2023 KIA K5
View all complaints and recalls for this specific model year.
2023 KIA K5 Summary
2023
Model Year
42
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
288975
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2023 KIA K5
100063 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
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.
2023 KIA K5
188912 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
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.
Complaints
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2127314FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
the vehicle failed the fuel tank Inspection recall.I have a tech line case open :Case number 25408405 . It has been 46 days since the vehicle has been at the dealership waiting for information from Kia USA . I have been still told to pay for car note that I am financing through Kia itself as well as rental because the dealership doesn’t have any loaners .
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2127313AIR BAGS
the vehicle failed the fuel tank Inspection recall.I have a tech line case open :Case number 25408405 . It has been 46 days since the vehicle has been at the dealership waiting for information from Kia USA . I have been still told to pay for car note that I am financing through Kia itself as well as rental because the dealership doesn’t have any loaners .
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2127023FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I started the purchase process of a Kia in 2022 of July. The car was built with a faulty fuel tank and no recalls were made on the vehicle. June 27,2025 I was driving on the freeway when my car started to not accelerate my fuel tank ejected into my backseat and I was forced to jump out of my car on the freeway.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2122035ENGINE
My engine line keeps returning regardless of the multiple visits to the service department in attempt to fix recall complications at BONIFACE-HIERS KIA. Today will be the fourth visit for fuel tank and ECM recall related malfunctions.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2122034UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My engine line keeps returning regardless of the multiple visits to the service department in attempt to fix recall complications at BONIFACE-HIERS KIA. Today will be the fourth visit for fuel tank and ECM recall related malfunctions.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2122033EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My engine line keeps returning regardless of the multiple visits to the service department in attempt to fix recall complications at BONIFACE-HIERS KIA. Today will be the fourth visit for fuel tank and ECM recall related malfunctions.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2121363FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank in my 2023 Kia K5 LXS expanded and bent the subframe. This is a known problem with K5's with the 1.5L turbo engine. Kia had an emissions campaign for this problem affecting 2021 to 2024 models. My VIN isn't in that campaign, but it had the same problem. Given the fuel tank expansion and bent subframe, my car is no longer safe to drive and has been sitting at the dealership. I was told that with the fuel tank expansion a plate could pop open and create a fire or explosion. This also caused a significant loss of power, making the car untenable to operate. Kia's Techline reviewed the findings from the dealership service department (Campbell Kia Missoula), but closed the case without offering a repair and escalated it to another department (Consumer Affairs?), where it remains unresolved after two weeks. Kia is failing to resolve the issue in the form of either a repair or a buyback and keeps dragging the case out with virtually no contact or updates. Please help. This needs resolved ASAP.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2119609LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
After getting my rearview mirror, repaired by the Kia dealership when I break when I came to a stop, my car started flashing forward, collision warnings, and Blindspot assist warnings and activated the emergency parking break ticket to the Kia dealership they saw the safety issues in in diagnostics and a history of it They said they won't replace anything unless it happens in the dealership's care gave the car back to me and less than five minutes after leaving the same issue occurred. They've currently had my car two weeks and have no update on what's going on was almost in an accident because of this issue after getting it back from the dealership. I also have a recording of the dealership stash. They won't do anything about it unless it happens in their care. With them, knowing it's a safety issue.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2119608FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
After getting my rearview mirror, repaired by the Kia dealership when I break when I came to a stop, my car started flashing forward, collision warnings, and Blindspot assist warnings and activated the emergency parking break ticket to the Kia dealership they saw the safety issues in in diagnostics and a history of it They said they won't replace anything unless it happens in the dealership's care gave the car back to me and less than five minutes after leaving the same issue occurred. They've currently had my car two weeks and have no update on what's going on was almost in an accident because of this issue after getting it back from the dealership. I also have a recording of the dealership stash. They won't do anything about it unless it happens in their care. With them, knowing it's a safety issue.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2119607FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
After getting my rearview mirror, repaired by the Kia dealership when I break when I came to a stop, my car started flashing forward, collision warnings, and Blindspot assist warnings and activated the emergency parking break ticket to the Kia dealership they saw the safety issues in in diagnostics and a history of it They said they won't replace anything unless it happens in the dealership's care gave the car back to me and less than five minutes after leaving the same issue occurred. They've currently had my car two weeks and have no update on what's going on was almost in an accident because of this issue after getting it back from the dealership. I also have a recording of the dealership stash. They won't do anything about it unless it happens in their care. With them, knowing it's a safety issue.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2117144STRUCTURE:BODY
Left rear car door C-Pillar trim ripped off while driving.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2116950UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The fuel tank expanded causing the vehicle to become immobile. The car is sitting at a dealership after I declined to sign Kia's buyback so yes it available for inspection. As for my safety and other the fact a fuel tank is swelling under where people would sit and it is highly flammable/ combustible is kind of alarming to me. Yes, there are plenty of people having the same problems. The dealership has sent pictures and videos into Kia for their engineers to look over. The day before the car became immobile it was getting horrible gas mileage. There was no other things that happened no lights on the dash.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2116949FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank expanded causing the vehicle to become immobile. The car is sitting at a dealership after I declined to sign Kia's buyback so yes it available for inspection. As for my safety and other the fact a fuel tank is swelling under where people would sit and it is highly flammable/ combustible is kind of alarming to me. Yes, there are plenty of people having the same problems. The dealership has sent pictures and videos into Kia for their engineers to look over. The day before the car became immobile it was getting horrible gas mileage. There was no other things that happened no lights on the dash.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2112903FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle new and driving off the dealer lot, the message "Radar Sensor Blocked" was displayed. The dealer was informed but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that another message indicating that a sensor was blocked was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had imploded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer offered buyback assistance; however, the dealer had not returned the owner’s or the manufacturer’s calls. The failure mileage was approximately 74.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2112902ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle new and driving off the dealer lot, the message "Radar Sensor Blocked" was displayed. The dealer was informed but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that another message indicating that a sensor was blocked was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had imploded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer offered buyback assistance; however, the dealer had not returned the owner’s or the manufacturer’s calls. The failure mileage was approximately 74.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2112735FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The gas tank wii not allow you to put gas in it. When you try to put gas in it won't go down in the tank hose and the fuel gauge is ready a 1/4 tank. The car jerks when pressing on the gas pedal. I have only gone around 200 miles and gauge fluctuates with different reads so you don't know exactly how much gas is in the gas tank. The engine light is on as. This is happening while I am traveling.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2111309UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In June 2025, while driving my 2023 Kia K5 (VIN: [XXX] ) at highway speeds on [XXX], the fuel tank suddenly imploded. A loud bang caused the rear seats to lift, startling me and my passengers. The car lost power, and braking too hard risked leaving us stranded in fast-moving traffic. I narrowly avoided a crash while trying to maneuver us to safety. This vehicle was previously recalled by Kia in April 2024 for a fuel tank defect affecting ~236,000 vehicles. I took it to Gunther Kia in Davie, FL for inspection, and they claimed it was fixed. In March 2025, I returned to Hollywood Kia because of popping sounds and a check engine light. They diagnosed and “repaired” a purge control valve but failed to address the underlying defect. Despite these repairs, the catastrophic failure still occurred. The vehicle is now completely inoperable and irreparable. Kia later offered to buy back the vehicle but failed to respond to over 200 calls and dozens of emails from me, allowing their offer to expire without explanation. This left me paying for a vehicle I can no longer use. This defect poses a serious danger not only to me and my passengers but also to thousands of other K5 owners nationwide. I urge NHTSA to investigate Kia’s recall handling and ensure affected vehicles are properly repaired to prevent injury or death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2111308SEATS
In June 2025, while driving my 2023 Kia K5 (VIN: [XXX] ) at highway speeds on [XXX], the fuel tank suddenly imploded. A loud bang caused the rear seats to lift, startling me and my passengers. The car lost power, and braking too hard risked leaving us stranded in fast-moving traffic. I narrowly avoided a crash while trying to maneuver us to safety. This vehicle was previously recalled by Kia in April 2024 for a fuel tank defect affecting ~236,000 vehicles. I took it to Gunther Kia in Davie, FL for inspection, and they claimed it was fixed. In March 2025, I returned to Hollywood Kia because of popping sounds and a check engine light. They diagnosed and “repaired” a purge control valve but failed to address the underlying defect. Despite these repairs, the catastrophic failure still occurred. The vehicle is now completely inoperable and irreparable. Kia later offered to buy back the vehicle but failed to respond to over 200 calls and dozens of emails from me, allowing their offer to expire without explanation. This left me paying for a vehicle I can no longer use. This defect poses a serious danger not only to me and my passengers but also to thousands of other K5 owners nationwide. I urge NHTSA to investigate Kia’s recall handling and ensure affected vehicles are properly repaired to prevent injury or death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2111307FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
In June 2025, while driving my 2023 Kia K5 (VIN: [XXX] ) at highway speeds on [XXX], the fuel tank suddenly imploded. A loud bang caused the rear seats to lift, startling me and my passengers. The car lost power, and braking too hard risked leaving us stranded in fast-moving traffic. I narrowly avoided a crash while trying to maneuver us to safety. This vehicle was previously recalled by Kia in April 2024 for a fuel tank defect affecting ~236,000 vehicles. I took it to Gunther Kia in Davie, FL for inspection, and they claimed it was fixed. In March 2025, I returned to Hollywood Kia because of popping sounds and a check engine light. They diagnosed and “repaired” a purge control valve but failed to address the underlying defect. Despite these repairs, the catastrophic failure still occurred. The vehicle is now completely inoperable and irreparable. Kia later offered to buy back the vehicle but failed to respond to over 200 calls and dozens of emails from me, allowing their offer to expire without explanation. This left me paying for a vehicle I can no longer use. This defect poses a serious danger not only to me and my passengers but also to thousands of other K5 owners nationwide. I urge NHTSA to investigate Kia’s recall handling and ensure affected vehicles are properly repaired to prevent injury or death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2109957STRUCTURE:BODY
Component or System: Front sunroof glass – panoramic sunroof system The sunroof has been removed but I could provide pictures What happened: While my vehicle was parked, the front sunroof glass panel spontaneously exploded outward, sending shattered glass fragments upward and outward. There was no external impact, object, or weather condition that could have caused this. The sunshade was closed, which fortunately prevented the glass from falling into the cabin. Had the shade been open, I or any occupant would have been at serious risk of injury. How safety was compromised: This is a serious vehicle safety defect. Spontaneous sunroof explosion could have caused glass-related injury to occupants, or road hazards to nearby vehicles or pedestrians if this had occurred while driving. The vehicle is currently unsafe to drive, especially in bad weather, due to a gaping opening in the roof. Inspection/confirmation by service center: Yes – the vehicle was inspected by two authorized Kia service centers. Both confirmed the glass was blown outward, not due to any external force. The second service center provided a quote to replace only the glass, not the entire sunroof system, indicating it was a glass failure. Inspection by manufacturer/insurance/police: Kia America has not physically inspected the vehicle and refused to request a statement from the service center, even after I submitted photographic evidence and a recording where the service manager agreed with my explanation. The vehicle was not inspected by police. My insurance was notified, but I am attempting to resolve this under warranty due to the nature of the defect. Warning messages or symptoms before failure: There were no warning lights, sounds, messages, or cracks leading up to the incident. The glass exploded without warning, which is why this poses a critical safety concern. Best assessment of cause: I believe this was a structural defect in the sunroof glass or a manufacturing/design flaw. I’v
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2100299STRUCTURE:BODY
at 2:30 PM i had noticed that my passenger rear trim, right above my trunk was loose. I made note of it. about three hours later, i was driving down the interstate and i noticed it came off and was flying through the air. Thankfully it didn’t hit another vehicle but this isn’t the first time I have had issues with the trim and a lot of other k5 owners have had issues as well.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2096792POWER TRAIN
My 2023 Kia K5 GT (VIN: [XXX]) is experiencing a dangerous complete power loss at highway speeds. I was driving at the speed limit on [XXX] when the vehicle lost propulsion, entered limp-home mode, and illuminated every warning lamp. This has happened six times since purchase. The car is currently parked, and I am not confident enough to drive the car; I nearly missed a crash pulling into the emergency lane from the leftmost lane to the rightmost lane. After losing power in the engine, that was a traumatizing experience. I tried to explain this to people multiple times at different service centers, but they care less: "We can't fix it unless we can reproduce it," but this happens randomly; I cannot make it happen at the service center. This matches the recall SC250 symptoms exactly, though my VIN is excluded. I have tried with Multiple dealers before, but they cannot fix it. They say, "We cannot fix it unless we can reproduce it." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2096791FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2023 Kia K5 GT (VIN: [XXX]) is experiencing a dangerous complete power loss at highway speeds. I was driving at the speed limit on [XXX] when the vehicle lost propulsion, entered limp-home mode, and illuminated every warning lamp. This has happened six times since purchase. The car is currently parked, and I am not confident enough to drive the car; I nearly missed a crash pulling into the emergency lane from the leftmost lane to the rightmost lane. After losing power in the engine, that was a traumatizing experience. I tried to explain this to people multiple times at different service centers, but they care less: "We can't fix it unless we can reproduce it," but this happens randomly; I cannot make it happen at the service center. This matches the recall SC250 symptoms exactly, though my VIN is excluded. I have tried with Multiple dealers before, but they cannot fix it. They say, "We cannot fix it unless we can reproduce it." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2092939FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On Friday 5/16/25 my check engine light was on when I went to leave for work and when I began driving I felt excessive air flow coming from my back seat. I stopped and noticed that the back seat had popped up. I then noticed my gas gauge was showing empty, but my digital reading was correct.. The car was sluggish and my son's father told me that the gas tank was swollen and to stop driving it. I called Kia on Saturday morning and was told I could bring it in today at 9am. I left the car and was given a loaner, but I do not feel it would be safe to ever drive that car again. They immediately knew what the problem was and said it was a recall, but I was never notified about it. It was extremely scary driving it to Kia this morning because they are over 50 miles away from where I live.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2092186FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
All of my check lights are on. All of my sensors are popping up. It says no power steering. No cruise control. No lane departure and a few other lights are popping on every time I turn my car on and they all stay on. So far it isn’t preventing me from driving it but none of my safety features work
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2092185LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
All of my check lights are on. All of my sensors are popping up. It says no power steering. No cruise control. No lane departure and a few other lights are popping on every time I turn my car on and they all stay on. So far it isn’t preventing me from driving it but none of my safety features work
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2092184FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
All of my check lights are on. All of my sensors are popping up. It says no power steering. No cruise control. No lane departure and a few other lights are popping on every time I turn my car on and they all stay on. So far it isn’t preventing me from driving it but none of my safety features work
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2084426UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving with no other cars around, and i heard what sounded to be an explosion, come to find out my sunroof had exploded. I had glass fly all over the back windshield, and onto the road behind me. This could have caused an accident or damage to other vehicles if someone was around me.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2084425STRUCTURE:BODY
I was driving with no other cars around, and i heard what sounded to be an explosion, come to find out my sunroof had exploded. I had glass fly all over the back windshield, and onto the road behind me. This could have caused an accident or damage to other vehicles if someone was around me.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2079445FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving, thankfully not with my [XXX] son, the vehicle made a real big bang noise and lost power. Looked back and the whole back seat was lifted. Towed to dealer and tech found that fuel tank had expanded and exploded seat back. Incident happened in November 2024, and to this day, Kia has been the most difficult to deal with. They offered to buy vehicle back, but we have been waiting for a long time for answers and resolution of this issue. Its impossible to get someone on the phone and we keep getting the run around with a loaner/rental while trying to continue to live normal life going to work and dropping kid at school INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2077933POWER TRAIN
2023 Kia K5 GT1, once at 16k miles and now again at 26k miles, while driving, the dashboard console flickered on me and the car lost complete acceleration and power, fortunately on urban roads or else would have been extremely unsafe and dangerous if high speed, especially since I have a child. Pulled over and turned off vehicle, and turned back on acceleration regained but check engine light remains solid. Took it to dealer at 16k miles and they checked it out and just reset the codes, advised if it happened again to bring it back right away. I am aware of the open recall on this Kia model, but my specific vehicle VIN is not impacted. However, I suspect the sudden power loss issue is the exact same issue. This is an extremely dangerous and unsafe issue with this vehicle, particularly if you have kids or are driving high-speeds on the highway!!!!
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2077932ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2023 Kia K5 GT1, once at 16k miles and now again at 26k miles, while driving, the dashboard console flickered on me and the car lost complete acceleration and power, fortunately on urban roads or else would have been extremely unsafe and dangerous if high speed, especially since I have a child. Pulled over and turned off vehicle, and turned back on acceleration regained but check engine light remains solid. Took it to dealer at 16k miles and they checked it out and just reset the codes, advised if it happened again to bring it back right away. I am aware of the open recall on this Kia model, but my specific vehicle VIN is not impacted. However, I suspect the sudden power loss issue is the exact same issue. This is an extremely dangerous and unsafe issue with this vehicle, particularly if you have kids or are driving high-speeds on the highway!!!!
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2077931ENGINE
2023 Kia K5 GT1, once at 16k miles and now again at 26k miles, while driving, the dashboard console flickered on me and the car lost complete acceleration and power, fortunately on urban roads or else would have been extremely unsafe and dangerous if high speed, especially since I have a child. Pulled over and turned off vehicle, and turned back on acceleration regained but check engine light remains solid. Took it to dealer at 16k miles and they checked it out and just reset the codes, advised if it happened again to bring it back right away. I am aware of the open recall on this Kia model, but my specific vehicle VIN is not impacted. However, I suspect the sudden power loss issue is the exact same issue. This is an extremely dangerous and unsafe issue with this vehicle, particularly if you have kids or are driving high-speeds on the highway!!!!
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2077357STRUCTURE:BODY
The back chrome cover around the rear windshield all 3 pieces are coming loose and I had the one on my passenger side fly off while I was going down the highway and the piece almost hit the truck behind me thankfully traffic wasn’t to bad on the highway so he was able to hit his breaks and maneuver out of the way before. I currently have 2 more pieces trying to come off. After doing further research I have seen hundreds of other post from k5 owners years 23&24 all having the exact same issue of the chrome pieces coming off and or flying off while driving. In the pictures you can see the one missing piece and the other 2 you can see where the other 2 pieces are starting to loosen up. If you physically touch it they both will move and feel loose. I believe this should be a recall before one of the pieces fly off and cause a accident by hitting another car like what almost happened in my case or just flying off and hitting a person. I bought my car used but it was a single owner my car was a little over a year old I’ve personally had it for I believe 10-11 months and I keep it in the carport daily so I shouldn’t be having these issues already.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2075951AIR BAGS
I was involved in a head on collision, all of my safety warning notified me but my airbags NEVER deployed. This is a serious safety hazard especially with many problems being reported with airbag deployment. The adjuster and collision center both stated at the rate of speed from the accident, the airbags should have definitely deployed. My car was deemed a total loss from the damage even without the deployment.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2071022ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, shuddered, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The Electronic Stability Control Warning Light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2071021POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, shuddered, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The Electronic Stability Control Warning Light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2069246STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the rear passenger's side chrome trim extending to the trunk had separated from the vehicle. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: SA552. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause a road safety hazard. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 13,500.
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2067458FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH in hot weather, a loud popping sound came from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact coasted into a ditch and inspected the vehicle, but no exterior damage was found. The vehicle was restarted and driven to a gas station. The check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The failure persisted and the fuel gauge level dropped while driving. The contact pulled over and placed a bag under the vehicle to check for fuel leaks, but found none. The contact stated that the vehicle failed state vehicle inspection due to an unknown emission code. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who performed an oil change and updated the computer system. The failure recurred while driving with three minor children in the rear seats. The fuel tank made a loud explosion, and the rear seats propped up, pushing the children forward while the seat belts restrained them in their seats. The child seated in the rear passenger seat received medical attention for injuries to the back of his legs caused by hot fuel fumes from underneath the seat, as well as black specks stuck on his legs. The contact's husband opened the fuel tank, and loud air pressure was released. The fuel tank was bubbling. The vehicle was towed to Classic Kia of Carrollton (2920 N Interstate 35E, Carrollton, TX 75007), who determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced and requested that the manufacturer send an engineer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the third dealer, Huffines Kia Corinth (6940 S Interstate 35, Corinth, TX 76210), where an engineer determined the vehicle was non-repairable due to the fuel tank expanding in multiple locations and bending the sub-frame. The contact was informed that the fuel tank was manufactured without a pressure release valve. The vehicle was not repaired. Up
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2067285ENGINE
Component or System Failed: The fuel tank exploded, causing the vehicle to become undrivable. The explosion was so severe that the back seat was completely blown off. The vehicle is currently not in my possession, as it has been with the dealership for over three months. I have photos and proof of the damage, and I am willing to provide them for inspection. How Safety Was Put at Risk: I have a [XXX] son who sits directly above the fuel tank in the back seat. When the explosion occurred, the back of his seat was completely blown off, and had he been in the car at the time, he could have been seriously injured or killed. This was an extremely dangerous defect, and I am deeply concerned that this could happen to other Kia vehicles, putting more lives at risk. Beyond the immediate danger of the explosion, I have been left without a working vehicle for over three months, and Kia has provided no resolution. Despite confirming that the vehicle is not repairable, they have stalled the process, forcing me to continue making payments on a car I do not even have. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Service Center? Yes, the Kia dealership confirmed that the vehicle is not repairable and that the fuel tank failure was severe. However, they have not provided any solution or compensation. Has the Vehicle Been Inspected? Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership, which determined that it was not repairable. I do not know if it has been inspected by any third-party mechanics, insurance representatives, or other authorities. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms Prior to the Failure? There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms prior to the explosion. The vehicle was operating normally before this occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2067284FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Component or System Failed: The fuel tank exploded, causing the vehicle to become undrivable. The explosion was so severe that the back seat was completely blown off. The vehicle is currently not in my possession, as it has been with the dealership for over three months. I have photos and proof of the damage, and I am willing to provide them for inspection. How Safety Was Put at Risk: I have a [XXX] son who sits directly above the fuel tank in the back seat. When the explosion occurred, the back of his seat was completely blown off, and had he been in the car at the time, he could have been seriously injured or killed. This was an extremely dangerous defect, and I am deeply concerned that this could happen to other Kia vehicles, putting more lives at risk. Beyond the immediate danger of the explosion, I have been left without a working vehicle for over three months, and Kia has provided no resolution. Despite confirming that the vehicle is not repairable, they have stalled the process, forcing me to continue making payments on a car I do not even have. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Service Center? Yes, the Kia dealership confirmed that the vehicle is not repairable and that the fuel tank failure was severe. However, they have not provided any solution or compensation. Has the Vehicle Been Inspected? Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership, which determined that it was not repairable. I do not know if it has been inspected by any third-party mechanics, insurance representatives, or other authorities. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms Prior to the Failure? There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms prior to the explosion. The vehicle was operating normally before this occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 KIA K5
ID: 2052156FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Heard and felt extremely loud BANG under the car while driving then check engine light came on. Vehicle had low power and the gas was decreasing severely fast. The backseat had moved with our 2yr daughter in her car seat above it. Took it to dealership and they said the gas tank expanded and couldn't be fixed. They offered bottom dollar to buy it back