2022 Kia K5 User Complaints and Problems
The Kia Optima has been around in some shape or form from the start of this millennium. The car was rebranded as the K5 for its fifth generation but it has nearly been 20 years since this car was introduced in the market with a decent reputation regarding reliability. With the most recent years reporting problems like Kia K5 CarPlay issues, that reputation has got a dent. A few years in the recent past also saw a large number of Kia K5 engine problems which is another growing area of concern.
The Kia K5 had a generational update in the year 2021. Therefore, the only relevant results to this discussion would be from the 2022 and 2021 model years. This is because listing the problems of a previous generation will not be an accurate model of what the current generation will face. We shall take a deeper dive into the problems of the recent model years by going through complaints as listed on the NHTSA website.
Mechanical problems:
- One owner stated that the transmission control system has problems. It jerks slightly when shifting into reverse. It refuses to accelerate even when the engine is putting in a lot of effort. The transmission also refuses to downshift unless the owner takes a foot off the accelerator pedal completely. Some of these are known faults in the list of Kia K5 transmission problems.
Electrical system problems:
- One owner reports that the vehicle’s locks have an issue. With a key inserted and the ignition turned to the ‘on’ position, the locks failed to automatically lock as designed. However, this failure occurs only when the vehicle is turned on. The vehicle also reports other problems such as tire issues and the steering wheel developing a large opening.
Exterior problems:
- One owner reported that while using the headlights at night, there is a dark, triangular, non-illuminated section inside the field of light which causes a visibility hazard. There have been other complaints regarding the same issue.
Safety problems:
- One owner states that the car’s driver assistance feature did not detect another slow vehicle in the front and caused a crash. What further disappointed the owner was that the airbags did not deploy in the event of this crash and two passengers sustained concussions, a fractured nose, and arm injuries. Another owner has also reported a similar kind of incident where an airbag failed to deploy.
- A few other owners have reported that the vehicle slows down suddenly even when there are no vehicles in the front by using the adaptive cruise control option. Cars that follow have to brake unnecessarily to avoid a crash in this situation.
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Category
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Number of complaints
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Mechanical
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1
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Electrical System
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1
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Exterior
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1
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Interior
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0
|
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Safety
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2
|
|
Miscellaneous
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0
|
The 2022 Kia K5 has already reported a few complaints and some of these issues seem to be requiring immediate attention. The 2021 model year was when this car was launched and that model year has reported a total of 19 complaints, which is not a figure that this too worrying. We can conclude a bit more about the reliability of this car as we look at its recalls history.
2022 Kia K5 Recalls
Every car being launched as a new generation will have its fair share of faults. Because a lot of new technology makes its debut with the new model year, there might be problems that have escaped the notice of engineers during the research and development phase. But having reported only 19 complaints in its debut model, we feel that Kia has done a good job of keeping problems at bay.
The 2022 model sees a total of two recalls and the 2021 model has three recalls. But some of these issues happened for both model years; both the recalls that have affected the 2022 model have taken place for the 2021 model as well. Kia has only addressed the problems that endanger safety in some way and we find that the manufacturer has not addressed the other complaints. However, we do not know whether these complaints were common enough to warrant a recall or whether the owners had the problems fixed at nearby dealerships.
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S. No.
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Date
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NHTSA Campaign Number
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Issues Noticed
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Additional Remarks
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1
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July 8, 2021
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21V519000
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Fuel leak at the pipe connection
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It was noted that the fuel leak might happen at the pipe connection and this causes a huge safety concern because it can cause the risk of fire.
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2
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June 14, 2021
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21V447000
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The steering assist level may not adjust properly
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The steering assist may not provide the right amount of assistance and this increase in steering effort can risk a crash.
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We can see that both Hyundai and Kia have issued a massive recall to fix the fuel leak at the fuel pipe. However, the brand has not responded to any of the complaints regarding the car’s transmission. While the transmission problem is not as serious as several other products from the Kia brand, it still needs to be addressed before owners face more problems.
Which model year of the Kia K5 should you avoid?
The current generation of the Kia K5 has not yet raised major red flags regarding reliability. However, looking back at the model years, the car has not been this reliable throughout. If we are talking about model years to avoid, it would be the 2013 model. The NHTSA website says that the total number of complaints for this model year is 882, along with 7 recalls. The widespread reliability concern with the 2013 Kia Optima also applies to other model years. We would say, it is better to avoid anything between 2011 and 2016 as these cars have had many problems.
Should you buy the 2022 Kia K5?
The 2022 Kia K5 is a car that is extremely good value for money but is also quite usable and practical. While Hyundai has played it safe with the Sonata, Kia takes a bolder step by introducing the K5. It is more modern and looks better. Arguably, it has the best quality interiors in the segment as well. It has a decent reputation regarding reliability so far and we hope it stays that way.
