The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·25V794000·Announced 2025-11-17

Kia K5 fuel tank can expand and melt against hot exhaust

Kia is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles because a damaged check valve can let air into the fuel tank, causing it to expand, contact hot exhaust components and melt.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: Rubric level 4 covers structural vehicle defects: the tank physically deforms and melts against the exhaust, which is a failure of fuel containment rather than a theoretical hazard.

Plain-English summary

Kia America, Inc. is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. About 250,547 units are potentially affected.

A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

NHTSA states that a melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs are free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 16, 2026. Owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KIA K5
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Fuel system
Hazard
Affected units
250,547

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • K5

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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