KiaK52023Overview/kia/k5/2023/base/

2023 Kia K5

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2023 K5.

The 2023 Kia K5 arrives as the third iteration in a generation spanning 2021 to 2026, with owner feedback logged at 97 complaints and four recalls, the top issue area being the fuel/propulsion system. This count marks a clear improvement over the 154 complaints recorded for the 2021 model year, yet it remains above the 10 complaints seen in the 2026 model year, positioning the 2023 K5 on a downward trend in reported problems as the model matures.

Model year20262025202320222021

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque79.0-94.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

Tail / brake / turnAOEM · verified
Tire size205/65R16 95HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length192.9 in
Overall width73.2 in
Overall height56.7 in
Wheelbase112.2 in
Curb weight3455 lb
Track (front / rear)64.2 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the K5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.2–8.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.20 sec — 2021 GT Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021GT Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-45.20 sec13.70 sec290 hpFWD
2021GT Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-45.40 sec14.00 sec290 hpFWD
2021GT-Line Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-47.00 sec15.50 sec180 hpFWD
2021GT-Line Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-47.40 sec15.70 sec180 hpAWD
2021EX Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-47.80 sec16.00 sec180 hpFWD
2021EX Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-47.90 sec16.10 sec180 hpFWD
2025EX Sedan 2.5L I-47.60 sec15.70 sec191 hpFWD
2025GT-Line Sedan 2.5L I-48.30 sec16.30 secAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 79.0-94.0 ft-lbs.

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79.0-94.0 ft-lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 48,000 mi.

At 8,000 miCabin Air Filter (inspect) · Intercooler (inspect)
Every 8,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Air Intake System (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 16,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect)
At 32,000 miEngine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 32,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 40,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 48,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 48,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2023 Kia K5 sits near the peak of an overall downward complaint trend, with 97 complaints recorded compared to 154 in 2021 and declining to 27 by 2024. Notably, 2023 is the only model year in this generation to record an NHTSA investigation (1), which the data does not specify the outcome or subject of. Recall activity also trended downward across the period (6 in 2021 to 4 in 2023), and TSBs dropped sharply from 113 to 68, suggesting reduced dealer-level service bulletins. The top complaint category is the Fuel/Propulsion System at 19 instances, followed by Fuel System, Gasoline at 11, with Structure complaints at 10. Six crash-related complaints were filed with zero fire complaints for 2023. This model year represents a middle ground between the generation's most problematic early years and its later refinement, with the single investigation warranting buyer awareness but no specified resolution in the record. Given the improving trajectory, the 2023 K5 is a reasonable purchase provided the specific investigation's subject matter is verified through a pre-purchase inspection and any open recall check.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
68
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
97
Owner complaints
6 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 97 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Fuel/Propulsion System19
Fuel System, Gasoline11
Structure10
Unknown Or Other6
Power Train6
Service Brakes3
Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System3
Engine3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

22V760000Power Train:Automatic TransmissionReported 11/10/2022

Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which… Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge…

23V149000Air Bags:Side/Window:CurtainReported 07/03/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 68 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_ELE4222026-05-27Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM…
TSB_ELE4172026-04-14Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin…
TSB_BOD3502026-03-10StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER ACTION: CHROME TRUNK LID MOLDING REPLACEMENT…
SC288_TSB_R6_CLSD2026-01-16Fuel/Propulsion SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV…
PS7972025-12-09Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific K5. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2023 K5 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.