NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Kia K5 Safety Ratings
The 2022 Kia K5 scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 118 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Kia K5 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, positioning it within the Strong safety band. This assessment reflects five recalls and a defect-record subscore of 9/20, which temper an otherwise robust performance in crash testing. The sedan presents as well protected, though its recall history requires due diligence from prospective owners.
The 2022 Kia K5 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Kia K5 ranks 81 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 118 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 81 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Kia K5?
For the 2022 model year, the K5 faces a notable concern: five active recall campaigns. This record of defects results in a subscore of 9 out of 20, the lowest component of its overall safety rating. These recalls address critical areas, including two campaigns for the fuel system, one for side curtain airbag installation, one for transmission fail-safe logic, and another for the lane-keep steering-assist rack on 2.5L T-GDI models. Despite these issues, the 2022 K5 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, an increase from 77 in 2021, moving it into the Strong band. This improvement is primarily due to a crash protection subscore of 61 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash avoidance technology. These scores reflect the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all 2022 K5 models. The breadth of recall campaigns across multiple safety-critical systems, however, prevents the overall Safety Index from being higher, despite strong crash test results. Owner complaints, totaling 118, are concentrated in the Fuel and Propulsion System and Engine categories, which corresponds with the two fuel-system recalls.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Kia K5 perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia K5 achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with its strongest result in side-impact protection, earning a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for the K5 is 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test showed no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15951
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Kia K5 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2022 Kia K5 carries five recall campaigns. Components addressed include the fuel system gasoline (a check-valve air-intrusion issue), side curtain air bags (possible incorrect installation), automatic transmission fail-safe mode, fuel delivery hoses on 2.5L turbocharged engines, and the lane-keep steering-assist system on 2.5L T-GDI engines. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the provided data, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE25V794000
Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov
Reported 2025-11-17
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN23V149000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in 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 service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC263.
Reported 2023-03-07
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V760000
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Reported 2022-10-11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V519000
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Reported 2021-07-08
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST21V447000
Risk: A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.
Reported 2021-06-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Kia K5?
Owners have filed 118 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 14 crashes, 3 fires, 18 injuries, and 2 deaths. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel and Propulsion System (31 reports), Engine (24), Electrical System (23), Power Train (20), and Forward Collision Avoidance (11). All are unverified consumer allegations.
118 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Kia K5?
Purchasers of a used 2022 K5 should verify all five recall remedies have been completed. This is particularly critical for the fuel system and side curtain air bag campaigns. Unresolved issues in these safety-critical areas present a risk that overrides the model's otherwise strong crash-test performance.
- The 2022 K5 Safety Index rose three points to 80/100 compared to the 2021 model year's 77/100, crossing from the Average band into the Strong band - a year-specific improvement tied to crash-test and avoidance-tech scores.
- Five recall campaigns are attached to this specific model year, covering two separate fuel-system issues, side curtain air bag installation, automatic transmission fail-safe behavior, and lane-keep steering assist on 2.5L T-GDI engines.
- The defect-record subscore of 9 out of 20 is the single weakest component in the 2022 K5's Safety Index breakdown, directly reflecting the breadth of recall activity and distinguishing this year from a vehicle with a cleaner defect record.
- NHTSA has received 118 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with the Fuel and Propulsion System alone accounting for 31 alleged reports - a concentration that aligns with the two fuel-system recall campaigns active on the 2022 K5.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Kia K5 places
The 2022 Kia K5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Kia K5 safety questions
Was the 2022 Kia K5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Kia K5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Kia K5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Kia K5 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia K5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Kia K5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Kia K5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 118 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Kia K5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other K5 years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15951), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia K5 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 81 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.