2026 KIA K5
1 recalls, 18 complaints - 5/5 safety rating
26V046000 Jan 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Defect Description
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As suc... Read more
Consequence
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbe... Read more
Complaint Statistics
18 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 4 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
| POWER TRAIN | 3 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 1 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| AIR BAGS | 1 |
AIR BAGS
Aug 11, 2026
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
When there is a seat belt fault, it disables the airbags from going off, even though the seat belts are all engaged
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
As soon as the vehicle turns on, the vehicle alerts "service charging system. vehicle may stall". Vehicle has under 5000 miles and is new.
POWER TRAIN
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of... Read more
ENGINE
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of... Read more
ENGINE
May 24, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The vehicle exhibits two distinct and dangerous behaviors: 1. Engine stalling upon deceleration: When slowing to a stop, the engine stalls abruptly before the vehicle comes to a complete stop, causing a sudden, unexpected deceleration that throws occupants forward with significant force. 2. Uninte... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 24, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
This is an ongoing issue. The panel lights and indicators associated with climate control setting module (in front of/below) the dash are very dim. In normal to bright daylight it can be impossible to see. As a result drivers have to take their eyes off the road and bend down a little to see what t... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 24, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
This is an ongoing issue. The panel lights and indicators associated with climate control setting module (in front of/below) the dash are very dim. In normal to bright daylight it can be impossible to see. As a result drivers have to take their eyes off the road and bend down a little to see what t... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Apr 13, 2026
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Our 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Hybrid, which was purchased brand new in Massachusetts in 2024 has been rattling at the passenger side B-pillar since [XXX] and has been in the dealership now 5 times for repairs and 16 service days. They have found that the vehicle is missing spot welds from point ... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Apr 13, 2026
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The "Hill Start Assist" function does not behave as-stated in the owner's manual and I believe the way it's implemented is a potential safety issue. The manual states: "To start driving, take your foot off the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal immediately. The brakes will release graduall... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 12, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Glendale Dodge (CA) is actively using Federal Fire Risk Recall 68C to fraudulently conceal a separate, critical High-Voltage hardware failure on my 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Upon intake, my vehicle’s internal VIP diagnostic scan showed an active P0E15 code (Electric Coolant Heater Failure). Per Stel... Read more
ENGINE
Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
Vehicle is only 4 years old. Engine light came on. I used my Fixd code reader to diagnose. It mentioned several sensors which I replace cam shaft sensor. Intake sensor. Crank shay sensor. All were replaced, engine light came back on after each replacement. I took it to dealership for service and di... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
I purchased a brand new GLC 300 on May 25, 2023. By June 2, 2023 I was already stranded due to a 12V battery electrical system failure. Since then I have been stranded 8 total times and the vehicle has been in the service department 14+ times for repeated electrical issues (8 of those visits were re... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The sound in my entire truck goes in and out. Even my blinker signal does not make sound and I have to look down to ensure my blinker is on which could lead to an accident.
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The chest clip fails to connect. My child just unclips it himself because the magnet does not work. The magnet doesn’t set and is stuck so the chest clip doesn’t secure and just hangs open as soon as the child moves in the seat. Even though it looks like it’s buckled it is not and I could not ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the battery was completely drained. The contact stated that the hood plastic scoop was leaking onto the felt heat protector, and the engine was wet whenever it rained. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to th... Read more
ENGINE
Mar 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Low oil engine warning. Oil level is okay. Car has 80 miles on it, total.
POWER TRAIN
Jan 19, 2026
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
We bought the truck new 2018 and started having trans issues and leaf springs popping. So, we took back to dealership and all they did was change fluid in trans and pump grease in-between leaf springs. I did get them to finally change passenger side leaf spring out, but that does no good when leaf s... Read more
SEAT BELTS
Dec 4, 2025
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
So I bought this 2020 ford escape at 1100 miles. It was used as a dealership loaner vehicle until I bought it which put its 5 year at 11/19/2025, although I purchased it 12/2+/2020. Which h doesn't make sense. I'm slightly over the 60k/5 yr safety warranty because of it being a loaner vehicle first.... Read more
NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2026 KIA K5
2026 KIA K5 4 DR N/A AWD
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Frontal Crash | 4 / 5 ★★★★☆ |
| Frontal Crash, Driver | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Frontal Crash, Passenger | 4 / 5 ★★★★☆ |
| Side Crash | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Side Crash, Driver | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Side Crash, Passenger | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★★★★☆ |
| Rollover Risk | 10.7% |
Safety Technology
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control | Standard |
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
EPA Fuel Economy, 2026 KIA K5
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive) | 25.0 | 36.0 | 29.0 | Regular | $2,100 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S8) (Front-Wheel Drive) | 23.0 | 33.0 | 27.0 | Regular | $2,300 |
CO2 Emissions: 310.0 g/mile (Large Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
KIA K5 - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the KIA K5 across all model years (2021, 2026).
20
Total Recalls
766
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
42
Reported Crashes
19
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths