Last updated: 2026-04-20

2023 KIA K5 Reliability Report
The 2023 KIA K5 scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 81 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
81
Complaint Rate
13.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,950–$2,200
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15)
- POWER TRAIN (11)
- FUEL SYSTEM (10)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (DL3; 2019).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 5th generation K5 (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2021: Fifth generation (DL3; 2019) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (DL3; 2019).
2025: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2023 KIA K5?
At 71/100, the 2023 KIA K5 lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (DL3; 2019).
Owners log 81 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to fuel propulsion system (15). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2024 KIA K5, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2022 KIA K5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues reported (15 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN: Unexpected power loss and transmission problems (11 complaints)
Compare 2023 KIA K5 With

2023 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 62/100

2023 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 79/100

2023 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 84/100

2023 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability: 81/100

2023 Honda Accord
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15)
- POWER TRAIN (11)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2023 KIA K5. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 14.6
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
0
Fires
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 KIA K5 Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2023 KIA K5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
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.
STRUCTURE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
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.
AIR BAGS
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.
Buying a used 2023 KIA K5? Check its history first
Every 2023 KIA K5 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 KIA K5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.7%
Safety Technologies
KIA K5Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
27–31 MPG
Fuel cost: $1,950–$2,200/yr
Fuel only
24–27 city / 32–37 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K5 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 |
| K5 AWD 1.6L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,150 |
| K5 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S8) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 KIA K5.
Inspect fuel tank for expansion and check for any fuel leaks
Test brakes for responsiveness and check for unusual wear on pads and rotors
Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially related to engine and power train
Test drive to ensure no unexpected power loss or acceleration issues
Inspect sunroof and trim for any signs of detachment or damage
Verify completion of all recall repairs with the dealer
2023 KIA K5 Common Problems by Component
81 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
15 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Kia K5 frequently report issues with the fuel tank expanding, leading to various safety and operational problems. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as loud popping noises, back seats being pushed upward, and difficulty refueling due to the fuel tank not accepting gas. These issues often result in loss of power, check engine lights, and in some cases, structural damage to the vehicle's subframe. Reports suggest this occurs across a range of mileages, with some vehicles experiencing these problems as early as 200 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one injury reported and potential risks of explosion or fire due to the expanded fuel tank. Buyers considering a used Kia K5 should be aware of these reported issues, particularly concerning unresolved recalls and the vehicle's safety status.
POWER TRAIN
11 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Kia K5 frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving unexpected power loss and transmission problems. Common symptoms include sudden loss of acceleration, the vehicle entering limp-home mode, and erratic RPMs, often accompanied by illuminated warning lights. These issues are reported to occur at various mileage points, with some owners noting occurrences as early as 5,000 miles and others around 34,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as several complaints describe loss of control at highway speeds and near-miss incidents. Buyers should be aware that these problems persist even after service visits, with some vehicles not included in existing recalls despite exhibiting similar issues.
FUEL SYSTEM
10 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the fuel system in the 2023 Kia K5, with multiple complaints highlighting fuel tank expansion and associated problems. Symptoms frequently include loud popping or booming sounds, gasoline odors inside and outside the vehicle, and unexpected fuel leaks. Some owners note that these issues occur at varying mileages, with instances reported as low as 17,857 miles and as high as 270,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with one report of a minor injury due to hot fuel fumes and another describing loss of motive power while driving. These patterns suggest that potential buyers should be cautious of fuel system issues that may affect vehicle safety and operability.
STRUCTURE (9 complaints)
STRUCTURE
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several structural issues with the 2023 Kia K5, with frequent mentions of rear trim pieces, including chrome covers around the rear windshield, detaching or coming loose, potentially posing road hazards. Complaints often describe trim pieces flying off at highway speeds, and some owners note similar problems with the front bumper clips detaching. Additionally, there are reports of the sunroof glass spontaneously exploding, which could lead to glass scattering on the road or into the cabin. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with one owner noting the problem around 13,500 miles. Safety implications include the risk of these detached components causing accidents or injuries, as indicated by one crash-related complaint.
ENGINE (5 complaints)
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Kia K5 frequently report severe engine issues, including complete engine shutdowns and explosions. Multiple complaints describe sudden loss of power, with one owner noting the engine sputters and fails to accelerate even after spark plug replacement. Some vehicles experience engine implosions shortly after purchase, with one case occurring at approximately 74 miles. Another owner reports a catastrophic fuel tank explosion that rendered the vehicle unrepairable, posing significant safety risks. These issues often occur within the first few months of ownership, and symptoms include illuminated check engine lights, strange noises, and burning smells, leading to safety hazards such as loss of control and potential collisions.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the airbag system in the 2023 Kia K5, particularly related to deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention airbags failing to deploy in significant collisions, with one owner involved in a head-on collision noting that the airbags did not activate despite substantial damage. Another owner describes a side impact where the side airbag did not deploy, resulting in $18,000 in damages. In a separate incident, an owner reports the front airbag deploying and causing injuries, including chemical burns and a concussion. These complaints involve crashes with injuries, highlighting potential safety implications for buyers considering this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Kia K5 report issues with the service brakes, particularly at low mileage. Complaints frequently mention premature brake wear, with one owner needing to replace front brake pads and rotors at only 8,300 miles. Another owner describes a brake pedal locking issue during a tire blowout at approximately 8,500 miles, leading to a temporary loss of braking ability. There is also a report of a crash at around 27,000 miles where the brake pedal went soft, resulting in a collision and minor injury. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including loss of braking control and increased maintenance costs, especially at low mileage.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Kia K5 report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, with symptoms including multiple warning lights activating and a loss of functionality in safety features such as power steering, cruise control, and lane departure alerts. One complaint involves a crash, where the vehicle unexpectedly shifted gears and accelerated while in a car wash, leading to a minor collision without any warning sounds or automatic braking. These issues are reported to occur consistently upon vehicle startup, though specific mileage details are not provided. The safety implications include a loss of critical safety systems and an incident of unintended acceleration, which may be of concern to potential buyers.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Kia K5 report issues with unexpected acceleration when the "Auto Hold" feature is engaged. Complaints frequently mention that when coming to a stop, the engine revs up to around 4 RPMs or higher, requiring drivers to apply the brake forcefully. This issue has been reported in vehicles with mileage ranging from 800 to under 10,000 miles. In some cases, shifting to Park or Neutral temporarily resolves the problem, but concerns about potential accidents are noted if the issue occurs at high speeds. Buyers should be aware of these reports of unintended acceleration, as they pose a potential safety risk.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Kia K5 report issues related to the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving unexpected loss of power. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle shutting down while driving at highway speeds, with the accelerator failing to respond and brake systems becoming non-functional, creating potential safety risks. Additionally, warning lights, including the check engine light, illuminate along with messages indicating engine control system issues, often leading to an inability to accelerate properly. These problems are reported to occur around 13,000 miles, with some owners noting that despite repairs, the issues persist intermittently, affecting the vehicle's drivability and safety.
When Do 2023 KIA K5 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst KIA K5 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best KIA K5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best KIA K5 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (77/100) and 2023 (71/100).
2025
2024
2023
(Current Model)
KIA K5 Years to Avoid
No KIA K5 years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The KIA K5 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
KIA K5 Reliability Score Trend
KIA K5 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 76/100 compared to 70/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 79/100 | Good |
KIA K5 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 KIA K5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 KIA K5?
How many recalls does the 2023 KIA K5 have?
Is the 2023 KIA K5 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 KIA K5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the KIA K5.
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