2022 Kia K5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2022 Kia K5 carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and steering assist. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank expansion and rear seat lifting.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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

Campaign #21V519000 · Aug 7, 2021

Issue: Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.

LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

Campaign #21V447000 · Jun 14, 2021

Issue: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults. If a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve with Lane Following Assist (LFA) engaged, the steering assist level may not adjust properly, causing a sudden increase in the steering effort required.

Risk: A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #22V760000 · Nov 10, 2022

Issue: 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.

Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Campaign #23V149000 · Jul 3, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #25V794000 · Nov 17, 2025

Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2022 Kia K5.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank expansion and rear seat lifting

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

28 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2026-07

The contact stated that while driving at 43 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud booming sound. The contact's daughter, who was occupying a rear seat, screamed out because the rear seats had suddenly risen. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682972
While driving home recently with my young stepson securely seated in his car seat and my fiancé in the passenger seat, we suddenly heard a terrifying loud bang. Immediately following the explosion, my stepson cried out in pain. At the time, the windows were up and the air…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667044
My 2022 Kia K5 EX has a serious fuel-system safety defect involving fuel tank expansion, which caused rear seat pan deformation and rear seat strap deformation. Kia America’s engineering review confirmed this in their findings. The fuel tank expansion caused the rear seat to…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700548

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HVAC fuse box overheating and melting

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2025-08

My problem started with what I thought was a AC problem. My car was still in warranty. (Under 60,000 miles). They change the blower motor. After it was fixed the next day my AC went out again. I have taken my car in 4 times about the same problem. Just for them to tell me it’s a…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608130
Kia dealership has confirmed that the components of the vehicle's multi-fuse (located under the hood) for the AC/HVAC system have started to burn and are melting part of the fuse panel due to excessive current draw and excessive heat. Due to this, the vehicle's HVAC (both heat…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683515
The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the A/C unit occasionally shut off, and failed to return to normal operation several minutes later. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11604476

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ADAS warning lights with engine limp mode

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2026-01

These warnings light up at the same time the dash for Electronic stability system, electronic parking brake, forward collision system, Auto hold and engine light, saying "check forward collision system, check blind spot detection, check smart cruise control system", and the…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647878
My 2022 Kia k5 has gone into limp mode multiple times now while I am driving in addition to when it starts up. Check engine light, AUTOHOLD, EPB, traction control, etc. all aluminate on my dashboard. Car drives very rough and doesn’t want to accelerate or shift. Huge safety…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711976
On August 23rd my car slowed down while on the highway and completely came to a stop and wouldn’t drive while pressing the gas. At this time the forward safety system, EPB, Auto Hold, caution and traction control lights were on. I had to get the car towed to the dealership
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548114

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Power steering stiffness and loss of control

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2024-12

The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at 65 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ravine. No warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained arm injuries due to the air bag deployment
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11606739
2022 Kia K5 GT Line steering wheel is getting stuck when driving over 20mph. It is hard to keep the wheel in a straight line when driving. The steering wheel becomes sticky and will veer to another lane. You have to apply pressure to bring the car back to center which is a…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630725
Power Steering Motor Failed in under 50,000 miles - Failure of steering motor can make it hard to steer, steering wheel slightly shakes too - Turning the wheel you hear a high pitched rattling / squeak noise - Inspected and reproduced by Dealership / Manufacturer and…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648431

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Air bag non-deployment in crashes

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2024-11

While driving at 40 mph a vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and pulled out into my lane causing me to struck the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The airbags deployed in the truck that failed to stop but the airbags in my car failed to deploy resulting in several…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498765
The contact stated that while his wife was driving stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle traveling at approximately 30 MPH collided with the driver's side door. The air bags did not deployed, resulting in the contacts wife wife sustaining injuries he attributed to the failure
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626499
I had a single vehicle collision and ran into a ditch, none of my airbags deployed and I had a sternal fracture from hitting my chest so hard on the steering wheel. My vehicle was totaled as well
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512391

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Brake rotor warping at low mileage

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03 → 2025-03

Brake Rotors from factory warp very early, noticable in under 30k miles. Warped rotors makes braking harsh, makes the brakes not work as well ans steering wheel jolt when braking making it dangerous. Was diagnosed by myself and other K5 drivers who took their cars to…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648432
The back rotors (part #:58411L0000) needed to be replaced due to warping which caused the vehicle to rapidly shake at high speeds and when slowing down. I tried contacting the dealership in regards to getting my old rotors or a manufacturer name and number and they were unable…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11527140

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Headlight low-beam triangular dark zone

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2022-05

The contact stated that while operating the vehicle at night with the headlights on, the low-beam headlights projected a dark triangular non-illuminated section inside the light field causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441503
The car has LED projector headlights. On the drivers side headlight it casts a "V" shaped void onto the opposite side of the road, presumably to prevent the bright light from hitting oncoming drivers. However, when going around a left curve this void is directly in front of the…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11434740

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

20 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2022 Kia K5 reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.