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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Fuel/propulsion system35
- Engine28
- Electrical system25
- Power train21
- Forward collision avoidance12
- Fuel system, gasoline9
- Air bags9
- Service brakes9
- Seats8
- Structure8
- Steering6
- Vehicle speed control5
- Lane departure5
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
14
14
21
47
29
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 29 |
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.
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…”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.