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 its own, but it does not return to normal operation and continues to malfunction. I have attempted to reset the system multiple times using the available reset methods, but none have resolved the issue. I took the vehicle to my local Kia dealership, where I was informed that the radio/infotainment unit itself is defective and needs to be replaced. The loss of the backup camera display is particularly concerning because it affects visibility and safety while reversing. I have also found numerous reports of similar infotainment and radio failures involving Kia vehicles, which makes me concerned that this may be a widespread defect rather than an isolated failure. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated as a potential vehicle defect.
NHTSA complaint #11755373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bear Branch, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 vehicle. The dealership service department has documented this structural damage, confirmed the vehicle is entirely unsafe to operate due to an immediate fuel system fire hazard, and stated the vehicle is likely unrepairable. The manufacturer is currently holding the hazardous vehicle but is failing to provide immediate alternative transportation, leaving the consumer stranded and creating severe financial hardship. I do not have the financial means to pay rental car fees up front for an extended and undetermined amount of time while waiting for Kia to decide the next step. All of the issues with the vehicle are directly related to the manufacturer defect. My safety was at risk while operating the vehicle due to a severe fire risk.
NHTSA complaint #11753686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Charles, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 the tires. All tires were clear so she proceeded to work cautiously, on her way home she noticed her check engine light had come on and noticed there was some road noise coming from the back. She then called me, note this is the first I heard of the situation. While on the phone with her I pulled up the CarFax to check when it had last been maintenanced, while doing that I saw for the first time TWO RECALLS on this car we had just purchased 3 months ago! By this time she was home and I instructed her to get out of the car while I Immediately called our local Kia dealership to schedule an appt to have the two recalls fixed (7/20/26 at 4:38pm). I gave the make and model to the service department and they informed me they couldn’t see me till Wed July 29th,at 8:00 am. When my husband and I further assessed the car after we got home we found that an explosion had occurred around her fuel tank, which was full at the time of the incident! The fuel tank expanded enough to completely rupture and detach her entire backseat! This incident was due to a recall replacing a valve on the fuel tank that was not conducted on the car from prior owners nor communication to the new owners (ME) upon my purchase of the vehicle. This could have been catastrophic to my daughter and anyone else in the vehicle had she kept driving the car and could have very easily been engulfed with flames and loss of life especially with a full tank of gas. The car has been towed to the local Kia dealership and leaked gas all in our driveway as it sat there. We are still awaiting response from Kia on our case it has been over 48 hours now and we have received no communication from them. KIA NEEDS TO DEEM THIS RECALL AS POSSIBLY FATAL AND ACT IMMEDIATELY TO SAVE LIVES!
NHTSA complaint #11752175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chattanooga, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A recall from Kia a damage check valve and a fuel tank issue. I have called the manufacture Kia company and they have no result, I have called for over a month now and haven’t had my car for a month and an half now, still waiting for a results or a solution for the Kia K5 GT Line. I have called my case manager as well, every time I call it goes straight to voicemail. I am looking to contact anyone from higher up to help me find a solution for my car.
NHTSA complaint #11738894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamarac, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to Manufacturer Recall Number SC356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.However, after evaluating the vehicle, the manufacturer/dealer informed me that the issue cannot be repaired. I am concerned because this situation leaves me without a proper remedy for a known safety defect. I understand that under federal law, manufacturers are required to provide an effective repair, replacement, or refund for safety recalls. At this time, I have not received a satisfactory resolution that ensures my safety or complies with recall obligations. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this case and provide guidance or take appropriate action to ensure the manufacturer fulfills its responsibilities. Nov 17,2025 Manufacturer Recall NumberSC356 NHTSA Recall Number25V794 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary KIA AMERICA, INC. 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. Safety Risk A MELTED FUEL TANK CAN LEAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. Remedy 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 ARE MAILED JANUARY 16, 2026. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT [XXX] . KIA'S NUMBER FORTHIS RECALL IS SC356. Manufacturer's Notes SC356 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11735151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle experienced a failure directly related to a manufacturer recall involving fuel tank expansion. The incident occurred while the vehicle was in use during normal operation on a work trip approximately three hours away from home. This failure presents a serious safety concern due to the involvement of the fuel system, including the risk of fuel leakage, system failure, or potential fire hazard. The condition made the vehicle unsafe to operate and required immediate attention. The vehicle was taken to a dealership, where it was inspected and the issue was confirmed to be related to the recall. The dealership determined that the vehicle is a total loss and cannot be repaired. The failure has not been reproduced as the vehicle is no longer operable. The vehicle remains at the dealership and should be available for inspection upon request. UNKNOWN if warning lights or messages appeared prior to the failure. The issue occurred during normal driving conditions. The manufacturer has been notified and a case was opened; however, no resolution or response has been provided to date despite multiple attempts to follow up.
NHTSA complaint #11727242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RECALL CHECK AND THEY KEPT MY CAR AND SAID THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT
NHTSA complaint #11723082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Augustine, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
serious safety-related defects in my 2023 Kia K5 involving the fuel/emissions system &other vehicle components. From early ownership & throughout the lease period, the vehicle experienced repeated& unresolved issues including fuel system abnormalities, emissions failures, fuel odors, check engine light activation, abnormal noises, &performance concerns consistent with fuel pressure or fuel tank-related problems. I reported these issues multiple times to the dealership &to Kia Consumer Affairs beginning well within the first 24 months of the lease, continuing for over a year. Despite repeated complaints and service visits, the vehicle was repeatedly returned to me- deemed safe to drive, my concerns were ignored. In June 2024, the dealership identified fuel tank expansion, confirming the same safety concerns I had been reporting. In November 2025, Kia issued Safety Recall SC356 (NHTSA Recall No. 25V794), stating that a damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing expansion, contact with hot exhaust components, melting, and increased fire risk. My vehicle is included in this recall, which remains incomplete, &I was never notified while the defects were actively occurring. Prior to the recall and before the fuel tank expansion was diagnosed, I paid significant out-of-pocket costs in March and April 2024 for emissions-related repairs based on representations that the vehicle was safe to drive. This vehicle was intended as a graduation gift for a minor, & minors in my household regularly operated it. Kia’s continued assurances that the vehicle was safe, despite known and reported defects, placed my family, especially minors, at serious risk of injury or death. In addition to fuel/emissions issues, the vehicle had persistent seat defects and other unresolved problems that were never fully repaired. The manufacturer ultimately acknowledged the vehicle is irreparable. The recall confirms the safety concerns.I raised were valid and serious.in shop 600days
NHTSA complaint #11713381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Margae, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious fuel system defect involving my 2023 Kia GT-Line. The vehicle was subject to a manufacturer recall due to fuel tank expansion. Kia has acknowledged that the fuel tank expands beyond normal specifications, creating a potential safety hazard. As a result of this defect, Kia of America determined that the vehicle is not repairable and declared it a total loss. Kia has offered to buy back the vehicle and forgive the remaining loan balance, which confirms that the manufacturer considers the defect serious and unresolvable. A fuel tank expansion defect presents a significant safety concern, including the risk of fuel leaks, fuel system failure, inaccurate fuel readings, and potential fire hazards. This defect occurred under normal vehicle use and was not caused by misuse or modification. I am concerned that this defect affects other vehicles of the same model and year and may pose a broader public safety risk. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA is aware of the issue and can evaluate whether further investigation or action is warranted. Kia’s determination that the vehicle is a total loss due to a fuel system defect indicates that this is a serious safety-related issue rather than a minor inconvenience.
NHTSA complaint #11711208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding unresolved safety recalls affecting my Kia K5: Recall SC356 and Recall SC346. I have contacted my authorized Kia dealer multiple times over the past several months, yet no remedy has been provided. Most alarmingly, I was informed today that my recall “ticket” was closed without any repairs being completed, which is unacceptable. Recall SC356 involves a damaged fuel tank check valve that can allow air to enter the tank, causing it to expand and potentially contact hot exhaust components. This defect creates a serious fire hazard and poses a risk of injury, death, or property damage. Recall SC346 involves a supplier defect where the C-pillar garnish face plate may delaminate and detach from the vehicle. According to NHTSA (25V493), a detached face plate may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Warning signs include looseness, rattling, or wind noise. Both recalls represent clear safety risks, yet Kia and its dealer network have failed to provide a timely remedy or interim solution. Closing a recall case without performing mandated safety repairs is deeply concerning and exposes me and other road users to unnecessary danger. Due to the prolonged delay, repeated dealer contact, and continued exposure to known safety hazards, I am requesting: 1.Immediate reopening and escalation of my recall case 2.Prompt completion of all recall repairs or a clear timeline 3.Consideration of compensation or goodwill due to extended delay and safety risk
NHTSA complaint #11705129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10/25 I was traveling, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. 10/28 I was traveling on interstate, and my car sudden loss of power, while in traffic.. almost causing accident. This is ridiculous.. When I hit the gas sometimes, feels like it fluttering and jerking. I’ve reported multiple times over the years and this one having hesitation when driving this car. Manager drove it was concern, mechanic talking about it’s the way the car supposed to be.
NHTSA complaint #11696198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Bay, FL
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11682038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sand Springs, OK
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11678580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami Gardens, FL3 injured
UNKNOWN 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)
NHTSA complaint #11674710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CA
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11655970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnsboro, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Why is Kia Dealership are allowed to sale cars that have recalls. Knowing that they have recalls and are allowed to sale. why not fix the issues and then sale. Safety Concerns driving and have to kids in the back car 65mph and car shut down breaks don't work or accelerator used the emergency breaks had shut down the car. Took it to the dealership I been calling them status on my car with no information provided. Imaging being behind 18 wheeler my accelerator don't work. Parts for recalls are out stock so why keep cars in the dealership knowing they don't have parts to fix the issues.
NHTSA complaint #11612210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valrico, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Glacier white pearl paint is faulty. Chips and peals. Simply driving the car and getting rained on caused the paint to chip and peal.
NHTSA complaint #11593173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aubrey, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I noticed several internal markings like streaks on the left windshield. I presented this issue to KIA ASAP. KIA service managers examined the windshield and refused to acknowledge that it was internal, possibly due to a manufacturing defect from a containment during the manufacturing process from the windshield company. They do claim that they feel pits on the windshield, which was due to another dealership scraping the object to see if it was external or internal. KIA told me to file a claim with my auto insurance company and that it is not covered under warranty. I am concerned that the windshield integrity is compromised and a possible danger to someone hitting the windshield which could cause additional injuries from the safety glass deficiency.
NHTSA complaint #11541647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leominster, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Was driving on the highway at roughly about 70 MPH and all of a sudden heard a big explosion and found out my sunroof blew open with glass all over the back seat and inside of my car. Luckily no one was in the back seat, if there was, they would have been injured very badly.
NHTSA complaint #11530243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warwick, PACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was involved in a traffic accident on May 29 2023. I was hit on the passenger side sustaining $18,000 in damages. My side air bag never went off.
NHTSA complaint #11526279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jber, AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11517696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof exploded while driving on Lakeshore drive. I hear a loud boom and I almost crashed. I thought it was my tire or something else look up its my sunroof, I could have hit some one or hit something. It hasn't been inspected or anything as of yet it just happened at 6:30am. This is crazy because there was no warnings no cracks no anything. I ride with my sunroof cracked open every morning. so I don't understand.
NHTSA complaint #11516448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.