How Long Do Kia K5s Last? (9 Questions Answered)

Breeze through the day with the Kia K5, one of the newest entrants in the mid-size sedan category.

A replacement of the Optima nameplate, this beautiful family sedan offers advanced automotive technologies, comfortable seats, powerful lights, and wireless charging pads that will give your family the feeling of home.

In this article, you’ll find out the longevity of the Kia K5.

Here is the short answer to how long the Kia K5 lasts:

A well-maintained and Kia K5 should last 200,000 miles before it needs major repairs. If you drive 15,000 miles per year like the average driver, a Kia K5 will serve you for about 13 years if you are diligent with maintenance and don’t abuse the car.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Kia K5?

With thorough maintenance, your Kia K5 will probably last for 200,00 miles, which is about 13 years for the average driver.

That said, the longevity of a Kia K5 depends on the maintenance and use habits of the owner.

If you skip maintenance, overload the car, and don’t address small issues before they become serious problems, it might be difficult achieving six-figure mileage on this vehicle.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on Your Kia K5?

You shouldn’t find rust on your Kia K5 for the first five years of usage if you wash your car regularly.

According to K5 users, rust begins to appear on the wheel wells of the car before spreading to other parts. That said, applying powder or dry coating on your vehicle may keep it from rusting.

Kia K5s are more likely to rust faster in salt-belt areas like Ohio. If you live in such places, you should ceramic coating as a rust inhibitor instead of the usual powder coating.

In addition, simple practices such as washing your vehicle regularly and keeping it dry can delay rusting on your Kia K5.

How Long Do Kia K5s Last Compared to Similar Cars?

Considering the durability of the Optima which the K5 replaced, the Kia K5 is a vehicle that delivers optimum value to its users. Nevertheless, it might help to contrast the car against similar cars if you are looking to purchase a midsize sedan.

The following list shows how the Kia K5 performs in durability compared to similar vehicles:

1. Kia K5 vs. Nissan Altima: On the average, the Kia K5 is just as durable as the Nissan Altima. Both the Kia K5 and Nissan Altima last for about 200,000 miles.

2. Kia K5 vs. Hyundai Sonata: The Hyundai Sonata provides better durability than Kia K5s. While the average Kia K5 is projected to last 200,000 miles, most Hyundai Sonatas don’t go out of function until after 250,000 miles.

3. Kia K5 vs. Honda Accord: Honda Accords have longer life spans than Kia K5s. A Honda Accord may last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. On the other hand, few Kia K5s are likely to work perfectly after 200,000 miles.

Please also read our article about how long the Honda Accord lasts.

How Reliable Is a Kia K5?

The Kia K5 doesn’t have reliability ratings yet. However, J.D. Power rates the 2020 Kia Optima a 4.5/5 in reliability, so we can expect the K5 to share the same or even better ratings.

In addition, maintaining Kia K5s is cheap. The average maintenance cost of Kia K5s is about $50 lower than most midsize sedans.

The Best and Worst Years for Kia K5

The best model year for Kia K5 is 2021. 2021 K5 users applauded the model for its reliable safety features and driver-assist technology.

The 2011 Kia K5 is the worst model year for the car. Several Kia K5 owners claimed that their vehicle’s engine often encountered seizures in the middle of highways. In extreme cases, users reported that their cars burst into flames.

What About Recalls for These Models?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) has recalled some 2021 Kia K5 models on account of their faulty passenger airbags. If passengers use these airbags to rescue a child during a car crash, they may pose a higher risk of injury.

Kia recalled certain 2011 Kia K5s to fix their front-seat airbags and their seat belts. Such problematic airbags and seatbelts may injure passengers who try to use them during accidents.

Make sure to also read our article about how long the Kia Soul lasts.

Kia K5 Model Year List

Here are the model years for the Kia K5:

• 2010 Kia K5
• 2011 Kia K5
• 2012 Kia K5
• 2013 Kia K5
• 2014 Kia K5
• 2015 Kia K5
• 2016 Kia K5
• 2017 Kia K5
• 2018 Kia K5
• 2019 Kia K5
• 2020 Kia K5
• 2021 Kia K5

Please note that while Kia has used the K5 nameplate in several countries since 2010, the brand only introduced the nameplate to the U.S. in 2021. Before 2021, all K5 models produced in the U.S. took the name of Optima.

Are Kia K5s Expensive to Maintain?

Kia K5s are not expensive to maintain. Compared to maintenance costs for similar midsize sedans, repair and servicing prices for Kia K5s are low.

Repairpal.com states that the total repair and maintenance cost for an average midsize sedan is $526. In contrast, yearly repair and maintenance of Kia K5s only cost about $471.

Also read our article about how long the Chevrolet Malibu lasts.

How Long Do Kia K5 Brake Pads Last?

Most Kia K5 brake pads last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. That said, your brake pads may not last for 30,000 miles if you often drive in heavy traffic.

Kia K5 brake pads are usually noiseless when they are in good condition. So if you suddenly notice that your K5 brake pads make loud noises, you might need to replace them.

The price of new Kia K5 brake pads ranges between $151 and $193.

How Long Do Kia K5 Tires Last?

The average Kia K5 tire can last about four years. Nevertheless, your tires may last longer if you maintain them regularly.

Maintenance of Kia K5 tires include proper inflation, frequent tire inspection, rotation, and balancing at service centers.

If you discover that your K5 tires’ sidewalls are tearing apart, replace them immediately. Depending on their brand, Kia K5 tires can cost between $49- $300.

How Long Do Kia K5 Transmissions Last?

On average, Kia K5 transmissions last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. To extend the lifespan of your Kia K5 transmissions, use the manufacturer recommended fluid and change it as at when due.

How Long Do Kia K5 Spark Plugs Last?

Kia K5 spark plugs often last for 30,000 miles.

If your car uses up more fuel than usual, it may be a sign that your K5 spark plugs need replacement.

Repairpal.com states that K5 spark plugs cost between $164 and $186.

What About Insurance Cost for Kia K5s?

The average Kia K5 owner pays an average of $1,456 yearly to insure their vehicle, according to caredge.com. Factors such as age, driving history, location, sex, and credit score can affect your insurance premium.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Kia K5

The tips below may help you increase the lifespan of your Kia K5:

1. Visit your auto repairer’s shop regularly to service your car: If you don’t know how frequently you should maintain your vehicle, consult your technician to create scheduled servicing appointments for you.
2. Avoid over-speeding: Over-speeding may wear out your tires and brake pads and strain other parts of your car.
3. Wash your car regularly: As you take your vehicle around, natural salt settles on its body. If you leave your K5 unwashed for a long period, the settled salt may quicken the process of rust on the vehicle.
4. Examine your tire pressure often and ask your mechanic to inflate your tires when their air pressure falls.
5. Avoid overloading your car.
6. Check the oil level in your car’s engine every fortnight and refill it whenever necessary.

Sources

2022 Kia K5 Review | caranddriver.com

Kia 2021 Recalls | www.cars.com

2021 Kia K5 Review | jdpower.com

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