# Kia K5 oil pressure warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 159 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (56) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 159 owner complaints about the oil pressure warning light on the Kia K5 (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (56). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No. ## Kia K5 oil pressure warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the oil pressure light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 29 | 1010 | 3% | | 2016 | 56 | 760 | 7% | | 2017 | 22 | 257 | 9% | | 2018 | 19 | 233 | 8% | | 2019 | 13 | 213 | 6% | | 2020 | 14 | 153 | 9% | | 2021 | 3 | 170 | 2% | | 2024 | 1 | 31 | 3% | | 2025 | 1 | 54 | 2% | | 2026 | 1 | 14 | 7% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Kia K5 oil pressure warning light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Kia K5 has 19 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Kia K5 page](/vehicles/kia-k5) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Kia K5 owners report - "The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH six days later, the service, the battery, the low-pressure oil warning lights, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the brakes locked, causing the contact to lose control of..." -- owner of a 2025 Kia K5, complaint filed 2024 - "And a warning message came across the entertainment screen that said, "A possible condition with your engine control system has been detected, recommend service soon" I never received any notification of any oil pressure loss, oil loss, warning lights, nothing. My car has been at the dealership for over 60 days, and..." -- owner of a 2024 Kia K5, complaint filed 2024 - "The contact also stated that the oil warning light and the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the..." -- owner of a 2021 Kia K5, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the oil pressure warning light means The red oil pressure light means oil pressure has dropped too low to protect the engine. The most common cause is a low oil level, but a failing pressure sensor, a worn oil pump, or a clogged pickup can also do it. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe; running without oil pressure can destroy the engine in minutes. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low oil level** (most common) 2. **Failing oil pressure sensor or switch** (common) 3. **Wrong or very old oil** (less common) 4. **Clogged oil pickup or failing oil pump** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Oil pressure warning light](/warning-lights/oil-pressure). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia K5 oil pressure light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Kia K5 years have the most oil pressure light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 K5 model years have the most complaints mentioning the oil pressure warning light, with 56 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia K5 with the oil pressure light on? Stop driving. No. Stop driving as soon as it is safe and shut off the engine. Only drive again if adding oil turns the light off immediately and the engine sounds normal; otherwise have it towed. ### How do I check if my Kia K5 has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Kia dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Kia K5 warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-k5): 29 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-k5): 25 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-k5): 26 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-k5): 23 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-k5): 518 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-k5): 36 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-k5): 52 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/kia-k5): 12 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-k5): 36 complaints ## Oil pressure warning light on other models - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-soul): 230 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sorento): 216 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-tucson): 202 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-santa-fe): 175 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 168 complaints - [Jeep Compass](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-compass): 100 complaints - [Kia Sportage](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sportage): 76 complaints - [Hyundai Elantra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 64 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/chevrolet-silverado): 58 complaints ## Kia K5 - [Kia K5 specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-k5) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-k5 Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.