Kia K5 problems
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.
First generation (MS; 2000)
From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
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Common Kia K5 problems
Common Problems with the Kia K5
The Kia K5 has been praised for its stylish design, powerful engines, and advanced technology. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its issues. Here are some of the most common problems reported by Kia K5 owners:
- Warning lights on the instrument panel: Several Kia K5 owners have reported seeing warning lights on their instrument panel, including the check engine light and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light. These warning lights can indicate a variety of issues, from minor problems to more serious concerns.
- Faulty sensors affecting tire pressure: Some Kia K5 owners have reported issues with their TPMS sensors, which can affect the accuracy of their tire pressure readings. This can be a safety concern, as incorrect tire pressure can affect handling and fuel efficiency.
- Engine problems: Some Kia K5 owners have reported engine problems, including issues with starter motors and engine failure. These issues can be costly to repair and may affect the vehicle's overall reliability.
- Electrical issues: Some Kia K5 owners have reported electrical issues, including problems with the vehicle's battery and alternator. These issues can affect the vehicle's ability to start and may require costly repairs.
- Sulphur smell in cabin: Some Kia K5 owners have reported a sulphur smell in their cabin, which can be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with the vehicle's fuel system or exhaust. This can be a safety concern and may require professional diagnosis and repair.
It is important to note that these issues may not affect all Kia K5 vehicles, and some may be more prone to certain problems than others. Additionally, some issues may be covered under warranty or may be eligible for repair or replacement under recall campaigns. It is always a good idea to consult with a qualified mechanic or Kia dealership if you experience any issues with your vehicle.
Are there any problems with the Kia K5?
Over to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2021 K5 has received 43 complaints, with the top trouble spots being the electrical system, engine, airbags, and forward collision avoidance.
Are Kias K5 reliable?
Quality and Reliability 85.0/100
The 2024 Kia K5 has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How many miles will a Kia K5 last?
between 200,000 to 250,000 miles
How many miles will K5 last? With the proper care from Kia-trained technicians the K5 can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
Has the Kia K5 been recalled?
Kia has issued a recall for about 189,000 K5 sedans from model years 2021-2023 because their side curtain airbags may not deploy correctly in an accident.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia K5 years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia K5 cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Kia K5 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia K5 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia K5 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia K5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia K5 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia K5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by K5 model years
A total of 22 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by K5 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by K5 model years
There were a total of 26 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by K5 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 169 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia K5 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia K5 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia K5 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 5XXG64J20PG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I submitted a previous report NHTSA ID: 11488746 and have not heard anything. I continue to have this problem and am afraid it could cause a severe accident. When I come to a stop with the "Auto Hold" engaged the acceleration increases to 4 rpms or a little higher so I hold the brake down hard with my foot in fear that the Auto Hold will not work. I proceed to shift it in Park then as i take my foot off the brake the acceleration returns to normal. This is very alarming and has occurred to me at least 20 times since I've had the car. I have had the car in the dealership but they do not see anything wrong with it and does not register any Error codes. The car has less than 10k miles on it.
Kia K5 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5XXG14J24MG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AC System faulty . Cannot defog windows. Fusebox connection is malfunctioning Changed blower motor, resistor, fuse, relay. Many vehicles are having the same issue. It needs to be recalled.
Kia K5 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5XXG64J23MG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Issue with electrical wiring for HVAC. Air conditioner and heater goes out with no power. You have to pop the hood and press on the fuse box to get it to come back on.
Kia K5 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-29
- VIN: 5XXG14J2XMG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: While driving on my way home from work my , brakes became extremely hard to press down on and then my service engine light came on this all occurred on 7/31/2024. So the very next day I took my vehicle to a Kia dealership which was 8/1/ 2024 to find out what was causing this to happen. The technician stated that they would have to put it on a machine and run a diagnostic on it. I asked the technician while they were doing that to change the oil. I also realized that the oil light for my vehicle has NEVER came on since I purchased the car. So the technician did the diagnostic and stated that my vacuum pump had went out but he couldn’t tell me why or how this had happened. I then took the vehicle to my parents house and left it there in the garage for a few weeks to have second opinion done. I then took it to another Kia dealership and they stated there was no vacuum to the brake booster and said there was a broken camshaft and metal pieces were in the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. Again I asked what caused all of this and no one could give me an answer. I had only had the car a 1 1/2 years and don’t understand what caused all of this and I now have a car that I can no longer drive.
Kia K5 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-22
- VIN: 5XXG64J29MG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Have had issues with a/c since I bought the car. Has been inspected 3 times, apparently it was just the actuator doors not working. But not I have no a/c, and my dealer refused to fix it. On reddit there's a thread going around saying fuses are melting and that it's causing everyone's a/c to not work. My fuses for this particular spot are burnt looking. This is a safety issue in regards to living in Arizona, the heat is deadly. I will be trading my car in if this isn't recalled.
Kia K5 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5XXG64J24NG
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line was involved in a hit and run accident while my vehicle was unattended and legally parked on the street. The repairs for this vehicle were $11,500+ The entirety of the left side of the car was mauled. Very key integral parts were involved and I have had alignment issues, A/C and heating issues, electrical problems including safety features (lane change, etc) and heavy suspension damage. It took almost 5 months to fix everything on my car insurance company/shop; mostly using aftermarket parts to save money. Loved the “State of condition must be repaired to a pre-accident condition” yet the insurance gets away with using after market parts! As of, 08/29/2024, my vehicle is currently at the Kia dealership for o2 sensor recall, as well as my melted blower motor, melted a/c wiring harness kit, foul stench coming from A/C vents when recirculating switched into fresh air mode. The smell is foul and causing upper respiratory issues for me. The seat has become toxic smelling from mildew/rust. I’ve been trying to address all of the above issues. The shop believes once they fix the A/C blower motor/wiring harness they can try to diagnose the fumes coming from the vents. Most of the repairs are on back order and without a date (2weeks-2months+) I am without a vehicle for my job and my insurance doesn’t cover rental reimbursement.
Kia K5 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-11
- VIN: 5XXG14J26PG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: One day I was driving and my car began to shake really bad. It doesn’t transition smoothly when switching gears in transmission. Sometimes it doesn’t accelerate and I’d have to floor the gas to get it going. Rough acceleration. Car would even shake in idle sometimes. It has been doing this ever since. One day it’ll shake, the next day it might not. It doesn’t matter if I drive slower or faster, the car still shakes, has rough to no acceleration, and shifts gears roughly. Engine light is on and is reading misfire of cylinder 3.
Kia K5 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 5XXG64J29PG
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Ive a 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD with 73000 mileage. I was having a trip from New Jersey to Massachusetts for a wedding. I had 208 miles to go and 223 miles range. Than suddenly it went down to 93 miles. I stop by a gas station. I could not pump gas. It was kicking the nozzle. I atop by another gas station miles later. I couldnt pump gas either. It kickes the nozzle and my gas tank looks full. Than i start the car and check engine light and P045100 code came on. Than i checked the closest KIA but it was Saturday. They couldn’t service i was at Rhode Island. I called one of the KIA and they said as long as CEL is on i can drive. If its keep flashing i shouldnt drive. I said it smells gasoline and i cant fill up my tank and i asked if they have a suggestion and they said idk and closed the phone. Than i heard a clicking noise and it smelled a lot more gasoline. I saw that my rear seats popped up. I saw that one of the gas tank or whatever it is was up and my tank was expanding. I had to leave my car to another dealer nearby airport at Rhode Island. They will check my car at Monday. I rent a car from airport enterprise. I guess ill need to wait and see. I knew that there is a recall. But i went for an oil change at 60000 mileage and my local dealer told me that there was a recall and they checked and thats why it took long and im good to go. So they checked the recall and it was fine and now its not fine. I had the recall done but it still happened. My car stayed at dealer from 10 days. They couldnt fix it and someone from Kia Tech came to check, while they are checking the gas tank had a mini explosion as they said. Kia is going to buy my car back and they confirm that i can either get a replacement or buyback. They confirmed that there is no permanent fix for it. They do not know how to fix it.
Kia K5 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-03
- VIN: 5XXG44J81PG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Why is Kia Dealership are allowed to sale cars that have recalls. Knowing that they have recalls and are allowed to sale. why not fix the issues and then sale. Safety Concerns driving and have to kids in the back car 65mph and car shut down breaks don't work or accelerator used the emergency breaks had shut down the car. Took it to the dealership I been calling them status on my car with no information provided. Imaging being behind 18 wheeler my accelerator don't work. Parts for recalls are out stock so why keep cars in the dealership knowing they don't have parts to fix the issues.
Kia K5 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-02
- VIN: 5XXG64J25MG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Air conditioning was fine then would suddenly cycle levels by itself. One day the air stopped blower. Tested the resister, it was bad. Replaced it and less than one week later the air stopped again. Resister and blower motor test fine. Fuses and relay are fine. No ac/hest causing driving concerns with window fog.
Kia K5 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-28
- VIN: 5XXG14J2XNG
- Components: SEATS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: A couple of days before taking my vehicle to get serviced, I started noticing some concerning factors about an issue going on with the vehicles fuel system. When putting fuel in my car, the gas odometer wouldn't match with what the car was marking the gas miles to be. It would fluctuate throughout the day, in the morning it would mark 174 miles of fuel and in the afternoon it would somehow say I had 215 miles of fuel when I never added more fuel to my call. Also when I opened the gas tank I saw white smoke come out from the tank. My back seat also popped out of the clips that kept it in place. It was very apparent while doing research online of the issues I was going through, that other have similar issues, all leading to the fuel tank expanding. The service center at my local Kia claimed their not 1 but 2 recalls on the vehicles and unfortunately the sensor in the fuel tank needed an update, but because my gas tank expanded while they checked it out, they said they couldn't simply update the sensor as my whole fuel system had to be redone. I have tried to reach out to Kia since I do not have a vehicle to commute to work and it is essential I get the issue resolved with my car. I don't know how long this process will take either since no one provides clear time frames or how the process will go. I am pretty much out of a car for over 6 days and still don't know if it can be repaired or what can be done with my vehicle in the condition it is in.
Kia K5 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 5XXG64J29PG
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Ive a 2023 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD with 73000 mileage. I was having a trip from New Jersey to Massachusetts for a wedding. I had 208 miles to go and 223 miles range. Than suddenly it went down to 93 miles. I stop by a gas station. I could not pump gas. It was kicking the nozzle. I stop by another gas station miles later. I couldnt pump gas either. It kickes the nozzle and my gas tank looks full. Than i start the car and check engine light and P045100 code came on. Than i checked the closest KIA but it was Saturday. They couldn’t service i was at Rhode Island. I callled one of the KIA and they said as long as CEL is on i can drive. If its keep flashing i shouldnt drive. I said it smells gasoline and i cant fill up my tank and i asked if they have a suggestion and they said idk and closed the phone. Than i heard a clicking noise and it smelled a lot more gasoline. I saw that my rear seats popped up. I saw that one of the gas tank or whatever it is was up and my tank was expanding. I had to leave my car to another dealer nearby airport at Rhode Island. They will check my car at Monday. I rent a car from airport enterprise. I guess ill need to wait and see. I know that there is a recall. But i sent for an oil change at 60000 mileage and my local dealer told me that there was a recall and they checked and thats why it took long and im good to go. So they checked the recall and it was fine and now its not fine. My gasoline tank expanded. My car is located at Bold Hill Kia in Warwick, Rhode Island. I was scared to drive but i had no other choice and the serviceman in one of the dealer told me to drive so i drive to another KIA.My vehicle was inspected for the SC288 Recall [XXX] ) There was a check engine light with the obd code of p045100. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia K5 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-25
- VIN: 5XXG64J26NG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: Fuse melted into the fuse box causing electrical problems which caused blower motor issues which leads to no ac
Kia K5 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 5XXG64J28RG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Exterior trim of car is coming off and warping.
Kia K5 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: 5XXG64J20PG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Transmission is itself in neutral while driving. Resulting in irratic RPMs, hesitating acceleration and rough transition to gears. Took care into dealership service department. They seemed that I would need a transmission replacement. Kia approved the request. Still waiting on transmission to be put in.
Latest 5 recalls Kia K5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the Kia K5.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia K5 2021
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-07
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia K5 2022
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-07
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia K5 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-07
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Model: Kia K5 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-11
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
- Model: Kia K5 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-11
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Latest negative Kia K5 car reviews
Latest positive Kia K5 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2023
Great look with all the bells and whistles for a decent price!
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Vehicle year: 2023
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to say that I completely agree with you about the 2014 Honda Accord EX-L V6. It was a great car, but the features that come with the EX package are truly outstanding. In fact, it's easily my favorite car that I've had in years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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Vehicle year: 2021
It's great to hear that you find the car fun to drive and comfortable. It's also a beautiful car to look at!
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Vehicle year: 2023
This car is definitely both sporty and luxurious, and I absolutely love it.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I hope you're enjoying your car! :)
Are you having problems with your Kia K5?
Cortez Ullrich 2024-10-15
Vehicle year: 2022
I recently purchased a 2022 Kia K5, but unfortunately, it did not come with a garage door opener or a CD player, which we were initially told it had. While we acknowledge that some of this may be due to our own lack of knowledge, we feel that these details should have been brought to our attention. Admittedly, we have found the car to be quite complicated to operate, which has made driving it a bit of a challenge. However, we remain hopeful that with time and practice, we will become more comfortable with it. Thank you for your understanding.
Darren Murray 2024-10-11
Vehicle year: 2021
Although the wolf grey with red syntax leather interior looked great, I encountered several issues with the car. The interior had an unpleasant smell that persisted even after a few weeks. Additionally, the premium package did not include heated seats or a heated steering wheel, which was surprising. The display in the car also malfunctioned frequently, which was frustrating. Despite my initial excitement, I decided to trade in the car after only 3 months of ownership. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this vehicle.
Gregorio Stark 2024-09-22
Vehicle year: 2023
I have a 2023 Kia K5 GT Line and the city average is 17-18-19, which is quite low. It's not worth it at all!
Grayson Franecki 2024-07-27
Vehicle year: 2021
I had a power loss issue with my K5, and unfortunately, the dealership couldn't find anything wrong with it. Several months later, Kia released a recall for the same issue. However, when I took my car to the dealership for service and the recall, they told me that my car wasn't under any recalls. I was disappointed and concerned for my safety and my children's safety. I hope Kia can address this issue soon.
Cody Runolfsdottir 2024-07-14
Vehicle year: 2021
The car is aesthetically pleasing both inside and out. During the first oil change at 2,850 miles, the shop informed me of a transmission fluid issue which I will address with confidence.