Problems · NHTSA complaints

2022 Kia K5 problems

Owners filed 129 complaints about the 2022 Kia K5 with NHTSA between Jun 2021 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is fuel/propulsion system (35).

Complaints
129
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
15
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
20
People reported injured
Deaths
2
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Fuel/propulsion system35
  2. Engine28
  3. Electrical system25
  4. Power train21
  5. Forward collision avoidance12
  6. Fuel system, gasoline9
  7. Air bags9
  8. Service brakes9
  9. Seats8
  10. Structure8
  11. Steering6
  12. Vehicle speed control5
  13. Lane departure5
  14. Exterior lighting4

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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20214
202214
202314
202421
202547
202629

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11763269

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026EngineODI 11768182

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11761727

Power train

21 reports3 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. The contact did not attempt to restart the vehicle. The contact activated the hazard lights; however, 20–30 minutes later, another vehicle struck the front passenger side of the vehicle near the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact sustained sharp lower back, hip, and left knee pain. The contact's boyfriend sustained lower back and right knee pain. A family member transported both occupants to the hospital, where medical attention was provided. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to Custom Auto-Collision. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train). The dealer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026Power trainCrash reportedODI 11766144

Forward collision avoidance

12 reports4 crashes
“The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the automatic front collision avoidance system abruptly engaged while there was a vehicle was parked on the passenger-side of the roadway. The contact stated the parked vehicle did not present a safety hazard to the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11743707

Fuel system, gasoline

9 reports2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). While driving 70 MPH, the contact heard a loud pop coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated with an abnormal burning odor briefly inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Fuel system, gasolineODI 11768012
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.