MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2024 Kia K5

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2024 Kia K5 Safety Ratings

The 2024 Kia K5 scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 25 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

2Recalls
25Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2024 Kia K5 achieved a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA, a strong showing in federal crash tests. This sedan's safety profile is further supported by a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, positioning it in our Strong band. Its record includes two recalls, both assessed as manageable in scope.

The 2024 Kia K5 received an overall 5-star crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia K5 ranks 72 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2024 Kia K5 safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index83 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk10.7%
Recalls on file2
Owner complaints25 (unverified allegations)
Class rank72 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia K5?

The 2024 Kia K5 marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's federal safety picture. The Safety Index climbed from 76/100 in the 2023 model year to 83/100 here, a 7-point gain that moved the vehicle from the Average band into Strong territory. That improvement is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, reflecting the NHTSA program's strong overall and side-impact results. The defect record sub-score of 17.25 out of 20 is notably high for a model year carrying two active recall campaigns, suggesting the scope and severity of those campaigns are limited relative to the broader NHTSA dataset. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the softer element, a reflection of how the K5's standard suite scores within the federal methodology rather than an absence of technology. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this configuration. The 25 reported complaints, while worth monitoring, do not alter the core federal crash-test picture. In sum, the 2024 model year is the strongest Safety Index result this generation has produced in the data available to MotorCaliber.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia K5 perform in crash tests?

The 2024 Kia K5 AWD sedan achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's crash-test program. Side protection was particularly strong, earning the full 5-star rating. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at 4 out of 5 stars; the measured rollover risk was 11 percent, with no dynamic tip registered.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19652

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record17.25/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia K5 have any recalls?

Two recall campaigns cover the 2024 K5. The first targets the fuel system, where a damaged check valve may allow air into the fuel tank. The second addresses roof structure, specifically left and right rear window trim pieces that may loosen and detach while driving. Neither campaign carries a do-not-drive designation, but both warrant VIN verification.

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

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS25V493000

Risk: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

Reported 2025-07-28

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia K5?

Twenty-five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2024 K5, including alleged incidents involving one crash and one injury. These are unverified allegations. Top reported components are Engine with 8 reports, Structure with 7, and Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance each drawing 3 to 4 reports.

25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 8Structure 7Unknown Or Other 4Electrical System 4Power Train 3Forward Collision Avoidance 3

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia K5?

Recall activity for the 2024 K5 is a primary safety consideration for potential owners. Two active campaigns have been issued. The first addresses a potential defect in the fuel system check valve. The second concerns the rear window trim. Before purchasing a used model, buyers are advised to verify, in writing, that both recall remedies have been completed.

  • The 2024 model year Safety Index of 83/100 represents a 7-point increase over the 2023 K5's score of 76/100, the largest single-year gain in the available index history for this model.
  • Two NHTSA recall campaigns are active for this model year: one for a fuel system check valve that may allow air into the fuel tank, and one for rear window trim pieces on the roof structure that may detach.
  • NHTSA's 25 reported complaints for this model year include unverified allegations of 8 engine-related issues and 7 structure-related issues, with Forward Collision Avoidance appearing as a reported concern in 3 submissions.
  • The rollover risk rating of 11 percent and a confirmed no-tip result in dynamic testing are specific federal data points for this 2024 AWD configuration and should not be assumed to apply to other K5 drivetrains or model years.

RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia K5 places

The 2024 Kia K5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2024 Kia K5 safety questions

Was the 2024 Kia K5 crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia K5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2024 Kia K5 crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Kia K5 have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Kia K5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Kia K5?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 25 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Kia K5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other K5 years

Rivals in Sedan (2024)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2024 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2024 Audi A4 Allroad100/100not rated0
2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback100/100not rated0
2024 Audi S4100/100not rated0
2024 Audi S5 Sportback100/100not rated0
2024 Hyundai Elantra N100/100not rated0
2024 Infiniti Q50100/100not rated0
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19652), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia K5 2024.
  • 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 72 of 91 in the Sedan class for 2024.
  • 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.