NHTSA Service Bulletin 10234602: 2021-2023 Kia K5
Official manufacturer communication context for 2021-2023 Kia K5, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
PITSTOP: COOLANT RESERVOIR OVERFLOW PORT - This Pitstop provides information regarding the presence of engine coolant residue found on the coolant reservoir of some 2021-2023MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles equipped with a 1.6L T-GDI engine. The coolant reservoir on these Kia models was designed with a coolant overflow port located in the rear of the reservoir. During normal vehicle operation, coolant level may rise at or above the overflow port which can seep out of the coolant reservoir, therefore causing coolant to flow out and accumulate around the center seam of the reservoir. This may lead technicians to believe the coolant reservoir is faulty.
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 10234602?
PITSTOP: COOLANT RESERVOIR OVERFLOW PORT - This Pitstop provides information regarding the presence of engine coolant residue found on the coolant reservoir of some 2021-2023MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles equipped with a 1.6L T-GDI engine. The coolant reservoir on these Kia models was designed with a coolant overflow port located in the rear of the reservoir. During normal vehicle operation, coolant level may rise at or.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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