 32 | $2,000 | 277 |
| K5 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 | 292 |
| K5 AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,300 | 316 |
| K5 Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,400 | 332 |
- 32mpg comb.
- 31mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Kia K5 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 15951
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2022 K5 questions
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia K5 have?
5 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2022 Kia K5 problems?
Owners filed 129 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (35), engine (28), electrical system (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2022 Kia K5 get?
The EPA rates the 2022 Kia K5 at 27–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2022 Kia K5?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Kia K5 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026