Last updated: 2026-10-10

2024 Kia K5
RELIABILITY SCORE: 77/100 (GOOD)

2024 Kia K5 Reliability Report

The 2024 KIA K5 has good reliability, but owners report sudden power loss while driving and exterior trim that comes loose despite a federal recall.

Recalls

2

Complaints

20

Complaint Rate

4.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

N/A

Annual Fuel Cost

$1,950–$2,200

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity71/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Middle of the pack among K5 years, with good reliability and a 5-star crash rating, but complaints of sudden power loss and loose exterior trim.

Top Issues to Watch

  • STRUCTURE (5)
  • ENGINE (4)
  • POWER TRAIN (3)

Should You Buy the 2024 Kia K5?

Good reliability makes this a sound used pick. Among 2024 sedans it rates above average, and within the K5's scored model years it sits in the middle of six. Owners filed 20 complaints, about 4.3 per 10,000 sold. The 2023 rates worse, with 81 complaints and 4 recalls. The 2025 rates about the same, with 29 complaints and 2 recalls.

The serious reports involve power. Several owners describe a sudden loss of power while driving, including at highway speeds as high as 80 mph, sometimes with the failure returning after a restart. Others say the car stalled or stopped hard in traffic at 15-20 MPH and needed a tow. One owner found metal flakes on the dipstick at 2500 miles. Dealers often could not diagnose these faults. Loose exterior trim, mostly around the rear window, is the most common complaint, and some dealers have left the federal recall repair undone. Two owners were still waiting on parts for the fuel system recall.

Ask the seller for proof that both recalls were completed, the structure recall and the fuel system recall. Ask for service records covering any power loss or stalling. A 2025 is a reasonable alternative.

Compared to the 2025 Kia K5, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2023 Kia K5 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Low recall count
  • +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

  • −STRUCTURE: Exterior trim comes loose, warps, or falls off (5 complaints)
  • −ENGINE: Sudden loss of power while driving is the main pattern, including at highway... (4 complaints)

Compare 2024 Kia K5 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • STRUCTURE (5)
  • ENGINE (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2024 Kia K5 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

4.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 5.4

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

1

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2024 Kia K5 Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Kia K5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V7940002025-11-17

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.

25V4930002025-07-28

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2024 Kia K5? Check its history first

Structure problems lead owner complaints about the 2024 Kia K5, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2024 Kia K5 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 10.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard/Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Kia K5Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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 2024 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
K5 1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)273731$1,950
K5 AWD 1.6L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)253328$2,150
K5 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S8)243227$2,200

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2024 Kia K5.

  • Run the VIN for open recalls and confirm the fuel system and rear trim recall repairs were completed.

  • Inspect rear window chrome, C-pillar garnish, and trunk lid trim for lifting, warping, or missing pieces.

  • Pull the dipstick and look for metal flakes or glittery oil; ask for oil change records.

  • Listen at cold start and when fully warm for knocking or a low-oil rattle from the engine.

  • Drive at highway speed for 30 minutes and watch for power loss, warning lights, or engine management messages.

  • In stop-and-go traffic, watch for unwanted revving, stalling at stops, or the car refusing to accelerate past idle.

  • Ask for service records showing repeat visits for stalling, throttle body, wiring harness, or alternator work.

  • Check the cabin and A/C vents for musty smells, dampness, or mold under the carpets.

2024 Kia K5 Common Problems by Component

20 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

5
4
3
STRUCTURE (5)ENGINE (4)POWER TRAIN (3)FUEL SYSTEM (2)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)SEATS (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)Other (1)

STRUCTURE

5 complaints

Exterior trim comes loose, warps, or falls off. Most reports center on the rear window chrome and C-pillar garnish, sometimes on both sides, with an abnormal wind sound from the rear window when the trim lifts. Trunk lid trim also detaches, which one filing links to insufficient lamination. A federal recall covers this structure issue, yet some dealers leave the car unrepaired. A separate report describes water entering the cabin from the A/C system, leading to mold growth and health concerns.

5 complaints total

ENGINE

4 complaints

Sudden loss of power while driving is the main pattern, including at highway speeds as high as 80 mph. Warning lights or an engine management message appear, and in some cases the failure returns after a restart. One report describes a loud noise followed by oil pouring from a smoking engine with no prior warning. Another finds metal flakes on the dipstick and in the filter housing at 2500 miles, with knocking when hot. Dealers often fail to diagnose the problem, and one warranty claim was refused.

4 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

The engine revs up and down without pedal input, then stays stuck at idle and will not accelerate. Other reports describe the car suddenly stopping in traffic at 15-20 MPH as though the brakes were slammed, leaving it stranded mid-road and needing a tow. Stalling when coming to a stop and a sudden jerk that nearly hit a freeway barrier also appear. These are loss-of-control and crash risks. Dealers sometimes cannot reproduce the fault, and repairs can leave owners waiting on a loaner.

3 complaints total
FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

2 complaints

No actual failures are reported here. Both filings concern a fuel system recall that raises fear of a fire while driving, and both say the recall repair could not be done because parts were not yet available. Owners describe dealers confirming the shortage and the manufacturer taking an unreasonable amount of time, with one owner unable to ship the car as planned. The main issue is a delayed recall fix rather than a breakdown.

2 complaints total
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

The car shuts off while driving, including at 60 mph on the highway. The dash goes dark, then every warning icon lights up. Some cars restart on the shoulder, but the failure keeps coming back. Dealers frequently find nothing at first. Diagnoses that do surface include a failed throttle body, a main wiring harness fault, and a low alternator reading from a roadside service. Repairs do not always hold, and the sudden stall at speed is a serious crash risk.

2 complaints total
SEATS (1 complaints)

SEATS

1 complaint
2025-10-10

On 10/20/25 as a rideshare driver one of my riders told me that the right side back seat was lifting. I could not believe what the rider was telling me until one of my family members told me the same thing. I immediately for safety reasons parked the car and started searching about any problems with the gas tank, for my surprise there was a serious safety problem in the car where the gas tank was expanding. The car could have got on fire and exploited putting my family, riders and myself at the risk of death. This was reported to Kia Customer Care on 10/20/2025, case # XXX, and later was complemented with the Kia Customer Care case # XXX. On 11/11/25 Kia America recognized that the car was unrepairable and offered a buyback process which was accepted by me on 11/12/25. It has passed 105 days since the car was parked and not used for ridesharing, my main source of income. During this 105 days Kia Finance America has been demanding payments from me, they have not stopped the billing despite my several request. Kia offered me rent a car through Enterprise which does not allow to do ridesharing with their cars, and also car rental reimbursement which I cannot afford. As of today, my lost income has achieved the amount of $ 33,036.77; this was warned to Kia America since the beginning of the process. Kia America has been very a bureaucratic company, and the buyback process has not been finished due to the lack of check from Kia America to the company Morley. All I want is to finish the buyback process because it is giving me a very bad psychological and economic hardship times. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint
2024-08-20

My vehicle was manufactured with bad rotors, which make it difficult to slow down when driving at high speeds on the highway. The vehicle’s steering wheel and the vehicle itself shakes violently when trying to slow down. My vehicle started having these issues with low mileage also.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint
2024-01-11

Break caliper and brake rotors

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaintSafety-related
2023-11-22Crash reported1 injury

The contact owned a 2024 Kia K5. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle abruptly crossed into his lane. As a result, the contact's son collided with the rear of the other vehicle. Although equipped, the forward warning collision and automatic emergency braking systems failed to activate, which could have possibly prevented and/or lessened the severity of the collision. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact's son was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for a broken wrist. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,400.

Best & Worst Kia K5 Years

Best Kia K5 Years to Buy

Top Pick
77
Good

2024

(Current Model)

2Recalls
20Complaints
71
Good

2023

4Recalls
81Complaints
71
Good

2021

6Recalls
132Complaints

Kia K5 Years to Avoid

Kia K5 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Kia K5 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
202171/100Good
202269/100Good
202371/100Good
202477/100Good
202579/100Good
202683/100Excellent

Kia K5 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202683/100+4Excellent12
202579/100+2Good229
2024(selected)77/100+6Good220
202371/100+2Good481
202269/100-2Good5106
202171/100—Good6132

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 KIA K5 reliable?
Yes, it has good reliability and rates above average against other 2024 sedans. Within the K5's scored years it falls in the middle of six. Owners filed 20 complaints, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. The engine and power train complaints are the main reason to check the car's history.
What are the most common problems with the 2024 KIA K5?
Structure complaints lead, with 5 filings about exterior trim that loosens, warps, or falls off, mostly at the rear window and C-pillar. Engine follows with 4, mainly sudden power loss. Power train has 3, including stalling and sudden stops in traffic. Fuel system has 2, both about waiting for recall parts.
Does the 2024 KIA K5 lose power while driving?
Some owners say it does. Engine reports describe sudden power loss, including at highway speeds as high as 80 mph, with warning lights or an engine message. In some cases the problem came back after a restart. Dealers often failed to diagnose it, and one warranty claim was refused.
Does the 2024 KIA K5 have recalls?
Yes, federal records list 2 recalls, covering the fuel system and the structure. The structure recall addresses the loose exterior trim, though some owners say their dealer left it unrepaired. Two fuel system filings say the repair was delayed because parts were not yet available. Confirm both were completed before buying.
Is the 2024 KIA K5 better than the 2023 or 2025?
It is better than the 2023, which rates worse and has 81 complaints and 4 recalls. The 2025 rates about the same as the 2024, with 29 complaints and 2 recalls. Since newer years have had less time to collect complaints, the 2025 count should not be read as a clear advantage.

Don’t buy a 2024 Kia K5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2024 Kia K5

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2024 Kia K5 does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on complaint severity (71/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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