Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Kia K5, and it carries 4 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 | 21% |
| Fuel system | 13 | 12% |
| Structure | 10 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 6% |
| Power train | 6 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 4% |
| Seats | 3 | 3% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 3% |
| Engine | 3 | 3% |
| Seats | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall r
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
The contact’s son owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was repaired. A day or two after the recall repair
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
The infotainment system in my Kia K5 has failed completely. The screen went black, causing the radio, infotainment features, and backup camera display to stop functioning. At times, the system will attempt to reboot on i
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel pump, fuel tank and valve check. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? SEE PHOTO. on turnpike 9
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
The vehicle is grounded at the dealership due to NHTSA Campaign 25V794 (Kia Recall SC356). The vehicle's fuel tank has critically expanded and swollen, causing permanent structural and chassis deformation inside the vehi
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
car taken to Hutchenson Kia of Macon for Kia recall Campaign SC356. I heard loud pop a few days before appointment. The dealership stated the gas tank failed structural inspection and has already expanded. This put me a
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
I brought my 2023 Kia K5 to Citrus Kia in Ontario, California on 2/20/2026 for two safety recalls, including Recall SC356 involving a defective fuel check valve that can cause the fuel tank to expand, melt, and potential
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
7/20/26 My 17 year old daughter was on the way to work and heard a loud noise like an explosion in her car. She, new to driving, scared and in a panic just assumed this was a blowout on a tire and pulled over to check t
NHTSA complaint: Seats
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2023 Kia K5. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 le
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
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
Risk: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 800-33
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
| Reliability raw | 84 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 77 | good |
| Maintenance | 78 | good |
| Depreciation | 82 | excellent |
| Performance | 57 | average |
| Efficiency | 48 | below average |
| Safety | 61 | average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel/propulsion system is the most reported area with 22 of them (21%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 84/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 77/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2023 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.