Recall NNK post-repair failure. Dealership: Kia of Valdosta (RO# XXX). After ECU update NNK-02-0118, my K5 suffered a severe loss of acceleration and torque. The car cannot safely merge on highways. The dealer’s own live scan data sheet proves that at 4,997 RPM under full load, the Turbo Recirculation (Dump) Valve reads "OFF". The factory tool key explicitly states (OFF = Open). The service manager is misreading the tool, claiming "OFF" means closed, and refuses to fix it. The boost gauge only rises under heavy floor acceleration, proving an uncalibrated boost leak. I have uploaded a photo of the technician's data sheet directly to the attachments and will also drop link to videos of my car in normal and sport mode. I have also opened Kia Corporate Case #XXX. I demand a corporate Regional Technical Manager review this data and authorize a Turbocharger Recirculation Valve (RCV) and Wastegate Adaptation Relearn at an alternate dealer...... 1. [XXX] 2. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On startup, the engine took about an extra second to fire. The starter cranked noticeably longer than normal before the car turned on. Shortly after, I pulled out and turned onto a street. When I pressed the accelerator, there was no response at all. No rev increase and no acceleration. The car would not pick up speed. I switched to manual shift mode to try to force a gear change. When I changed gears, it took a couple of seconds to respond each time, much slower than normal. I managed to coast/limp to a nearby gas station. I shut the car off and restarted it, and the problem cleared completely. The car has driven normally since.
NHTSA complaint #11742700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the driver-side turn signal became inoperable. The vehicle was shifting hard and/or not shifting at all. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle shut down. The turn signal and brake lights were illuminated. The contact stated there was a recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnosis of the signal light. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The BBB was contacted who filed a claim. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a hard shift after the car has been parked. Bought the car with 6 miles on it, now has 35,000. This issue is not new, we have had it into 2 different dealerships, and neither "were able to duplicate the issue". It is increasingly getting worse so it will be going back to the shop yet again.
NHTSA complaint #11737766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) in my Kia K5 GT (2.5T engine) has experienced a recurring internal electronic and mechanical fault. This is the third failure of this component. The failure causes the cooling system to malfunction, either by over-cooling or failing to cycle coolant once at operating temperature. Under acceleration—specifically when merging onto expressways—the vehicle suffers a sudden loss of power and enters 'limp mode' with a dashboard alert stating the engine is overheating. This creates an immediate safety hazard in high-speed traffic. When the fault occurs, the radiator fans lock at 100% duty cycle. This is a documented systemic issue with the Kia 2.5T powertrain (referenced by major automotive publications and multiple Technical Service Bulletins). Despite a prior Lemon Law settlement and an active 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the manufacturer refuses to acknowledge this as a powertrain or emissions defect, attempting to charge out-of-pocket for a component that prevents the vehicle from passing state emissions and safety inspections."This was also cited in a 2023 issue of car and driver magazine long-term test with The Kia Sorento that shares the same engine and transmission combination This is a third time that part has failed for me with others had to replace that part over seven times The first time it happened it was at 8,000 mi it did not get fixed until 30,000 mi The second time it happened was at 51,000 mi The third time 75,000 mi
NHTSA complaint #11737476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the failure cause was unidentifiable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11736397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the highway and my check engine light came on. I pulled over and it told it was from engine control system. I had a computer connected to it and it came back the idle control system rpm higher than expected.
NHTSA complaint #11736237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line has had a recurring check engine light fault (P0471 — exhaust pressure sensor circuit) since approximately 9,874 miles in September 2022. The vehicle has been brought to the servicing Kia dealer a minimum of five times for this same fault across nearly 65,000 miles. It has never been permanently resolved. Most critically: dealer repair records from May 2025 (56,501 miles) confirm a technician identified fault code P047100, noted it as a history code, cleared it, test drove the vehicle, and returned it without performing any repair and without informing me. Ten months later, the same dealer presented this identical fault as a $1,121.07 customer-pay repair on a vehicle under active 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The repair was only approved after I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs directly — the dealer had not contacted them despite claiming otherwise. The February 2026 repair failed within 15 minutes of pickup. I made five documented phone calls to the dealer over 33 days reporting the failure. No action was taken. The April 2026 repair — sensor and hose replacement — failed within one hour of pickup on April 1, 2026. Of additional concern: Recall SC288/SC288A (Fuel Tank Inspection and ECM Re-Update) was performed on this vehicle twice — July 2024 and August 2025. The ECM governs the exhaust pressure sensor circuit. The P0471 fault first appeared in dealer records between these two recall dates and has persisted through both completions. CARFAX confirms the April 2026 repair involved the engine/powertrain computer module. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether SC288/SC288A is connected to recurring P0471 faults in 2022 Kia K5 vehicles. Kia Consumer Affairs Case escalated April 2, 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11728917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STATEMENT OF FACTS: I presented my Kia K5 for two safety recalls (SC356 and SC263) with an active Check Engine Light for code P047100 (Exhaust Pressure Sensor). I informed the service advisor, Aliyah, that this code is a symptomatic secondary fault of the pressure irregularities addressed in Recall SC356, which explicitly lists an "Illuminated Check Engine Light" (MIL) as a primary warning sign. The dealership dismissed my technical assessment—which was backed by advanced AI data analysis. After the software update was performed, the advisor claimed the code remained "active," thereby "proving" it was unrelated to the recall. Based on this, I was charged a $248 diagnostic fee and told I needed a $534.02 out-of-pocket hardware repair for a "physically failing" differential pressure sensor that was allegedly reading 2 HPA against a spec of 23.09 HPA. EVIDENCE OF ERROR: Upon taking delivery of the vehicle, the Check Engine Light was completely extinguished. If the light were truly "still active" after the update, as I was told to justify the fee, the fault would have been present at pickup. Since then, I have driven over 120 miles (including multiple cold-start drive cycles between [XXX] and my place of work) with a 100% clear dashboard. My XXX App confirms the XXX fault is resolved, while the recalls remain "Open" administratively. REGULATORY VIOLATION: Under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301, a manufacturer must remedy a safety defect without charge. A software "Logic Update" cannot physically repair a broken pressure sensor. The fact that the fault disappeared immediately following the update proves the sensor was functional and the fault was caused by the recall defect. By misdiagnosing a recall symptom as a non-covered hardware failure, the dealer effectively charged me for a federal safety repair. I request an investigation into these "diagnostic gatekeeping" practices and a full refund of the $248.00 fee. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11728595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2022 Kia K5 LXS, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost acceleration. The check-engine light came on, showing code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). The issue caused unsafe driving conditions, especially with my child in the car. Kia Roseville incorrectly documented the repair, while Kia Folsom later confirmed the issue was engine-related. The vehicle has also been subject to fuel tank expansion concerns under recalls SC288 and SC288A, which can create additional fire risk and pressure issues. Despite repairs, I still experience safety fears and severe loss of vehicle value due to these recurring defects and poor documentation. Kia America has not provided a resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11695160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the engine revved and the gears in the transmission unexpectedly failed. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Due to the safety concerns, the vehicle was no longer driven and remained parked at the residence. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11693378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The K5 - as soon as I began driving it at 0 miles, I noticed it shifted at lower speeds extremely hard. Head-jerking hard during the first drive of each day at speeds below 25mph. Once the vehicle warmed up, the problem would go away and wouldn't appear until the next day - after the vehicle cooled down completely. I thought, maybe there was a break-in period. So I drove it for about 250 total miles. At that point, I made a service call and brought it into the dealership. I left it overnight. Explained all of the symptoms. The next day, one of your service advisors test drove the vehicle. I was called and told they were unable to reproduce the problem and that I could come pick up the car. I was told by your service advisor that the problem "could be rats or rodents in my garage". I was greatly taken back by that suggestion because I live in an upscale neighborhood, with a highly secured finished garage and have never had any rodent problems. I mentioned that to the service advisor, and she said "You'd be surprised how many people tell us they don't and we find out they had a rodent in their garage". I couldn't believe I was having a conversation of such sorts. I laughed it off and took the vehicle home, quite disgusted that it was suggested that this hard shifting might be "My problem because of rodents". I explained this to [XXX] that evening and couldn't believe that was even brought up given the situation. The very next day, the vehicle did the same thing at about 20 to 25 mph, and extremely hard, head-jerking shift on the first drive of the day. I have now driven the vehicle 3000 miles since new. I have tried driving in several different driving "modes". I've tried, Sport, My Drive, and others, but it doesn't seem to help. Every time I get in my car at O'hare after flying a trip, I look forward to driving a brand new car home, but left extremely disappointed when I drive away from the employee lot only to have an extremely hard, head-jerking shift for the first INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM O
NHTSA complaint #11691491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at about 70 MPH the right rear tire locked up temporarily causing loss of control of the vehicle. Luckily there were not other cars around as the car was in 3 lanes prior to coming to a complete stop. If this happened in traffic it could have caused a significant accident. There were no warning lamps on dash before or after the incident. After inspecting vehicle on side of road I could not see any issues. Drove about 15 yards and heard a grinding noise. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Dealership has inspected vehicle and advised it was caused by a failed awd coupler. The repair will be covered by warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11689946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission has extremely hard shifting if vehicle sits for more than 24 hours. After the vehicle is parked, inside garage, or outside, the first drive of the day has an extremely hard shift of the transmission on the first shifting of the day. The shift it so hard, it jerks the entire car and jolts me in my seat. The remainder of the drive and day, the hard shifting does not occur. Took the vehicle into dealership where purchased at 1000 miles and left it with them for 2 full days. Unsurprisingly, they said they were, "Unable to reproduce". The next day, the vehicle had the exact same problem. I have close to 3000 miles on the vehicle and the transmission continues to do the exact same thing every time I drive it. It is terrible for a brand new car. It doesn't matter which "Drive mode" the vehicle is in. The dealership also tried to reset the ECM. But no luck. My neck and back have been sore from the hard shift events too.
NHTSA complaint #11684946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving the car started to have the sensors for the adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency breaking, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, and rear cross traffic warning all came on. The rpm starting going crazy the car was shaking and struggling to start, the car was shifting weird causing the acceleration to be poor. This all happened while driving if we were on a busy road we would’ve gotten hit the car randomly started breaking and slowing down, this is dangerously and could cause serious injury and damages to the vehicle and others around it. This is a problem a lot of people have been complaining about and need to be fixed it’s not okay or safe to be driving a car with these issues especially when there is no warning it just breaks and shuts down no matter where you are or how fast you may be going.
NHTSA complaint #11671366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A silver piller price of trim flew off on the highway in the rear. A lot of Kia k5 owners have experienced this and it could fly off and hit someone on the highway. Transmission is super jerky and can sometimes lose power I’ve also known a lot of people that have similar issues with the kind of transmission in the k5 GT 2022
NHTSA complaint #11670383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11664652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, while the transmission was shifting gear, the vehicle started sputtering and jerking. The contact stated that the failure occurred while shifting from 1st gear to 2nd gear, and from 2nd gear to 3rd gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with an erratic gear shift with a grinding sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11663031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop at the red traffic light, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that upon shifting to park(P) and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11662538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.