TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Kia K5 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Kia K5 have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 K5 | 15 |
| 2022 K5 (this page) | 18 |
| 2023 K5 | 11 |
| 2024 K5 | 3 |
| 2025 K5 | 6 |
1crash
1fire
3injuries
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Kia K5 we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 18.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 8-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION EOP SENSORLESS LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to improve the Electric Oil Pump ‘EOP’ operation logic of the automatic transmission ‘A/T’ on some 2021-2023MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from September 9, 2020 through December 29, 2023 and 2021-2023MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles produced from March 24, 2020 to December 18, 2023, equipped with a 2.5L T-GDI Theta III engines and 8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmissions (DCT). The affected vehicles may exhibit abnormal/hars
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 8-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION EOP SENSORLESS LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to improve the Electric Oil Pump ‘EOP’ operation logic of the automatic transmission 'A/T’ on some 2021-2023MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from September 9, 2020 through December 29, 2023 and 2021-2023MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles produced from March 24, 2020 to December 18, 2023, equipped with a 2.5L T-GDI Theta III engines and 8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmissions (DCT). The affected vehicles may exhibit abnormal/hars
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 8-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION EOP SENSORLESS LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information to improve the Electric Oil Pump ‘EOP’ operation logic of the automatic transmission ‘A/T’ on some 2021-2023MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from September 9, 2020 through December 29, 2023 and 2021-2023MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles produced from March 24, 2020 to December 18, 2023, equipped with a 2.5L T-GDI Theta III engines and 8-Speed Dual Clutch Transmissions (DCT).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 K5's powertrain complaints center on a few recurring headaches. The exhaust pressure sensor fault (P0471/P047100) pops up repeatedly—sometimes after recall updates—and dealers have replaced the sensor, hose, and even the ECM, yet the code returns. One owner was billed $248 for diagnostics and $534 for a sensor replacement after a recall software update, only to have the fault clear on its own.
Transmission problems are widespread: jerky shifting, delayed response, slippage, and sudden loss of power, especially during acceleration or passing. Multiple owners report these issues returning 3–4 months after dealer repairs or recall service. One complaint documents a transmission code (P088000) causing the engine to stay at high RPM unless the driver fully releases the gas pedal, doubling fuel consumption.
Engine stalling without warning is another sore spot. The vehicle stops responding to the throttle mid-traffic with no Check Engine Light to guide diagnosis, then starts and drives fine. One owner had to limp a five-minute commute into 25 minutes of slow rolling and backing up traffic after a stall on the highway. Dealers repeatedly say the car drives fine when they inspect it, leaving nothing to fix. A few owners also report complete power loss at highway speed and simultaneous activation of multiple warning systems (adaptive cruise, emergency braking, collision warnings) with sudden braking and shutdown—clearly safety hazards.
Same Kia K5 powertrain reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
P0471/P047100 Exhaust Pressure Sensor Fault
Check Engine Light triggered by exhaust pressure sensor circuit faults (codes P0471, P047100). Owners report the fault appearing and persisting across multiple dealer visits, often after recall service, sometimes clearing spontaneously after software updates then reappearing. In one case, a sensor reading 2 HPA against spec of 23.09 HPA was replaced; in another, sensor and hose replacement failed within 15 minutes and again within one hour on subsequent attempts.
When: 9,874 miles and onward; recurring across 65,000 miles in one case; first appearance between two recall service dates (July 2024 and August 2025)
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light illuminated; P0471 or P047100 fault code; Fault appears and disappears intermittently; Fault persists or recurs after dealer repairs and recall updates
Codes mentioned: P0471, P047100
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement at $534.02 in one case; sensor and hose replacement attempted twice in another case with repeated failures within 15 minutes and one hour of pickup respectively
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC356 addresses exhaust pressure irregularities and lists illuminated Check Engine Light as primary warning. Recall SC288/SC288A (Fuel Tank Inspection and ECM Re-Update) performed twice on one vehicle; ECM governs the exhaust pressure sensor circuit.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Response
Engine stalls without warning during normal driving, with loss of throttle response and erratic idle behavior. Vehicle does not respond to accelerator input and requires restart. No diagnostic codes generated. In one case, stalling recurred with violent shaking, high RPM revving, and severe acceleration loss lasting 25 minutes despite foot-to-floor throttle.
When: Within 2 months of purchase; no mileage specified for second incident
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning during traffic or highway driving; No throttle response when accelerator pressed; High RPM revving with little to no acceleration; Vehicle shakes violently; Idle surges in Park; No Check Engine Light or warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; dealer reports 'no issue or code found' and 'car driving perfectly now' despite occurring twice
Transmission Erratic Shifting, Loss of Power, and Slippage
Recurring transmission issues including hesitation during gear shifts, delayed response, slippage, sudden loss of power, and jerky shifting. Owners report poor acceleration, especially during merging or passing. Some cases show symptoms reappearing 3–4 months after recall repair; others persist despite multiple dealer visits. One owner reports transmission getting 'stuck' at 20–30 mph before accelerating.
When: Starting around 31,000–38,000 miles for initial occurrence; recurring 3–4 months after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic or jerky shifting; Delayed transmission response; Slippage and loss of power during acceleration; Hesitation during gear shifts; Intermittent power dips while in motion; Inability to accelerate properly, especially at 20–30 mph; Loss of power when attempting to pass or accelerate
Codes mentioned: P088000
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer repairs performed; transmission symptoms recur 3–4 months post-repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repair previously performed; issue has recurred after official recall work
Engine Misfire and Cylinder Malfunction
Engine misfiring, violent shaking, and loss of acceleration caused by cylinder misfire faults. Check Engine Light illuminates with code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). Vehicle becomes unsafe to drive, particularly with passengers.
When: Undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking; Loss of acceleration; Check Engine Light with P0301 code; Engine running rough
Codes mentioned: P0301
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs performed at two different Kia dealers with inconsistent documentation; issue may recur
Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) Failure
Complete loss of engine power at highway speed with no warning lights. Temperature gauge visibly rising under acceleration, though engine was not overheated when hood checked. Failure occurred in cold outside temperature. System malfunction resulted in sudden complete power loss at 70 mph with semi-truck behind vehicle.
When: Cold weather conditions; no specific mileage or date provided
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power at highway speed; Temperature gauge rising during acceleration; No warning lights present; Sudden power loss without warning
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; vehicle not yet inspected at time of complaint
Transmission Control System Malfunction
Transmission control issues causing inability to downshift, forcing engine to run at high RPMs continuously. Vehicle uses fuel at double normal rate due to engine running at elevated RPM under light throttle. Occurs even at cruise speeds of 55–60 mph.
When: Approximately 12/31/2021 (shortly after purchase 06/18/2021)
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light (code P088000); Jerking during reverse shifting; Engine working harder than normal, double fuel consumption; Will not downshift unless accelerator fully released; Sustained high RPM (3–3.5K at 55–60 mph); Poor fuel economy
Codes mentioned: P088000
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; 2-week service wait reported
Multiple Sensor and Warning System Failures
Simultaneous illumination of multiple sensor warning systems including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, and rear cross traffic warning. Accompanied by engine RPM surging, vehicle shaking, erratic shifting, poor acceleration, random braking, and sudden shutdown. Occurs without warning while driving.
When: Undisclosed mileage and timing
Symptoms owners cite: Adaptive cruise control sensor warning; Automatic emergency braking activation; Blind spot warning illumination; Forward collision warning illumination; Rear cross traffic warning illumination; Engine RPM surging; Vehicle shaking; Erratic shifting; Poor acceleration; Random braking; Sudden shutdown or power loss
Powertrain Warning Light with No Diagnosis
Powertrain warning light illuminated during normal driving. Vehicle taken to dealer but no diagnosis or repair performed. No independent mechanic evaluation completed. Manufacturer contacted but provided no assistance.
When: At approximately 31,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Powertrain warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired by dealer or independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but provided no assistance
Loss of Throttle Response During Acceleration
Vehicle fails to respond when accelerator pedal pressed, occurring at traffic lights and during normal driving. Requires shift to Park and engine restart to regain responsiveness. No diagnostic codes generated.
When: At 38,000 miles for one incident; undisclosed for another
Symptoms owners cite: No throttle response when accelerating from complete stop; Vehicle unresponsive to accelerator input; Requires restart to regain response
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired
Transmission Noise and Jerky Operation
Owners report hearing squealing or loud track-like sounds from transmission, with rattling when slowing down. Vehicle moves back and forth erratically after startup. Jerky operation reported in general driving.
When: Undisclosed mileage and timing
Symptoms owners cite: Squealing sounds from transmission; Rattling noise when slowing down; Loud track-like sound at startup; Vehicle moving back and forth in Park; Jerky transmission operation
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2022 Kia K5?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 34,500 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.