The first time the collision warning lights and sounds came on when I was parked but had my engine on in the morning of 7/21/2026. The second time was when I was merging on a busy highway with cars going 65+mph... There were no cars around me, but the collision warning said crash, the sounds came on, and my brakes went into effect. I pulled off the road, and now I am terrified to drive my car. I called KIA and told them this. They sent out a tow. They had my car and told me that the computer on my car did not register any issues for both times this happened. Someone is taking my car home tonight and going on the same highway to see if it happens again.
NHTSA complaint #11752288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia K5 and the unacceptable experience I have had following a dangerous brake system failure. On Wednesday June 24th, while driving on Route 22 in New Jersey, my vehicle's brakes suddenly became extremely hard, making it incredibly difficult to stop. There were no lights on indicating an issue, neither any concerning sounds prior to this incident. I came dangerously close to being involved in an accident and was left extremely shaken. The situation was serious enough that my father had to come retrieve both me and my vehicle because I no longer felt safe driving it. I brought my vehicle to the Kia dealership on Friday, where I was informed that the repair would cost over $1,000. I find this extremely concerning given that Kia has previously recalled brake system components on other models for similar issues. While I understand my vehicle may not currently be included in that recall, a brake system failure on a 2023 vehicle is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about safety and product reliability. To make matters worse, I never even received a phone call from the service department to explain what was wrong with my vehicle or discuss the recommended repairs. Instead, I received nothing more than a text message with a link to a video. The first words I heard were, "Your brakes are really bad." For a customer who had just experienced a frightening brake failure that nearly resulted in an accident, I expected the courtesy of a direct phone call to explain the diagnosis, answer my questions, and discuss my options. Receiving only a video link felt impersonal and dismissive given the seriousness of the situation. After repeated back and forth with Kia corporate over the span of two weeks they determined that the repairs are on me, and I was offered nothing, even though this issue was of no fault of my own.
NHTSA complaint #11749430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After coming to a stop brake pedal slowly sinks to floor. First noticed around 40,000 miles, inspected by team kia el cajon at 41,500 miles. Not dash lights associated. Brakes losing pressure is a major safety issue. Kia dealership had car over 30 days replaced brake master cylinder, booster and abs unit. Returned vehicle with same issue claimed normal operation.
NHTSA complaint #11746884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a documented and unresolved brake system safety issue on my 2024 Kia K5 involving repeated premature brake pad wear and rotor damage. The vehicle has required three full brake pad and rotor replacements by approximately 40,000 miles, with each set lasting less than 15,000 miles. Service records consistently document uneven wear on the front brakes, particularly the outer pads, with up to a 4 mm difference between sides. This has resulted in one side reaching metal-to-metal contact while the opposing side retained usable material. This pattern has repeated across multiple brake replacements. This condition creates a braking imbalance that affects vehicle control. The vehicle exhibits pulling under braking and changes in steering alignment, indicating uneven braking force across the front axle. Braking performance can degrade rapidly, transitioning from normal operation to reduced stopping effectiveness without sufficient warning. Despite these documented conditions, the dealership and manufacturer, including escalation through Kia customer care and technical support, have been unable to identify a root cause. The condition has been classified as “within normal range,” and warranty coverage has been denied. The vehicle has been returned to service multiple times without corrective action. It has been acknowledged that the wear pattern is not typical, yet no defect has been identified. This creates a contradiction and uncertainty regarding the vehicle’s ability to safely perform under normal operating conditions. Due to rapid wear progression and lack of warning before significant degradation, there is limited opportunity to service the vehicle before braking performance is affected. This results in continued operation with a recurring braking imbalance. I request this be reviewed as a safety defect due to repeated loss of braking consistency, impact on vehicle control, and increased risk of reduced stopping performance or crash.
NHTSA complaint #11732881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 KIA K5
at 27,000 milesOrlando, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign exiting a parking lot, as the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop for a commercial truck stopped at the exit, the "collision warning" illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal went soft and depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that he crashed into the rear of the truck. The contact stated that there was a slight dent in the metal frame of the truck. The contact stated that his vehicle's front grill and both headlight housings were crushed. The contact stated that the hood was crumpled back towards the windshield, and the radiator was punctured and crushed. The contact stated that the police were called and filed a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact had called his insurance provider. The contact stated that he was later driven to the ER by a friend due to neck pain and headaches. The contact stated that he was diagnosed with neck strain and no other injuries. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
NHTSA complaint #11714430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The kia since bought brand new would have alignment issues even after getting alignments every 3-4 months and the dealership claim that they don’t whats causing constant misalignment after seeing theres no signs of external damage. Due to the misalignment it wears down the tires and made one of my tires explode on the road. Also the door seal on the driver side gets a chunk ripped out from just opening and closing the door over time. Also the breaks, whenever I break from speeding to slow down the speed the steering wheel shakes as well
NHTSA complaint #11706162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I noticed my car jerking from a stopped position a few months back it wasn’t consistent but it happened I figured it was just a powerful motor however last on October 7th I was driving down the street to go to the dealership and my car lost power I had to pull over my son was panicking he’s just little and I sat there and luckily it started after a few minutes and I went to the dealership and they blew me off saying it has electrical issues. WELL I went to Oreillys and they tested my battery it was good but only getting 10 % charge to it which he said was odd so he said to try and drive it some and come back he wlll see where it’s at. I did that and he said oh wow you’re back up to 100%! Well that was the 7th now last night I’m driving around Tallmadge ave and BOOM everything lit up I lost power steering my lights shut off completely and it was close to midnight! It was insane I am luckily a very good driver because I almost went right off the road!
NHTSA complaint #11694231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake pump failure caused the exhaust camshaft to break on the engine rendering the car inoperable. Engine replacement will cost over 8000 quoted by dealership. Car has check engine lights on the dash. We were advised by the mechanic at the dealership, they have had problems with the k5s with this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11672599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake Rotors from factory warp very early, noticable in under 30k miles. Warped rotors makes braking harsh, makes the brakes not work as well ans steering wheel jolt when braking making it dangerous. Was diagnosed by myself and other K5 drivers who took their cars to dealerships and mechanics. No warning lamps or anything, just very rough braking. Happened to me around 24,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11648432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Please review Kia Costumer Care case number [XXX] date 2/20/2025 @ 4pm New York time. Brake pads worn out ,easily broken and rusty. ??? Kia Company material defect or car dealership scam. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11643987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For breaks: at 20k miles the steering wheel shakes like crazy when braking, and also the pedals: the rotors are very cheap for being a 0-mile purchase vehicle and Kia does not replace this under warranty. I saw a forum that this is an issue for all owners of this Kia K5 and Kia doesn't care and does not replace them. For Electrical issue: the fuse box melted a couple fuse because I used my rear defrost system. Kia extended the warranty for the HVAC motor fan only because was burning the fuses, but they did not wanted to replace my issue with the rear defrost because I was above 60k for only 1000 miles. This is a poor-quality system, Kia does not recognize it. This is a safety issue because 1. There is an electrical issue with a melted fuse box. Im driving around a car like this with 2 kids. 2. I don't have rear defrost working and I live in Chicago (wild winter). They want to charge +$6000 to repair the fuse box.
NHTSA complaint #11629536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on my way home from work my , brakes became extremely hard to press down on and then my service engine light came on this all occurred on 7/31/2024. So the very next day I took my vehicle to a Kia dealership which was 8/1/ 2024 to find out what was causing this to happen. The technician stated that they would have to put it on a machine and run a diagnostic on it. I asked the technician while they were doing that to change the oil. I also realized that the oil light for my vehicle has NEVER came on since I purchased the car. So the technician did the diagnostic and stated that my vacuum pump had went out but he couldn’t tell me why or how this had happened. I then took the vehicle to my parents house and left it there in the garage for a few weeks to have second opinion done. I then took it to another Kia dealership and they stated there was no vacuum to the brake booster and said there was a broken camshaft and metal pieces were in the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. Again I asked what caused all of this and no one could give me an answer. I had only had the car a 1 1/2 years and don’t understand what caused all of this and I now have a car that I can no longer drive.
NHTSA complaint #11617124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Rotors warp after only a few months. I’ve replaced them multiple times since I got my vehicle 2 1/2yrs ago. Steering wheel will shake really bad while braking and that’s how I know I need new rotors again. Many people with this year/make/model have had the same issue. It’s definitely a safety issue that needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11602951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 Kia K5 GT, 8300 miles. Took car for 1st oil change and dealer said front brake pads and rotors need replaced. $800. The car is driven to school and home. How is this possible? Brakes should not be worn out this fast! Does this mean every oil change appointment will be $800 to replace brakes again. Reading forums this is a common issue for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11574573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased the vehicle on 01/08/2024, less than 14 days later, the brake booster needs repair; it’s currently making a hissing now as the air is leaking out and as a result, my brakes are not working properly.
NHTSA complaint #11566486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle is a 2021 Kia K5 GT (2.5L-T), mechanically identical to Hyundai Sonata N-Line (2.5L-T). My car has 24000 miles on it and I have replaced the rotors on my car five times now due to premature warping. KIA OEM rotors, R1 Concepts, Brakenetic Rotors, all have warped. This issue is discussed amongst GT and N-Line owners heavily in the forums stating how the OEM Brake system has some sort of issue that causes premature rotor warp. Some have even resorted to changing their brake system to a old model Cadillac CTS-V system because of how crap these brakes are. Again after less than 2 months with new rotors, they have warped yet again.
NHTSA complaint #11550888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The back rotors (part #:58411L0000) needed to be replaced due to warping which caused the vehicle to rapidly shake at high speeds and when slowing down. I tried contacting the dealership in regards to getting my old rotors or a manufacturer name and number and they were unable to fulfill that request. If my rear brakes failed at any point in time then that is putting myself, any passengers in my car, and others around me at danger. Stopping is a huge safety component of any vehicle. Yes, my problem was confirmed by the dealership I got my car from, which in turn they tried to blame me for the problem. It was only inspected by the dealership I got my car from. The only indication/warning I got was when I started to brake or drive on the highway, I knew that there was an issue since I do not think it is right for a brand new <20,000 mile vehicle should be shaking the way mine was before repair. I got my vehicle serviced and repaired on 05/27/23 and noticed the issue a week prior. Called and scheduled an appointment immediately.
NHTSA complaint #11527140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.