Model year
2021 Kia K5
NHTSA lists 6 recalls and 169 complaints for the 2021 Kia K5 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (45), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (44), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (32). NHTSA rated the 4 DR FWD 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 27–32 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,100–$2,500, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2021 169 complaints
- 2022 129 complaints
- 2023 110 complaints
- 2024 31 complaints
- 2025 53 complaints
- 2026 14 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
25V794000 · Nov 17, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
23V149000 · Mar 7, 2023
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash.
22V760000 · Oct 11, 2022
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
21V519000 · Jul 8, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
21V447000 · Jun 14, 2021
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST; STEERING
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults. If a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve…
21V164000 · Mar 11, 2021
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER; AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
Complaints
169 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 8, fire flag on 2, injury field 7, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.107 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K5 · 1.6L · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 38 | 32 | — | — | $2,100 |
| K5 · 1.6L · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 37 | 31 | — | — | $2,150 |
| K5 AWD · 1.6L · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 34 | 29 | — | — | $2,300 |
| K5 · 2.5L · Automatic (AM-S8) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 32 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2021 Kia K5 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.