Common Problems for the 2021-2025 Kia K5
The Kia K5, introduced as the successor to the Optima, offers a sleek design and modern technology, but owners from 2021–2025 have reported recurring issues. These span from infotainment glitches and electrical failures to mechanical concerns like transmission faults, brake wear, and engine problems.
Common Problems Across 2021-2025 Kia K5 Models
Technology & Electrical
- Infotainment system: Freezing, blank screens, unresponsive head unit, and frequent loss of wireless CarPlay/phone connection.
- Dashboard warning lights: False or erratic warnings for tire pressure (TPMS), headlights, and speedometer.
- Headlights & sensors: Faulty or misaligned headlights, and failing sensors.
- Electrical shutdowns (later years): Sudden blackouts of lights, screens, or dashboards (2024–2025).
Mechanical & Safety
- Engine & transmission: Loss of power, rough shifting, acceleration lag, engine bay noises, stalling, misfires, and in 2025, oil consumption.
- Brakes: Premature brake pad/rotor wear, squeaking, and warping.
- Cooling system: Strong coolant smell due to antifreeze vapor leaks.
- Airbags: Reports of airbags failing to deploy in crashes, leading to recalls.
- Suspension: Stiff ride quality across all years, especially harsh on uneven roads.
Other Concerns
- Tires: OEM tires wear out quickly, with some rubbing against fenders causing damage.
- Exterior trim/paint: Roof trim detaching (2021–2023), chrome trim falling off (2024–2025), paint chipping (2023–2025).
- Interior & comfort: Uncomfortable seats, inconsistent driving position (2024–2025), and limited adjustments.
Kia K5 Problems by Model Year
2021 Kia K5
- Transmission oil pump recall (loss of drive power).
- Engine misfires and occasional stalling.
- Premature brake wear and warped rotors.
- Infotainment glitches (freezing, screen issues).
- Roof trim detachment reports.
2022 Kia K5
- Engine power loss and rough shifting.
- Airbags failing to deploy → recall for side curtain airbags.
- Fuel leak recall.
- Transmission failures.
- Common complaints: squeaky brakes, infotainment issues.
2023 Kia K5
- Continued transmission oil pump recall (shared with 2021–2022).
- Paint chipping issues.
- Roof trim detachment.
- Acceleration lag from rolling starts.
- Tire wear and performance concerns.
2024 Kia K5
- Electrical glitches: dashboard malfunctions, component failures requiring wiring replacement.
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) overly aggressive and inconsistent.
- Chrome trim detaching above rear doors.
- Brake problems (rotor replacement needed early).
- Air conditioning failures (AC belt/complete failure).
- Turbo engine hesitation at higher RPMs (isolated cases).
2025 Kia K5
- Engine oil consumption (frequent top-offs needed).
- Electrical shutdowns: loss of lights, audio, and screens while driving.
- Transmission rough shifting, bucking, and instability.
- Suspension harshness persists.
- Paint quality issues and chrome trim complaints continue.
Is Your Kia K5 a Lemon?
If your Kia K5 has required multiple repairs under warranty for any of these issues, it may qualify as a lemon. Lemon Laws can support you in seeking compensation or a replacement if defects persist.
Contact Our Texas Lemon Law Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Contact us for a free consultation. Our lemon law experts will help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
