VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN & WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC307/WTY037) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to relocate and install an improved blower motor 40amp fuse, with an increased terminal width, within the front wiring harness fuse box assembly in certain 2021-2022 MY K5 vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in one of the 7 high-heat states (AZ, FL, HI, LA, MS, NV, and TX). In addition, Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to all owners for repairs related to the HVAC blower motor in 2021-2022 MY K5 vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 yea
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Kia K5 electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Kia K5 have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 K5 | 40 |
| 2022 K5 (this page) | 19 |
| 2023 K5 | 3 |
| 2024 K5 | 5 |
| 2025 K5 | 10 |
| 2026 K5 | 3 |
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What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Kia K5 in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAINGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (SC307 Flight#301) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the Voluntary Service Campaign program launch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for supported vehicles (2021-2026MY All Models).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV CHECK VALVE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT + ECU SW UPGRADE (SC288/SC288A) CLOSED & SUPERSEDED - This bulletin is now closed and superseded by SC356. This bulletin provided information to inspect the fuel evaporative system and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank and/or the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) check valve on certain 2021-2024MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles equipped with a Gamma II 1.6L T-GDI engine, produced from March 27, 2020 through January 23, 2024. This bulletin also provides information to upgrade the ECU software logic. The subject vehicles may experience fuel tank swelling due to an issue with the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 Kia K5s report an overlapping set of electrical gremlins. The most common complaint is HVAC failure tied to fuse box degradation: fuses and internal components melt or burn due to excessive current draw, rendering air conditioning and heating inoperable. This happens on vehicles with as little as 24,000 miles and creates a safety hazard in wet or hot weather since defrost becomes unavailable. One owner noted the fuse box burning became a fire hazard. Kia's WTY037 warranty covers blown fuses only, not melted ones—and repair costs hit around $2,000, often not covered under warranty.
Starting problems are widespread. Owners report batteries dying within a year despite being new, or batteries that hold charge erratically; a check ESC warning appears before the vehicle refuses to start. Jump-starting works temporarily but the problem returns. Dealerships struggle to pinpoint the root cause.
Power loss mid-drive is also documented: vehicles stall on highways or in traffic, all dashboard warning lights illuminate, and one owner lost power steering and headlights at night. One owner's throttle body was replaced without fixing the issue. Audio systems have spiked to ear-piercing maximum volume. Door locks fail to engage when the engine runs. Turn signals fail on multiple vehicles. Key fob batteries drain every two to three weeks, stranding owners. One wireless charging port overheated and melted the charger device.
Dealership response has been slow—one owner waited February through March 2024 for a repair and received no loaner vehicle. Kia has issued no recall.
Same Kia K5 electrical reports on nearby years: 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Blower motor failure / HVAC non-functional
Blower motor produces no airflow across all fan speed settings, or AC/heat cycles on and off intermittently. Often tied to fuse melting or burning in the HVAC fuse box.
When: Occurring between 5,800 and 91,000 miles on 2022 K5s; some failures within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: No airflow from any vent at any fan speed; AC blows cold then stops cooling minutes later; Blower motor cycles on and off intermittently; Rapid windshield fogging in humid/rainy conditions with no defog capability; No warning lights or messages before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report blower motor replacement; dealerships cite burned or melted fuse box requiring full replacement (~$2,000 reported); wiring harness replacement cited in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued technical service bulletin WTY037 for blown fuses in HVAC system, but owners report it does not cover melted fuses. TSB CS2301 mentioned in one complaint but VIN not included. No recall issued despite multiple complaints. Kia roadside assistance available for jump-starts in battery-related cases.
Fuse box melting / burning (HVAC circuits)
Fuses and internal components of the HVAC fuse box (located under hood) melt or burn due to excessive current draw and heat, destroying the fuse panel and electrical harness. Fire hazard noted by owners.
When: Occurring on vehicles as young as 1-2 years old with low to moderate mileage (24,000 to 91,000 miles documented)
Symptoms owners cite: AC/heat inoperability following fuse degradation; Visible melting or burning of fuse components and panel; Burning smell; Smoke from fuse box area
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships recommend full fuse box replacement (~$2,000); temporary fixes (shaking or pressing the fuse to restore function) reported but not permanent. Owners cite extended service delays (one case waited February–March 2024 without loaner vehicle).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: WTY037 warranty program only covers blown fuses, not melted ones. TSB CS2301 mentioned; no broader recall. Dealerships confirm the issue exists but confirm it is not covered under standard warranty.
Battery drain / starting failure with ESC warning
Battery fails to hold charge or vehicle refuses to start; ESC (electronic stability control) warning appears. Clicking noise when turning key; jump-start temporarily resolves, but problem recurs.
When: Batteries failing within 12 months of purchase despite being original; starting issues return 27+ days after battery replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking sound when attempting to start; Check ESC warning light illumination; Vehicle will not start without jump-start; Battery tests good after jump-start; issue returns after sitting; No key detected message (one case); Entire electrical system shutdowns (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership battery replacement; however, issue recurs within weeks. One owner reports full electrical system cutoff preventing access to trunk.
Loss of power while driving / limp mode / throttle response failure
Vehicle loses power, stalls, or enters limp mode without warning while driving on highway or in traffic. Multiple warning lights illuminate (check engine, traction control, EPB, AUTOHOLD, forward safety system). One case involved complete power loss at night.
When: Two documented instances in one complaint (Aug 23 and Oct 3); another on Oct 7; occurring after dealership inspection with no issues found
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power loss forcing vehicle to stop in traffic; Vehicle stalls while turning at traffic light; All dash warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Power steering loss; Headlights shutting off; Rough driving and poor acceleration/shifting response; Vehicle jerking from stopped position
Codes mentioned: P00BD00, C136081, C174181
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body assembly replacement attempted in one case without resolving the issue. Dealerships unable to identify root cause; fuel system diagnostics mentioned but not completed.
Radio/audio system sudden maximum volume with static
Audio system (radio or Bluetooth) suddenly maxes out volume and produces piercing static noise without user input. Volume knob non-responsive except at 0 or mute position.
When: Two occurrences reported: one during startup, one while driving on interstate
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden volume spike to maximum; Static noise output; Volume control knob unresponsive to adjustment; Hearing pain from noise intensity
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: pulling amp fuse and resetting radio. Root cause suspected to be radio unit or amp, not inspected at dealership.
Door lock malfunction
Door locks fail to automatically lock when vehicle is turned on, contrary to design. Locks function only when vehicle is turned off.
When: Failure mileage unknown; owner notes same issue occurred on previous traded-in Kia K5
Symptoms owners cite: Auto-lock fails when ignition is in ON position; Auto-lock functions only when vehicle is OFF
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; dealer did not reply or diagnose.
Turn signal malfunction
Turn signal fails to function; bulb replacement insufficient—entire headlight assembly replacement required. Occurs on multiple identical 2022 K5s owned by same person.
When: Timing not specified; occurs on at least 2 identical vehicles owned by one person
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal fails intermittently or completely; Bulb cannot be replaced alone; entire assembly failure
Repairs/costs cited: Requires full headlight assembly replacement; front bumper removal necessary. Costly repair.
Wireless charging port malfunction / fire hazard
Wireless charging port in center console overheats, melts charging device, and emits smoke with burning smell and popping sound.
When: May 7, 2025 at 9:09 AM during normal use
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke emitting from center console; Burning smell; Popping/poof sound from charger port; Car charger melted and burned; Immediate hazard forcing removal of charger
Key fob battery drain
Key fob batteries die prematurely every 2–3 weeks, leaving driver locked out of vehicle and unable to start it. Owner reports getting stranded on roadway multiple times.
When: Recurring issue; problem happens every 2–3 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob dead every 2–3 weeks; Driver locked out of vehicle; Unable to start vehicle without working fob; Repeated roadside lockouts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia stated unable to fix the issue and refused to replace failing vehicles.
Odometer malfunction / electrical glitch
Odometer reading suddenly drops drastically (7,400 miles to 200 miles overnight), indicating electrical anomaly.
When: Occurred between two consecutive days; timing relative to other failures unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Odometer reading drops from 7,400 to 200 miles overnight
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis performed.
Charging system / alternator undercharging
Battery receives only 10% charge output from charging system, then recovers to 100% after driving, suggesting alternator or voltage regulator malfunction.
When: October 7, 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking from stopped position (months prior); Power loss while driving on street; Battery only receiving 10% charge (confirmed by parts store diagnostic); Charge recovered to 100% after driving; Loss of power steering and complete lights shutdown while driving at night
Repairs/costs cited: Battery tested good by parts store; issue is in charging system, not battery.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
On 11/29/2022 my car wouldn't start, just click and continued to try and start then the check ESC warning came on. I had to get it jump started from KIA Roadside assistance and drove vehicle to local KIA Dealership where they tested the battery and said it was a bad battery. They replaced the battery. My car was purchased Dec 23rd 2021, battery was not even a year old . Fast forward 27 days, on…
On 11/24/22 my car would not start, and I kept getting a message to check ESC- electronic stability control. I pressed the ESC button on my dashboard but nothing changed. Eventually a relative jumped off the car, bypassing the warning, so I could drive home. The car started correctly the next day and for several days after. Then, on 11/28/22, I got the same warning, then the car would not start.…
Had electrical trouble with your 2022 Kia K5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2022 Kia K5?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 19 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 57,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Kia/K5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.