What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning / Auto-Hold Malfunction?

NHTSA complaints and owner reports note intermittent EPB warnings and Auto-Hold faults on Kia K5, sometimes accompanied by the parking brake not applying/releasing as expected. The issue is commonly linked to EPB actuator/motor faults, wiring/connector issues at the rear calipers… Repairs typically run $180-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure and Humming Noise?

A number of K5 owners have reported premature rear wheel bearing failure, typically presenting as a low-pitched humming or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed and varies when turning left or right. The issue has been observed on both FWD and AWD variants and appears li… Repairs typically run $250-$650. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Brake Booster / Vacuum Pump Noise and Reduced Brake Assist (1.6T)?

On 1.6T turbocharged K5 variants, some owners and NHTSA complainants have reported a hissing sound from the brake booster area upon brake pedal application, accompanied by a noticeably harder brake pedal and reduced power assistance. The GDi turbocharged engine uses an electric v… Repairs typically run $50-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Front Suspension Strut Mount/Bearing Noise (Creak/Pop While Turning)?

Kia K5 owners report creaking, popping, or groaning noises from the front suspension during steering input, especially at low speeds or when parking. The issue is often tied to strut mount bearings binding or premature wear, sometimes exacerbated by moisture intrusion. The noise… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Door Handle/Lock Actuator Failure (Door Won’t Open or Won’t Lock/Unlock)?

Owner reports and NHTSA complaints note exterior door handles and/or door lock actuators failing, leading to doors that won’t open from outside (and sometimes inside) or won’t lock/unlock reliably. Failures are commonly tied to actuator motor wear, latch mechanism binding, or lin… Repairs typically run $180-$650. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Turbocharger Oil Feed/Return Leak (1.6T) Causing Burning Oil Smell/Smoke?

Owner reports and NHTSA complaints on 1.6L turbo K5 models describe oil seepage/leaks around the turbocharger oil feed/return lines or related seals, sometimes producing a burning oil smell and light smoke after driving. Heat cycling can harden seals or loosen fittings, allowing… Repairs typically run $220-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 8-Speed DCT Low-Speed Hesitation and Shudder?

Kia bulletin TRA100 documents clutch judder on some 2021 model year and later K5 GT vehicles equipped with the 2.5L T-GDI engine and 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Kia defines the condition as body vibration, without steering-wheel shudder, during a controlled creep-drivin… Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia K5 Infotainment Screen Blackout and Random Reboots?

The K5 infotainment system — both the 8-inch and 10.25-inch displays — experiences random screen blackouts, freezes, and spontaneous reboots. The screen may go completely black while driving, losing access to navigation, backup camera, and climate controls. Some owners report the… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia K5 ADAS Sensor Calibration Faults (Lane Keep, Forward Collision)?

The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems on the K5 — including Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Blind Spot Monitoring — intermittently throw calibration faults and disable themselves. The forward-facing camera behind the windshield and radar sensor in the front bu… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia K5 Theta II Engine Knock Sensor Issues and Knock-Related Concerns?

The 2.5L Theta II engine in certain K5 models has experienced knock sensor faults and engine knock concerns. The knock sensor may trigger false positives or fail to detect actual detonation, causing the ECU to either retard timing unnecessarily (reducing power) or fail to protect… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Paint Chipping and Clear Coat Peeling (Hood and Roof Panel)?

K5 owners across multiple model years have reported premature paint chipping on the hood and roof panels, with the clear coat peeling in flakes or bubbling in affected areas. This is documented in Kia owner forums and in some NHTSA complaints, particularly in darker colors such a… Repairs typically run $200-$1,800. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 HVAC Blower Motor Noise/Failure (Squeal, Rattle, Intermittent Fan)?

K5 owners report blower motors that begin squealing, chirping, or rattling and may intermittently stop, reducing cabin airflow. The condition is typically caused by blower motor bearing wear, debris intrusion, or resistor/control issues depending on trim. Symptoms often start as… Repairs typically run $120-$550. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Heated and Ventilated Seat Malfunction (Element Failure or Fan Noise)?

K5 owners with heated and ventilated seat packages have reported failures of the seat heating elements—particularly in the rear seat areas—as well as ventilation fan noise or complete fan failure in the front seats. Seat heating elements can develop open circuits causing partial… Repairs typically run $150-$850. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia K5 Panoramic Sunroof Rattle and Water Leak?

K5 models equipped with the panoramic sunroof experience rattling noises from the sunroof area at highway speeds and over rough roads. The sunroof glass and frame develop play over time, creating an annoying rattling or buzzing sound. Some owners also report water leaks at the fr… Repairs typically run $0-$1,000. Severity: low.

What is the 2021-2025 Kia K5 Rear Trunk Latch Sticking and Failure to Open?

The electric trunk latch mechanism on the K5 is prone to sticking or failing to release, leaving the trunk locked. The issue is more common in cold weather when moisture gets into the latch mechanism and freezes. The trunk release button on the key fob, interior button, and exter… Repairs typically run $10-$400. Severity: low.

Kia · Known Issues

2024 Kia K5 Problems: 19 Known Issues

2024 model year · 900+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

Share:@au7o.io

According to Au7o's analysis of 900+ owner reports, the 2024 Kia K5 has 19 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking Events, SmartStream G2.5 GDI Engine Piston Ring/Oil Consumption Issue, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning / Auto-Hold Malfunction ($180-$900 repair), Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure and Humming Noise ($250-$650 repair), Transmission Control Unit (TCU) Software Fault Causing Harsh Upshifts or Limp Mode (8-Speed AT), Windshield Optical/Rain Sensor Bracket Detachment (ADAS/Auto Wipers Inoperative) ($250-$1,400 repair) and Brake Booster / Vacuum Pump Noise and Reduced Brake Assist (1.6T) ($50-$900 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking Events with 134 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $10 to $2,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia K5 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 900+ owner reports, the 2024 Kia K5 has 19 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking Events, SmartStream G2.5 GDI Engine Piston Ring/Oil Consumption Issue, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning / Auto-Hold Malfunction. Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia K5 reliable?

The 2024 Kia K5 has 19 known issues documented across 900+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking Events and SmartStream G2.5 GDI Engine Piston Ring/Oil Consumption Issue and Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning / Auto-Hold Malfunction and Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure and Humming Noise and Transmission Control Unit (TCU) Software Fault Causing Harsh Upshifts or Limp Mode (8-Speed AT) and Windshield Optical/Rain Sensor Bracket Detachment (ADAS/Auto Wipers Inoperative) and Brake Booster / Vacuum Pump Noise and Reduced Brake Assist (1.6T). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia K5 problems?

Repair costs for known Kia K5 issues range from $0 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking Events?

Multiple K5 owners and NHTSA complaints document unexpected, uninitiated hard braking events triggered by the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist system in the absence of any actual obstacle. These phantom braking events occur most commonly on highways, elevated roads, or in areas… Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 SmartStream G2.5 GDI Engine Piston Ring/Oil Consumption Issue?

Owners of K5 models equipped with the 2.5L naturally aspirated GDI engine (SmartStream G2.5) have reported excessive oil consumption between change intervals, sometimes consuming over a quart per 1,000 miles. The root cause is linked to piston ring sealing tolerances that allow o… Severity: high.

All 19 Known Issues

Other Kia Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia K5 problems?

Is the Kia K5 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Kia K5 problems?

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking Events?

What is the 2021-2024 Kia K5 SmartStream G2.5 GDI Engine Piston Ring/Oil Consumption Issue?

When Issues Typically Appear

2021-2024 Kia K5: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking Events#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Windshield Optical/Rain Sensor Bracket Detachment (ADAS/Auto Wipers Inoperative)#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning / Auto-Hold Malfunction#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Brake Booster / Vacuum Pump Noise and Reduced Brake Assist (1.6T)#

2021-2024 Kia K5: SmartStream G2.5 GDI Engine Piston Ring/Oil Consumption Issue#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Turbocharger Oil Feed/Return Leak (1.6T) Causing Burning Oil Smell/Smoke#

2021-2025 Kia K5: Theta II Engine Knock Sensor Issues and Knock-Related Concerns#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Rear Wheel Bearing Premature Failure and Humming Noise#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Front Suspension Strut Mount/Bearing Noise (Creak/Pop While Turning)#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Transmission Control Unit (TCU) Software Fault Causing Harsh Upshifts or Limp Mode (8-Speed AT)#

2021-2024 Kia K5: 8-Speed DCT Low-Speed Hesitation and Shudder#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Door Handle/Lock Actuator Failure (Door Won’t Open or Won’t Lock/Unlock)#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Paint Chipping and Clear Coat Peeling (Hood and Roof Panel)#

2021-2025 Kia K5: Panoramic Sunroof Rattle and Water Leak#

2021-2025 Kia K5: Rear Trunk Latch Sticking and Failure to Open#

2021-2025 Kia K5: Infotainment Screen Blackout and Random Reboots#

2021-2025 Kia K5: ADAS Sensor Calibration Faults (Lane Keep, Forward Collision)#

2021-2024 Kia K5: HVAC Blower Motor Noise/Failure (Squeal, Rattle, Intermittent Fan)#

2021-2024 Kia K5: Heated and Ventilated Seat Malfunction (Element Failure or Fan Noise)#