SERVICE BRAKES07/09/2026
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.
STRUCTURE06/26/2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the front splash guard had detached from the vehicle following a night of driving in the rain. The contact stated that the failure had occurred without impact. Upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under warranty and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The failure mileage was 54,269.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM06/01/2026
I DROPPED OFF MY CAR AT THE COVINA KIA DEALERSHIP EXPLAINING THE RECALL AND THE ISSUES I NOTICE SUCH AS A BULGE IN THE VERTICAL PORTION OF THE SEAT NEAR WHERE THE CALVES TOUCH. THE SEAT ALSO FEELS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR. THEY SAID THERE IS A 3 BUSINESS DAY WAIT TO EVEN BE DIAGNOSED AND DID NOT ALLOW A RENTAL CAR. I HAD TO FIGURE OUT TRANSPORTATION. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN UPDATE ON THE STATUS VIA THE LINK OR FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND IT IS THE END OF DAY 2. I TRIED CALLING BUT THERE IS AN AI MENU THAT I CANNOT GET PAST. I GOT NOTIFICATIONS TODAY FROM THE KIA APP THAT MY DOORS WERE UNLOCKED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE SPAN OF 30 MINUTES AND LEFT UNLOCKED AFTER THAT. I DONT SEE AN UPDATE ON THE SERVICE REPORT LINK AND I RECEIVED NO CALL. THE RECALL HAS ALSO BEEN WIPED FROM MY VIN WITH NO UPDATE.
SEATS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM05/19/2026
Shortly after refueling, I experienced a serious and sudden vehicle safety-related malfunction involving suspected fuel tank expansion. The event coincided with abnormal fuel behavior and an unexpected structural issue in the rear cabin area, where the rear seat assembly displaced upward without any passenger interaction or impact. The vehicle was inspected at Kia Archer, where I was informed it was unsafe to operate and required escalation to Kia corporate for review. I was advised the issue may involve a fuel system defect consistent with tank expansion potentially affecting surrounding structural or mounting components. Since that inspection, I have made repeated attempts to obtain clarification, safety guidance, and a technical explanation of the failure. These requests have not been meaningfully addressed. Communication from Kia corporate has been limited, delayed, or non-responsive. Instead of receiving a clear diagnostic explanation, repair plan, or safety directive, I was provided a buyback offer without supporting technical documentation, including no defect analysis, no engineering explanation, and no clear justification of valuation. I have also been presented with time-sensitive pressure to sign the buyback agreement despite the absence of disclosed safety findings or complete information regarding the defect. At this time: * The vehicle has been deemed unsafe by a dealership technician * A suspected fuel system defect involving tank expansion has been identified but not explained or resolved * There is concern of associated structural or mounting stress affecting interior components * Manufacturer communication has been insufficient and non-responsive following escalation * A buyback has been offered without transparent technical findings or defect disclosure * There is perceived pressure to accept terms without adequate time or information This was a huge safety risk to myself and any passengers I’ve had in my vehicle.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM05/19/2026
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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM05/14/2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect involving my Kia K5 and the subsequent handling of this matter by Kia America. My vehicle was subject to a voluntary recall and was inspected by an authorized Kia dealership. During inspection, I was informed the vehicle has a defective fuel tank system that allowed air intrusion, resulting in abnormal pressure and structural impact to the vehicle. I was further advised by dealership personnel this condition created a risk the vehicle could catch fire or explode while being operated. As a result, the dealership retained possession of my vehicle and deemed it unsafe to drive. I have been without use of my vehicle and Kia has provided a rental car. For approximately eighteen (18) months prior to this discovery, I unknowingly operated this vehicle under these conditions. During that time, my minor child was a regular passenger in the rear seating area of the vehicle. My child has experienced ongoing neurological symptoms, including persistent headaches over a period of several months, which have required medical evaluation. While no definitive cause has yet been determined, the possibility of prolonged exposure to fuel vapors within the vehicle is a serious concern. In addition to the safety risk, I have incurred substantial financial losses, including: Monthly payments totaling approximately $10,170 Down payment $1,000 Maintenence $1,800 Insurance costs totaling approximately $7,500 Despite the severity of the defect and the fact the vehicle cannot be repaired or returned to me, Kia America has only offered resolution options that: Do not fully reimburse my financial losses In some cases require me to pay out-of-pocket to resolve the issue Do not account for the significant safety risks involved Furthermore, Kia America has imposed a deadline for acceptance of these inadequate offers and has stated that if I do not accept, they will: Discontinue providing a rental vehicle Return the unsafe vehicle to me
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM05/11/2026
On April 8th my car was taken to the dealership for repair on a hose. When the dealership did a diagnostic on the vehicle it had 4 safety recalls. And my car had a major recall the fuel pump on my car expanded and it was very dangerous for me and my kids to drive the vehicle per Kia they say it could have blown up. My car can not be released to me and I’m without a vehicle. On the night of April 7th my Kia k5 ran hot without any warning lamps and the thermostat radar in the car did not indicate hot at all!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM05/01/2026
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)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE04/22/2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that after fully refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); and the VIN was included in the recall. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE04/09/2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel odor inside the vehicle. Occasionally, the low fuel warning light was illuminated. While attempting to refuel the vehicle, gasoline was not entering the fuel tank as intended. The fuel odor inside the vehicle grew stronger. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was severe. The contact was informed that, due to the severity of the failure, the vehicle could not be released to the contact. The contact was informed that the fuel tank had expanded severely and that the expanded fuel tank had shifted the frame of the vehicle. The contact was provided with a loaner vehicle. The contact stated that the contact's [XXX] son had been complaining about headaches for several months. In addition, the contact stated that the contact's son's normal seating space was the rear seat. The contact's son was receiving continued treatment from a neurologist for the unexplained, consistent headaches. In addition, the contact was being treated by primary care for unexplained headaches and other illnesses. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the request for a buy-back was required. The contact was informed that the vehicle would not be released due to the safety hazard. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER03/26/2026
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.
SEATS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM03/20/2026
On March 9, 2026, I brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership in Alexandria, Virginia after experiencing a loud thump noise from the rear of the vehicle while stopped at a red light. (3/08/2026) Immediately following the incident, I smelled gasoline, noticed a significant drop in fuel economy, and heard persistent road noise as if a window were open. I explained these concerns in detail to the service advisor and specifically stated my belief that the fuel tank may have expanded. I was informed that this was not related to any recall. After approximately two hours, my vehicle was returned to me without resolution. The symptoms persisted, including the smell of gasoline, which poses a clear safety risk. A few days later, I took my vehicle to a second Kia dealership for further inspection related to Recall SC356. At that time, I was informed that my initial concern was correct—the fuel tank had in fact expanded. I was initially told the repair would take 3–4 days due to parts ordering. However, I was subsequently contacted and instructed not to retrieve my vehicle, as Kia is now pursuing a buyback. While I understand the seriousness of the issue, I am currently without a vehicle, and I have not been provided with a rental or loaner. Given that this issue is tied to a safety-related recall and that my vehicle is unsafe to operate due to the presence of fuel odor, this situation is both unreasonable and unacceptable. They have yet to send me any reports from the second Kia dealership in which I had taken it on 3/14/2026 I was only told over the phone via a service advisor named India that I was correct in suspecting the fuel tank had expanded causing the gasoline fumes and road noise
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