Used Kia K5: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 370 complaints across these 6 years; the 2021 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the K5 from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
Transmission	13	14	11	3	4	45
Fuel system	19	18	25	2		64
Electrical	34	19		2	5	60
Body and structure	9	6	9	5		29

K5 generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

Fifth generation
2021–2023
2025 update: Redesigned headlights and taillights; Updated interior with new technology

Mileages where K5 problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
250–3,000 miles	Hard shifting on cold starts	2025
2,500–11,400 miles	Tire sidewall bulges and blowouts	2025
5,000–26,000 miles	Sudden power loss, limp mode	2023
6,000–20,000 miles	Warped front brake rotors	2021
18,000–34,000 miles	Transmission shudder and hesitation	2023
40,000–73,000 miles	Fuel tank expansion	2023
47,940–81,000 miles	Fuel tank expansion	2022
60,000–70,000 miles	HVAC blower and fuse failure	2021
68,000–103,000 miles	Turbo and engine failure	2021