Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the body and structure, engine, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2024Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2024 Kia K5: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2024 checks
Worth adding to your 2024 checks
Worth adding to your 2024 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2024 Kia K5. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 28–31 mpg |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | FWD | 27 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Kia K5, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Exterior trim comes loose, warps, or falls off. Most reports center on the rear window chrome and C-pillar garnish, sometimes on both sides, with an abnormal wind sound from the rear window when the trim lifts. Trunk lid trim also detaches, which one filing links to insufficient lamination. A federal recall covers this structure issue, yet some dealers leave the car unrepaired. A separate report describes water entering the cabin from the A/C system, leading to mold growth and health concerns.
Sudden loss of power while driving is the main pattern, including at highway speeds as high as 80 mph. Warning lights or an engine management message appear, and in some cases the failure returns after a restart. One report describes a loud noise followed by oil pouring from a smoking engine with no prior warning. Another finds metal flakes on the dipstick and in the filter housing at 2500 miles, with knocking when hot. Dealers often fail to diagnose the problem, and one warranty claim was refused.
The engine revs up and down without pedal input, then stays stuck at idle and will not accelerate. Other reports describe the car suddenly stopping in traffic at 15-20 MPH as though the brakes were slammed, leaving it stranded mid-road and needing a tow. Stalling when coming to a stop and a sudden jerk that nearly hit a freeway barrier also appear. These are loss-of-control and crash risks. Dealers sometimes cannot reproduce the fault, and repairs can leave owners waiting on a loaner.
No actual failures are reported here. Both filings concern a fuel system recall that raises fear of a fire while driving, and both say the recall repair could not be done because parts were not yet available. Owners describe dealers confirming the shortage and the manufacturer taking an unreasonable amount of time, with one owner unable to ship the car as planned. The main issue is a delayed recall fix rather than a breakdown.
The car shuts off while driving, including at 60 mph on the highway. The dash goes dark, then every warning icon lights up. Some cars restart on the shoulder, but the failure keeps coming back. Dealers frequently find nothing at first. Diagnoses that do surface include a failed throttle body, a main wiring harness fault, and a low alternator reading from a roadside service. Repairs do not always hold, and the sudden stall at speed is a serious crash risk.
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2024 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 6 K5 years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
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 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.
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 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.
Cars shoppers compare with the Kia K5, with their own 2024 checklists.
2024 owner complaints, side by side
