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Vehicle Stats/KIA/K5 Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Aug 2026Methodology

KIA K5 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 477 complaints and 20 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used KIA K5 options? We analyzed 6 model years (2021–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

477
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
20
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
32
Crash-Related
crash complaints
5
Fire-Related
fire complaints
50
Injuries Reported
across all years
6
Years Analyzed
2021–2026

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Found a KIA K5? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
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Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the KIA K5 has 477 owner complaints and 20 safety recalls across model years 2021–2026. The most reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.

KIA K5 — key reliability facts
Make
KIA
Model
K5
Model years analyzed
2021–2026 (6 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
477
Safety recall campaigns
20
Crash-related complaints
32
Fire-related complaints
5
Worst model year (by complaints)
2021 (162 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2026 (11 complaints)
Top reported issue area
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Aug 25, 2026
This K5 has 20 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

KIA K5: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2021162 complaints2022123 complaints2023104 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
202611 complaints202428 complaints202549 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2021 KIA K5? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

20252025 Kia K5 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
4/5
20242024 Kia K5 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
4/5
How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The KIA K5 has 477 NHTSA complaints and 20 recalls on record. 32 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 477 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 20 federal recall campaigns
  • 32 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2021
162
2022
123
2023
104
2024
28
2025
49
2026
11

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

20 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

#23V149000AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAINJuly 3, 2023
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

#23V149000AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAINJuly 3, 2023
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

#23V149000AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAINJuly 3, 2023
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#22V760000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONNovember 10, 2022
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#22V760000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONNovember 10, 2022
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

#22V760000POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONNovember 10, 2022
Safety recall

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

#21V164000AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULENovember 3, 2021
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

#21V519000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSAugust 7, 2021
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

#21V519000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSAugust 7, 2021
Safety recall

LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

#21V447000LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

#25V794000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

#25V493000STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

#25V794000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

#25V351000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

#25V493000STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

#26V046000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Safety recall

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

#25V493000STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

#25V794000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Safety recall

LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

#21V447000LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

#25V794000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2021–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 477 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM116 complaints
02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM92 complaints
03
UNKNOWN OR OTHER88 complaints
04
ENGINE80 complaints
05
POWER TRAIN57 complaints
06
STRUCTURE43 complaints
07
FUEL SYSTEM35 complaints
08
GASOLINE35 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

477 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMAug 2026

I am reporting a violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act by Ball Kia (National City, CA). The dealer tried to deny service for recall 25V794000 (SC356) for a melted, leaking fuel tank, fabricated a false diagnostic narrative of road impact to exploit me, and tried to charge $3,000 out-of-pocket for a federally mandated free repair.My vehicle has a severe fuel leak from a compromised fuel tank. Ball Kia service refused the recall, claiming "external aesthetic factors" or "road debris impact" caused it, and pressured me to tow it away.Using my military infantry experience in mechanical damage assessment, I inspected the vehicle in the service bay. I verified there is absolutely no puncture, tear, scrape, or kinetic impact on the fuel tank assembly. The dealer pointed to a split in the fuel tank protector panel, but a professional assessment shows this is false. The plastic protector panel failed due to extreme thermal exposure; the expanding tank pressed it against the hot exhaust, causing it to melt and tear under heat/pressure, not a kinetic strike.The tank itself is structurally melted and deformed with zero signs of road impact. This physical evidence matches the exact defect mechanism in the NHTSA recall: a deteriorated check valve allows intake pressure into the fuel tank, causing it to expand, hit hot exhaust components, melt, and leak.Only after I read the exact NHTSA safety risk and remedy text verbatim did the service manager back down and open a manufacturer Tech Line.Because I had to fight a fraudulent diagnosis to get this safety mandate acknowledged, I fear internal dealership retaliation, being blacklisted, or receiving a subpar, dangerous repair. Leaving a high-risk fire defect unaddressed is a public safety hazard. Please audit Ball Kia's handling of campaign 25V794000 to ensure they are not endangering or defrauding other affected Kia K5 owners.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEAug 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair. The contact was struggling to receive updates on the status of the vehicle. The contact spoke with a service clerk and was informed that the repair was going well and that only one recall test remained. However, a supervisor later called and stated that the recall repair could not be completed. The vehicle could not be repaired. The vehicle was no longer functional due to a high risk of catching fire from fuel tank swelling caused by the recall defect. The contact stated that prior to the dealer visit, the vehicle had no issues but became inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAug 2026

Wiring harness has melted at the HVAC connection point.

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJul 2026

Recall NNK post-repair failure. Dealership: Kia of Valdosta (RO# XXX). After ECU update NNK-02-0118, my K5 suffered a severe loss of acceleration and torque. The car cannot safely merge on highways. The dealer’s own live scan data sheet proves that at 4,997 RPM under full load, the Turbo Recirculation (Dump) Valve reads "OFF". The factory tool key explicitly states (OFF = Open). The service manager is misreading the tool, claiming "OFF" means closed, and refuses to fix it. The boost gauge only rises under heavy floor acceleration, proving an uncalibrated boost leak. I have uploaded a photo of the technician's data sheet directly to the attachments and will also drop link to videos of my car in normal and sport mode. I have also opened Kia Corporate Case #XXX. I demand a corporate Regional Technical Manager review this data and authorize a Turbocharger Recirculation Valve (RCV) and Wastegate Adaptation Relearn at an alternate dealer...... 1. [XXX] 2. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES,ENGINEJul 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the fuel gauge suddenly went from one-half tank to empty. The fuel level displayed 120 miles to empty. The contact attempted to refuel the vehicle but was unable to add fuel to the tank. The contact also stated that the oil warning light and the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,185.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEATS,ENGINEJul 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there were failures with the spark plugs. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine sputtered. The contact stated that fuel spewed out of the filler neck while refueling the vehicle, and the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty after refueling. Additionally, there was an abnormal egg and sulfur odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). During the inspection, the seats were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was negotiating a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Read 14 more owner reports
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJul 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the fuel tank expanded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the fuel tank had expanded, and that the vehicle was unrepairable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer offered a buyback. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJul 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, upon further inspection the fuel level was lowering unexpectedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and diagnosed with a recall-related failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the dealer was short-staffed. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPERJul 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility, which determined that the evaporator core was leaking refrigerant and required replacement. An evaporator core is a major HVAC component that should not fail at such low mileage under normal operating conditions. This failure affects the vehicle’s ability to properly dehumidify and defrost the windshield, which can reduce visibility and create a potential safety hazard during rain, high humidity, or cold weather conditions. I have maintained the vehicle as recommended and believe this component failed prematurely. Due to the extensive labor required to replace the evaporator core, the repair cost is significant. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether there is a pattern of premature evaporator core failures in 2021 Kia K5 vehicles and whether an investigation is warranted. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Kia * Model: K5 * Mileage at Failure: 59,600 miles * Failure: Leaking evaporator core causing refrigerant loss and loss of air conditioning performance

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJul 2026

My car is losing power upon acceleration causing a loss of power upon take off upon taking off and when gears are shifting. Told by dealer it is a problem with fuel injection. Replaced several coil packs and spark plugs on my own. Dealer repair shop had my car for 4 days for the fuel talk and valve issues and did not repair anything. Losing power when I drive in traffic and on highway is a huge safety issue causing loss of power when at highway speeds. I plugged in a code reader bought by myself which is telling me it’s coil packs. We have replaced several with no luck. There is a smell of fuel and with all the other fuel system recalls and after reading other complaints on this site that sounds similar, I fear this is a safety issue with the vehicle. They checked my fuel tank and valve but didn’t replace either. I believe this is related to all the other fuel system recalls and should be repaired free of charge by dealer as a dysfunctional fuel problem as nothing we’ve done to repair with the code reader has fixed this issue. I fear a loss of power of fire caused by the mounting fuel system issues of these issues have caused the issue I’m having. Please look into this as several other complaints I’ve read online by owners are having same issue. My car only has 68,000 miles. I’m in fear of serious injury as a cause of these issues. Also concerned dealer had my car 4 days and DID. NOT repair or replace fuel tank or fuel valve, why did they have my car this long and DID NOT REPAIR the recall that the vehicle was there and the appointment was scheduled for such? I really have a fear there is an accident in my vehicle travels caused by mounting fuel issue recalls and problems. Please please look into this and help with these mounting fuel system issues before serious injury or death!

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTUREJun 2026

I Heard a loud noise in the backseat twice and noticed the back seat raise up also the check engine light came on but also the fuel was going down and up (the gauge), is currently at the kia dealership and has been reported fail recall

SERVICE BRAKESJun 2026

After coming to a stop brake pedal slowly sinks to floor. First noticed around 40,000 miles, inspected by team kia el cajon at 41,500 miles. Not dash lights associated. Brakes losing pressure is a major safety issue. Kia dealership had car over 30 days replaced brake master cylinder, booster and abs unit. Returned vehicle with same issue claimed normal operation.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJun 2026

I took my 2021 KIA K5 to the dealership in March of 2025 for an oil change. While I was there, a diagnostic test was conducted to determine if my vehicle was affected by a damaged check valve. Therefore, the car could have caught on fire while it was being driven. I was given a rental car while my vehicle was supposed to be fixed. KIA deemed my 2021 K5 to be a hazard to the road. In June of 2025, KIA offered to pay my loan balance off and give me less than $250 for the "down payment." Please note when I purchased the KIA K5 in 2021, I traded my 2018 KIA Optima. Now, in June of 2026, KIA in offering me $13,200 for my KIA K5. I have until June 29, 2026, to accept the offer. The balance on my loan will come out of that so, I will receive approximately $7000 for a car I will pay a total of $44,000 for. I never once stopped making my monthly payment and my car has been deemed a hazard for the road since March of 2025. For years, I drove a vehicle that could have potentially caused a death or injury.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJun 2026

Premature Leaking Evaporator Core – 2021 Kia K5 I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility, which determined that the evaporator core was leaking refrigerant and required replacement. An evaporator core is a major HVAC component that should not fail at such low mileage under normal operating conditions. This failure affects the vehicle’s ability to properly dehumidify and defrost the windshield, which can reduce visibility and create a potential safety hazard during rain, high humidity, or cold weather conditions. I have maintained the vehicle as recommended and believe this component failed prematurely. Due to the extensive labor required to replace the evaporator core, the repair cost is significant. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether there is a pattern of premature evaporator core failures in 2021 Kia K5 vehicles and whether an investigation is warranted. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Kia * Model: K5 * Mileage at Failure: 59,600 miles * Failure: Leaking evaporator core causing refrigerant loss and loss of air conditioning performance Thank you for your consideration.

POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINEJun 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the driver-side turn signal became inoperable. The vehicle was shifting hard and/or not shifting at all. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle shut down. The turn signal and brake lights were illuminated. The contact stated there was a recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnosis of the signal light. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The BBB was contacted who filed a claim. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 2026

Unknown

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 2026

I am writing to formally complain about the ongoing issues with my vehicle, specifically the repeated failure of the air conditioning system and the excessive number of recalls that have caused major inconvenience and lost work time. The air conditioning unit in my vehicle has failed three separate times. Each time, I was told the fan motor needed to be replaced, and the motor has now been replaced three times. After each repair, the system works temporarily before failing again. I have now been informed that the issue may actually be electrical in nature, which raises concerns that the original problem was never properly diagnosed or repaired. In addition to the air conditioning problems, my vehicle has been subject to multiple recalls requiring repeated trips for repairs. These ongoing issues have forced me to miss work several times, causing financial hardship, stress, and a loss of confidence in the reliability and safety of my vehicle. At this point, I am requesting the following: A full inspection and proper diagnosis of the electrical system related to the air conditioning failure. A permanent repair solution rather than temporary fixes. Reimbursement or compensation for repeated repair visits, missed work time, and inconvenience caused by these recurring issues. A review of my vehicle’s repair history to determine whether additional corrective action is appropriate. I have made every effort to address these issues through the proper service channels, but the recurring failures continue. I expect this matter to be taken seriously and resolved promptly. Please contact me as soon as possible regarding the next steps to resolve this issue. Sincerely,

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINEMay 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact received the recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 2026

My sunroof glass spontaneously shattered causing glass to be everywhere inside my car while I was driving. It scared me and now my car is undrivable until the glass is repaired. I see many thread online of other Kia K5 owners have experienced the same issue. My initial thought was that my tire popped so I tried to pull off to the side of the road but cars were just trying to get around me. I opened up my sunroof because it did sound like something popped and there was a big hole in my sunroof. I immediately closed it and drove home.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINEMay 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the failure cause was unidentifiable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Showing 20 of 477 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact KIA K5

These pages show model-year patterns across 6 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used KIA K5, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The KIA K5 has 477 complaints on record across 6 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The KIA K5 has 20 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 32 of the KIA K5's 477 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all KIA K5 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two KIA K5 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The KIA K5 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a KIA K5 by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used KIA K5.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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KIA K5 reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the KIA K5 reliable?

Poor. The KIA K5 has 477 NHTSA owner complaints and 20 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which KIA K5 years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2021 (162 complaints), 2022 (123 complaints), 2023 (104 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common KIA K5 problems?

Top reported issues: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (116 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (92 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (88 complaints).

Does the KIA K5 have recalls?

Yes — 20 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the KIA K5. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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