2023 KIA K5 Problems: Fuel system (103 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2023 KIA K5 is Fuel system (38% of 103 owner reports). There are 4 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Fuel system — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 103 complaints · 4 recalls

What problems show up on the 2023 KIA K5?

39 of 103 filings named Fuel system (38% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Transmission / driveline (10 reports).

There are 4 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Transmission / driveline, Airbags, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2022 has 124 reports on file; this year has 103. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2023 KIA K5

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 4 campaigns on file below.
  2. Fuel system. Check for fuel smell, leaks and whether it starts and idles cleanly.
  3. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  4. Body / frame. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Fuel system. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Fuel system 39 complaints · 37.9% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 6
  • Fires 0
  • Injuries 17
  • Deaths 0
All KIA K5 years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) appears in 39 of 103 owner complaints (37.9%) in this vehicle snapshot. Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 39 complaints, 37.9% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 39 · 37.9% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 10 complaints, 9.7% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 10 · 9.7% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 10 complaints, 9.7% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 1 crash reports 10 · 9.7% Engine (ENGINE): 7 complaints, 6.8% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 7 · 6.8% Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE): 5 complaints, 4.8% of reports Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) 2 crash reports 5 · 4.8% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 4 complaints, 3.9% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 4 · 3.9% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 2 complaints, 1.9% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 2 crash reports 2 · 1.9% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 2 complaints, 1.9% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 2 · 1.9% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 1 complaints, 1.0% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 · 1.0% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 47 complaints, 45.6% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 3 crash reports 47 · 45.6% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 39 37.9% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 10 9.7% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 10 9.7% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 7 6.8% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) 5 4.8% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 4 3.9% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 2 1.9% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 2 1.9% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 1.0% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 47 45.6% 3 crashes · 0 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Oct 2022; the first recall shown was reported in Oct 2022. 2022-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2023-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2023-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2023-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2024-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2024-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2024-Q3: 9 owner reports 9 2024-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2025-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2025-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2025-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2025-Q4: 10 owner reports 10 2026-Q1: 12 owner reports 12 2026-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2026-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 Owner reports Sep 2022 Jul 2026 Recall campaign 22V760000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V760000 Recall campaign 23V149000 ◆ Recall campaign 23V149000 Recall campaign 25V493000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V493000 Recall campaign 25V794000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V794000 Investigation DP22003 ● Investigation DP22003
  • Campaign 25V493000 was reported 490 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2022-Q4 Owner reports 3
2023-Q1 Owner reports 2
2023-Q2 Owner reports 5
2023-Q3 Owner reports 4
2023-Q4 Owner reports 2
2024-Q1 Owner reports 4
2024-Q2 Owner reports 2
2024-Q3 Owner reports 9
2024-Q4 Owner reports 3
2025-Q1 Owner reports 8
2025-Q2 Owner reports 6
2025-Q3 Owner reports 14
2025-Q4 Owner reports 10
2026-Q1 Owner reports 12
2026-Q2 Owner reports 9
2026-Q3 Owner reports 10
Recall campaign 1 22V760000
Recall campaign 1 23V149000
Recall campaign 1 25V493000
Recall campaign 1 25V794000
Defect investigation 1 DP22003
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (4)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Transmission / driveline, Airbags, and Body / frame.

  1. Recall campaign 22V760000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 23V149000

    Airbags

    Report date
    Component:
    Airbags (AIR BAGS)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 25V493000

    Body / frame

    Report date
    Component:
    Body / frame (STRUCTURE)
    Consequence:
    Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 25V794000

    Safety recall 25V794000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 6 of 103 complaints · page 1 of 5
2026-08-31Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11760941
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact’s son owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was repaired. A day or two after the recall repair was completed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank could expand and explode. The contact was informed that the fuel tank and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after driving 10 miles after the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, and similar fault codes were retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired after the latest failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2026-08-31Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11760869
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed and the contact was provided a receipt. However, the contact later received several email recall notifications and verified that the VIN remained included in the recall three months after the repair. The dealer was contacted several times and eventually informed the contact that the recall repair had not been completed. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
2026-08-06Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11755373
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The infotainment system in my Kia K5 has failed completely. The screen went black, causing the radio, infotainment features, and backup camera display to stop functioning. At times, the system will attempt to reboot on its own, but it does not return to normal operation and continues to malfunction. I have attempted to reset the system multiple times using the available reset methods, but none have resolved the issue. I took the vehicle to my local Kia dealership, where I was informed that the radio/infotainment unit itself is defective and needs to be replaced. The loss of the backup camera display is particularly concerning because it affects visibility and safety while reversing. I have also found numerous reports of similar infotainment and radio failures involving Kia vehicles, which makes me concerned that this may be a widespread defect rather than an isolated failure. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated as a potential vehicle defect.
2026-07-31Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11754095
CrashFireInjuryDeath
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel pump, fuel tank and valve check. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? SEE PHOTO. on turnpike 95. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Confirmed by the dealer yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Bev smith KIA sent my info to KIA America when they saw it. SEE PHOTO. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? It blew up on me.
2026-07-30Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11753777
CrashFireInjuryDeath
car taken to Hutchenson Kia of Macon for Kia recall Campaign SC356. I heard loud pop a few days before appointment. The dealership stated the gas tank failed structural inspection and has already expanded. This put me and my children in danger. The dealership kept my vehicle and will not give me me a loaner. They left me stranded without a way to get home or pick up my kids from daycare. the 1800 # said my car isnt under warranty so they arent obligated. If they keep my car an say its a safety hazard they should be obligated. im told i have to wait 3-5 business day to get a case manager to see how they can assist me,
2026-07-30Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11753686
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The vehicle is grounded at the dealership due to NHTSA Campaign 25V794 (Kia Recall SC356). The vehicle's fuel tank has critically expanded and swollen, causing permanent structural and chassis deformation inside the vehicle. The dealership service department has documented this structural damage, confirmed the vehicle is entirely unsafe to operate due to an immediate fuel system fire hazard, and stated the vehicle is likely unrepairable. The manufacturer is currently holding the hazardous vehicle but is failing to provide immediate alternative transportation, leaving the consumer stranded and creating severe financial hardship. I do not have the financial means to pay rental car fees up front for an extended and undetermined amount of time while waiting for Kia to decide the next step. All of the issues with the vehicle are directly related to the manufacturer defect. My safety was at risk while operating the vehicle due to a severe fire risk.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2023 KIA K5?

Owners named Fuel system most often — 39 of 103 reports (38%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2023 KIA K5?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Transmission / driveline, Airbags, and Body / frame. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2023 KIA K5?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Check for fuel smell, leaks and whether it starts and idles cleanly. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources