2022 Kia K5 Powertrain (other) Problems

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 ID

11737476

Incident

May 4, 2026

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 ID

11736237

Incident

May 6, 2026

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 ID

11728917

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

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 ID

11728595

Incident

Mar 31, 2026

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 ID

11695160

Incident

Apr 25, 2024

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 ID

11671366

Incident

Jul 5, 2025

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 ID

11670383

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

The vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related issues, including erratic shifting, delayed response, slippage, and sudden loss of power while driving. These symptoms significantly impact drivability and pose a safety risk, especially when accelerating or merging in traffic. The issue was previously addressed by the dealership under a recall repair. However, the same transmission behavior has returned approximately 3–4 months after the repair. The dealership performed repairs multiple times before, and the symptoms have now recurred. The problem has been confirmed by the authorized dealership and is scheduled for another inspection. There have been warning symptoms such as hesitation during gear shifts and intermittent power dips while in motion, which began reappearing recently. The component remains available for inspection. Given the repeat nature of the issue following an official recall, I believe this may be part of a broader unresolved defect in the vehicle’s transmission system. The issue initially reappeared briefly after the recall repair, then subsided. However, it returned more consistently and noticeably after a couple of months, and is now ongoing.

NHTSA ID

11656652

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

My 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line was involved in a hit and run accident while my vehicle was unattended and legally parked on the street. The repairs for this vehicle were $11,500+ The entirety of the left side of the car was mauled. Very key integral parts were involved and I have had alignment issues, A/C and heating issues, electrical problems including safety features (lane change, etc) and heavy suspension damage. It took almost 5 months to fix everything on my car insurance company/shop; mostly using aftermarket parts to save money. Loved the “State of condition must be repaired to a pre-accident condition” yet the insurance gets away with using after market parts! As of, 08/29/2024, my vehicle is currently at the Kia dealership for o2 sensor recall, as well as my melted blower motor, melted a/c wiring harness kit, foul stench coming from A/C vents when recirculating switched into fresh air mode. The smell is foul and causing upper respiratory issues for me. The seat has become toxic smelling from mildew/rust. I’ve been trying to address all of the above issues. The shop believes once they fix the A/C blower motor/wiring harness they can try to diagnose the fumes coming from the vents. Most of the repairs are on back order and without a date (2weeks-2months+) I am without a vehicle for my job and my insurance doesn’t cover rental reimbursement.

NHTSA ID

11614726

Incident

Nov 1, 2022

TRYING TO PASS A TRUCK THAT WAS TRAVELING SLOWLY, I ACCELLERATED AND LOST POWER. I TRIED AGAIN AND SAME THING. THIS IS INDEED A TRAFIC HAZARD. I NOTICED THAT THE RPM RAISED, BUT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER.

NHTSA ID

11605780

Incident

Jul 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ID

11603476

Incident

Jul 3, 2024

Mileage

31,000 mi

The Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) failed/ malfunctioned. Available for inspection. My car completely lost power on the interstate and it was 70 mph speed limit, I had a semi behind me. I’m taking to the dealer when I’m off in 3 to 4 weeks. Problem has been reported by other owners, as well as Hyundai Sonata N-Lines. Also video evidence. Not been inspected yet, but that’s the problem. No warning lights. Could see the temp gauge moving up when I accelerated. Problem happened when it was cold outside, popped the hood and engine wasn’t overheated at all, ITMS failed.

NHTSA ID

11541070

Incident

Aug 26, 2023

Within 2 months of buying the car, it has stalled in traffic twice with engine revving. During the first time, it was unnoticeable until my car did not react when pushing the gas pedal. The car stayed at a stop until I restarted it twice. Kia dealership was informed, however, they could not find an issue or code. Recently, the second time was different and more scary. It stalled once again and as soon as I noticed, my car would not accelerate and started rolling and revving with high rpms. I immediately put my hazards on in the middle of a 5 lane road in heavy traffic and was able to let the car roll into a parking lot. I left the car there, turned off, for 30 minutes before restarting it to have someone follow me back home. During this scary trip, the car shook violently and my foot was to the floor on the gas pedal and the car still would not accelerate unless on a slope. A five minute drive turned into a 25 minute trip while backing up traffic. (So, very high rpm’s, slow to almost no acceleration, shaking and revving, NO engine light or warning lights triggered). Engine continued loud revving and moving idle in park that evening. Since then, car has been in mechanic once again with no solutions, codes, or lights to help the dealership figure out the issue because they say “it’s driving perfectly now”. They are the only ones to inspect the vehicle each time.

NHTSA ID

11520795

Incident

May 1, 2023

While you're driving you hear weird squealing sounds and when you slow down the transmission tends to rattle. 2: After you start the car, there is a very loud sound like track and the car tends to move back and forth.

NHTSA ID

11514495

Incident

Mar 15, 2023

On December 28th 2022 between the 6:30 am to 8:00 my car was parked and caught on fire. I have filed a complaint with Kia and since then I have gotten the run around about them looking into the vehicle and seeing what cause the issue. My car was still under the manufacture warranty

NHTSA ID

11508467

Incident

Dec 28, 2022

The transmission is experiencing a loss of power and getting heavy/stuck at about 20-30 mph before It begins to accelerate somewhat faster. The car is also not accelerating properly. Engine light came on as this began. Oil changes on vehicle are up to date as well

NHTSA ID

11503056

Incident

Jan 21, 2023

I was traveling normally, exiting a highway ramp when my car acceleration system malfunctioned. It seemed as if it was a power train issue or engine issue. I was not able to accelerate or slow down properly due to this malfunction and it caused me to crash. My car was totaled.

NHTSA ID

11502223

Incident

Mar 17, 2022

Randomly, the cars engine rev is really low, it’ll go up down up down over and over and over and then shut off, sometimes while in motion. Other times, when you’re finished driving and you shift into park the engine will shut off the moment you hit park. My safety is at risk due to the fact that when I was in motion and it did that it could’ve caused an accident. The dealer claims they are unable to re-create the issue, even though I am video recording proof. Many warning messages appear on my dashboard when this happens, but they all go away. Once you turn the car fully off and back on.

NHTSA ID

11498761

Incident

Nov 1, 2022

I bought a 2022 Kia K5 on 06/18/2021. On 12/31/2021, the check engine light came on, it shows code P088000 in the Kia Access app. Transmission control system issue. It started to jerk slightly when shifting into reverse. The engine is working twice as hard as it should when trying to pick up speed, using gas at double the normal rate. It will not downshift unless I actually release the gas pedal so it runs at high rpm's at all times. Driving at 55-60mph, the rpm's are at 3-3.5K and it will not downshift at all. (Unless the gas pedal is released). I have called for a service appointment, and my dealership (Joe Myers Kia/Imports) in Houston,TX. And there is a 2 week service wait. I was told there was nothing they could do, they do not have loaner cars any longer. I have to wait to get the code diagnosed.

NHTSA ID

11446079

Incident

Dec 31, 2021