2022 Kia K5 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 30, 2026 · Filed: November 1, 2026

The vehicle experienced a complete and catastrophic loss of drive power, rendering the care entirely undriveable. This failure perfectly mirrors the exact safetyhazard detailed in NHTSA Recall 22V760 regarding a manufacturing defect in the electric oil pump of the 8 speed dual clutch transmission, which triggers a fail safe mode and cuts all propulsion. Previously, the servicing dealership, Kia of Columbia (Columbia, MO), performed a transmission control unit software flash related to this recall. The dealership then reported the recall remedy as fully completed and resolved to both KIA America and the NHTSA database, effectively cancelling the active recall status for my VIN. However, the dealership failed to perform the mandatory physical inspection or complete unit replacement required for an actively failing component. They dismissed my ongoing complaints regarding transmission driveability, flasely blaming my driving habits. Because the software update merely delayed the inevitable mechanical failure of the defective factory pump, the transmission has now completely failed, leaving my family two hours away from the dealership. Th Dealership incorrectly and falsely reported a critical federal safety recall as "repaired" to the NHTSA while leaving a defective, hazardous transmission in my wife's vehicle, that she uses to get back and forth from her cancer treatments. I am requesting a formal federal investigation into the repair reporting pracices of Kia of Columbia, demanding the Kia America re-open this case to authorize a complete replacement transmission unit under the original saftey mandate.

Incident: September 29, 2026 · Filed: September 30, 2026

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.

Incident: September 29, 2026 · Filed: September 30, 2026

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.

Incident: August 28, 2026 · Filed: September 22, 2026

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.

Incident: September 18, 2026 · Filed: September 19, 2026

The vehicle is subject to Kia Safety Recall SC356 / NHTSA Recall 25V794 involving the fuel tank/check valve. The recall concerns potential fuel-tank swelling that can cause the tank to contact hot exhaust components, potentially melt and leak fuel and create a fire hazard. The component/system involved is the fuel tank and fuel tank check valve. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety concern is that a fuel tank that swells could contact hot exhaust components, potentially resulting in a fuel leak and vehicle fire. Because the vehicle is driven by my daughter, I am concerned about her safety and the safety of other occupants. The recall condition has been identified/communicated by Kia as an applicable safety recall for this vehicle. The Kia dealership has been contacted regarding the recall, but we were told that they cannot currently repair the vehicle. I am seeking clarification from Kia regarding the specific reason the repair cannot be completed and whether the vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle has been presented/contacted with the Kia dealership regarding the recall. To my knowledge, there has been no crash, fire, or fuel leak involving this vehicle. There have been no warning lamps or warning messages reported prior to a failure. We became aware of the problem through the manufacturer’s safety recall. The vehicle has not experienced an actual failure or fire at this time.

Incident: September 8, 2026 · Filed: September 10, 2026

- 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 were unaware of, but it has not yet been determined whether the condition addressed by that recall caused or contributed to this incident. - The Killeen Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire and extinguished the fire. The incident has also been reported to my insurance company, and an insurance claim is currently pending. No inspection has yet been performed to determine the cause of the fire. The vehicle is being preserved so that it remains available for inspection by the manufacturer, insurance representatives, NHTSA, or an independent expert if necessary. -No warning lamps or warning messages prior to the incident. While driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating, then a popping noise was heard, followed by smoke, and the vehicle subsequently caught fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: September 2, 2026 · Filed: September 2, 2026

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.

Incident: March 21, 2026 · Filed: July 30, 2026

On XXX, while traveling to [XXX], I experienced serious fuel system problems after filling my vehicle. The fuel gauge fluctuated from full to empty, and a loud pop caused the rear seat, where my two children were sitting, to lift upward. The vehicle would not accept more fuel despite the empty reading. I called AAA, but before the tow arrived, the gauge returned to normal, so I continued my trip. After returning to [XXX], I checked my Kia app and discovered active Recall SC356 describing a damaged check valve that could cause fuel tank expansion, rear seat lifting, and abnormal fuel gauge behavior—the same symptoms I experienced. On XXX, I brought the vehicle to The Kia Store in Louisville, advised them of the recall and my symptoms, and requested an inspection. Service Advisor Sidney Daub stated the issue was caused by a scratched muffler, not the recall, and no recall repair was performed. Relying on that assessment, I continued driving. From XXX, while traveling to [XXX], the same problems returned. Smoke came from the fuel tank area, fuel sprayed onto me when I opened the fuel door, and the vehicle became disabled and required towing home. I then took it to Kia Store East on June 10. There, [XXX] advised the failure was related to Recall SC356, and Haley informed me Kia Consumer Affairs would contact me. After weeks of communications, Kia advised on XXX that the vehicle was unrepairable and requested ownership documents. On XXX, Kia offered only to satisfy my loan balance through a buyback. I believe the dealership's failure to properly diagnose & repair the recall condition in April directly contributed to the later failure, safety hazards, towing expenses, and loss of my vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia's handling of Recall SC356 and the dealership's actions, & encourage Kia to consider a replacement vehicle, collateral swap, or another equitable resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: July 23, 2026 · Filed: July 27, 2026

As I was driving down the road, I began to hear a loud, forceful noise. I assumed it was something in my trunk rolling against the rear seats. The noise kept getting louder, and I pulled over, very frightened, as several warning lights came on, including the low fuel light and check engine light, and the fuel gauge needle was past “E.” Before the incident, the GPM reading was 400. After a while, I made it home, but the car started making loud noises and then died. That’s when I noticed my back seats were lifted. I called Kia customer service and had the car towed to the Kia dealership on Seigan Lane, where it is now. Something needs to be done about this.

Incident: July 27, 2026 · Filed: July 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 50-65 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and came to a sudden stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was an issue with the water pressure cooling system. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that there was no warranty coverage for the repair on the vehicle. The contact called the warranty company and informed the contact that the warranty mileage was 100,000. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the dealers were independently owned. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.