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The 2022 Kia K5 might be a newer car, but it’s just a renamed version of the previously used Optima. The automaker wants people to believe that this car is completely revamped and has everything discerning drivers want. They even tell people to “go ahead and stare.” However, the only thing customers are staring at are all the defects, including the malfunctioning air bags and glitchy exterior lighting systems.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Kia K5
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Air Bags | |
| Power Train | |
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Steering | |
| Structure:body | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Exterior Lighting |
Problems with the Air Bags
The air bags are an essential piece of equipment included with every car to prevent injuries during accidents. By now, most manufacturers have perfected the system, except for Kia it seems.
One NHTSA complaint states, “The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, she struck two deer that jumped into the roadway. No safety object detection was activated during the failure. The vehicle went to the left and right and stalled. The driver-side door was jammed. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.”
This isn’t the only major malfunction happening with the K5. Even the fuel system is at risk for a massive failure. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V519000 states that there could be a fuel leak at the connection between the fuel rail and the high-pressure fuel pump. This problem affects more than 21,000 vehicles, which is simply unacceptable. Not only does a fuel leak increase the chance of a fire, but it is causing many customers to lose sleep. At this point, it’s hard to trust Kia to build anything larger than a model car used for playtime. Even that might fall apart.
Problems with Exterior Lighting
Seeing clearly at night should be a major design aspect of any newer vehicle. Yet, customers are having trouble with the lighting on K5 models.
Another NHTSA complaint points out, “A few days ago I picked up my new 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD Sedan. The car has LED projector headlights. On the driver’s 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 car in my lane preventing me from seeing what is in front of me. I do not believe there is a way to adjust this since most likely you would have to remove the headlight, disassemble it, and then take the projectors out and disassemble them. Giving you access to the cutoff plate which I can only assume has a raised v to block that section. The plate would look similar to?. I understand the reasoning the engineers had for installing that plate within the projector bulb to prevent blinding other drivers, but at the expense of K5 owners own safety when going around left curves, especially in unfamiliar areas.”
The company can’t get the lighting or other basic features put together right. Even NHTSA Campaign Number 21V447000 shows that there are issues with the motor-driven power steering system. The R-MDPS equipment can’t seem to diagnose its own faults the way it should. If an error occurs in communication while going around a curve with the Lane Following Assist technology engaged, the steering level might not adjust correctly, causing the driver to use more steering effort to control the car. Maybe this car is good for someone hoping to build muscles, it’s not appropriate for the common everyday driver.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Mar 17, 2023 |
| State | TX |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train |
| Date | Feb 22, 2023 |
| State | OH |
| Description | On december 28th 2022 between the 6:30 am to 8:00 my car was parked and caught on fire. I have filed a complaint with kia and since then I have gotten the run around about them looking into the vehicle and seeing what cause the issue. My car was still under the manufacture warranty |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jan 22, 2023 |
| State | IL |
| Description | The transmission is experiencing a loss of power and getting heavy/stuck at about 20-30 mph before it begins to accelerate somewhat faster. The car is also not accelerating properly. Engine light came on as this began. Oil changes on vehicle are up to date as well |
| Category | Engine, Power Train, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 17, 2023 |
| State | IL |
| Description | I was traveling normally, exiting a highway ramp when my car acceleration system malfunctioned. It seemed as if it was a power train issue or engine issue. I was not able to accelerate or slow down properly due to this malfunction and it caused me to crash. My car was totaled. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine |
| Date | Dec 27, 2022 |
| State | KY |
| Description | On 11/29/2022 my car wouldn't start, just click and continued to try and start then the check esc warning came on. I had to get it jump started from kia roadside assistance and drove vehicle to local kia dealership where they tested the battery and said it was a bad battery. They replaced the battery. My car was purchased dec 23rd 2021, battery was not even a year old . Fast forward 27 days, on dec 26th, 2022, I was originally scheduled for the 8000 mile maintenance with jake sweeney kia at 10am, went to start vehicle and wouldn't start again. It done the same as before on 11/29. Just click several times and then the check esc warning came one(I have video of the entire process). After the check esc went off the entire cars electrical system went out and I couldn't even get jumper cables out of trunk of car. I contacted roadside assistance again, but they said it would be 3 to 4 hours before they could come, so I bought cables from store. Once started drove it to jake sweeney kia they change oil and rotated tire and did diagnostic check and everything came back fine, but here is my issue I knew it would because once you jump the car there are no codes or issue after that. Left the dealership and will wait to see if it does it for a third time. I feel they should replce vehicle because this is a safety issue if happens outside the home not mention incovenice with everyday life (work etc). |
| Category | Air Bags, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Service Brakes |
| Date | Dec 24, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | 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 injuries to my head, neck, back, shoulders, abdomen and fractured spine. Police and emt were called and arrived on scene. I was then transported to the er via personal vehicle. I have since followed up with my primary care physician along with more tests, lab work and more imaging. |
| Category | Engine, Power Train, Steering |
| Date | Dec 24, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Randomly, the cars engine rev is really low, it'll go up down up down over and over and over and then shut off, sometimes while in motion. Other times, when you're finished driving and you shift into park the engine will shut off the moment you hit park. My safety is at risk due to the fact that when I was in motion and it did that it could've caused an accident. The dealer claims they are unable to re-create the issue, even though I am video recording proof. Many warning messages appear on my dashboard when this happens, but they all go away. Once you turn the car fully off and back on. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Dec 23, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | While breaking the steering wheel cut hard right, went to brake even more and the steering locked up and was unable to move properly. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It sent me into a guard rail, sprained my wrist due to the air bag has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? N/a has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Insurance were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights. Car was repaired previously and made multiple complaints about the tightness of the steering to the repair shop and the dealership |
| Category | Air Bags, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Service Brakes |
| Date | Dec 13, 2022 |
| State | PR |
| Description | Client called about his car. After a exhausting analysis, we noticed that the ada system released the brakes, causing an incident. The forward collision warning did not get activated. The car should stop automatically if it detects a possible crash or when the car it's getting out of the road and it never happened. The main problem was the airbag placed above the pedals. It's too big and when gets deployed, can cause a fracture, mainly on the right leg of the driver. |
| Category | Electrical System, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Nov 30, 2022 |
| State | SC |
| Description | On 11/24/22 my car would not start, and I kept getting a message to check esc- electronic stability control. I pressed the esc button on my dashboard but nothing changed. Eventually a relative jumped off the car, bypassing the warning, so I could drive home. The car started correctly the next day and for several days after. Then, on 11/28/22, I got the same warning, then the car would not start. This continued through 11/29/22 at which point I had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership. It's still there and I have not heard if this has been resolved. At one point the car also said no key detected, although the key was in my hand. Remote start would not work as well. The car has 5800 miles on it. I'm concerned that this could happen while driving the car. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Oct 03, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Glass between windshield and sunroof spontaneously shattered while parked in private driveway. There was no impact, the car had not been driven for two days, it was just parked and the glass busted. It is unknown if water will cause a problem with leaking into the cabin of the vehicle. |
| Category | Exterior Lighting |
| Date | May 18, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Dead spot in headlights. Manufacturer intentionally created a dead spot just left of center so as to decrease any chance of headlights shining into oncoming traffic. The dead spot looks like an inverted triangle . These are an led projector light which already have a very sharp cut off and should not require any further manipulation of spread or throw. The problem becomes severe when going around a left curve or bend as the headlights no longer illuminate the roadway in a safe manner as the very noticeable dead spot is now in the drivers lane. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | May 12, 2022 |
| State | NC |
| Description | While driving this vehicle on local streets, I have noticed that when I am on terrain such as an incline going up, with a curve at the ridge, the vehicle's steering becomes hard to control. It stops as suddenly as it starts (going up and around on this certain local incline. I have not reported this to the dealer yet. The vehicle has not been inspected since I purchased it. No warning lamps, messages etc. Occurred prior to it's happening. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Apr 12, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | My coworker and myself we on the highway, we heard a loud boom and the door swung open. I called the dealership freddy kia on the gulf frwy. They said they could not do anything about it, I have to call the service department. I called told the girl what happened she put me on hold after 1hr I hung up. I called again she put me on hold again. I didn't call back. I need this checked out what can I do? What if I had my grand child in the back and that door did the same. I have not even made a first payment on this vehicle. Can I return the vehicle I do not feel safe in it. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 19, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | 2022 kia k5 remote control/entry/start key fob batteries continually dying every 2-3 weeks. Once key is dead, the driver is locked out of vehicle and cannot start it. Driver is getting stuck on the side of the road constantly, posing a severe safety hazard. If vehicle stalls, driver cannot restart the vehicle since keyt fob is dead. Vehicle could then be stuck on an active roadway without the ability to restart the vehicle. Kia cannot fix the issue and has refused to replace the failing vehicles. |
| Category | Air Bags, Electrical System |
| Date | Mar 02, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 kia k5. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph with the driver-assist feature, activated, there was another vehicle driving slower at approximately 50 mph was in front however the vehicle's feature did not automatically decrease in speed causing the contact to rear the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact had his daughter and her husband at the time of the incident where both sustained a concussion, fractured nose, and arm injuries. Both passengers were taken to the hospital. A police report was filed. The contact was unaware of the passengers in the other vehicle sustained any injuries. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot due to it not being drivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Feb 19, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | Vehicle will brake suddenly and without notice while using the adaptive cruise control option. The system believes there is a vehicle in front of the car when none is present. This is usually attributed to a vehicle exiting or when somebody passes and does not leave enough room between vehicles. The car will slow considerably (from 75 to 50) when this occurs and trailing vehicles will have to suddenly brake as well to avoid an accident. Discussions with the dealership have not provided any useful information. The vehicle manual illustrates how to disable acc however nothing works. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jan 03, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I bought a 2022 kia k5 on 06/18/2021. On 12/31/2021, the check engine light came on, it shows code p088000 in the kia access app. Transmission control system issue. It started to jerk slightly when shifting into reverse. The engine is working twice as hard as it should when trying to pick up speed, using gas at double the normal rate. It will not downshift unless I actually release the gas pedal so it runs at high rpm's at all times. Driving at 55-60mph, the rpm's are at 3-3. 5k and it will not downshift at all. (unless the gas pedal is released). I have called for a service appointment, and my dealership (joe myers kia/imports) in houston,tx. And there is a 2 week service wait. I was told there was nothing they could do, they do not have loaner cars any longer. I have to wait to get the code diagnosed. |
| Category | Air Bags, Engine, Structure:body |
| Date | Dec 02, 2021 |
| State | MO |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 kia k5. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, she struck two deers that jumped into the roadway. No safety object detection was activated during the failure. The vehicle went to the left and right and stalled. The driver-side door was jammed. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Exterior Lighting:headlights |
| Date | Nov 23, 2021 |
| State | MN |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 kia k5. 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 indicated that no problem was found and stated that the headlights operated as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100. |
| Category | Exterior Lighting |
| Date | Sep 28, 2021 |
| State | OH |
| Description | A few days ago I picked up my new 2022 kia k5 gt-line awd sedan. 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 car in my lane preventing me from seeing what is in front of me. I do not believe there is a way to adjust this since most likely you would have to remove the headlight, disassemble it, and then take the projectors out and disassemble them. Giving you access to the cutoff plate which I can only assume has a raised v to block that section. The plate would look similar to ∆. I understand the reasoning the engineers had for installing that plate within the projector bulb to prevent blinding other drivers, but at the expense of k5 owners own safety when going around left curves, especially in unfamiliar areas. |
| Category | Electrical System, Latches/locks/linkages |
| Date | Jun 09, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 kia k5. The contact stated that with the key inserted in the ignition and turned to the on position, the locks failed to automatically lock as designed. The failure only occurs while the vehicle was turned on. The vehicle was securely locked using this method a few days ago, whether the vehicle was tuned on or off. The contact stated that the vehicle was only automatically securely locked when the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated they had a similar failure with the kia that was traded for the current vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had also displayed an odometer reading of 7,400 miles however, the following day the mileage was 200. The dealer was contacted however, there was no reply. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The consumer stated the vehicle had tire issues that occured after an accident and having the tires replaced. The steering wheel weel has developed a large opening. Also, the vehicle would start independently. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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