2021 Kia K5
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 153 |
| 2022 | 120 |
| 2023 | 96 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: electrical system — 42 distinct reports on file.
FIRE25% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 39 distinct reports on file.
17% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
While on her way from work, my mother was involved in an accident in her 2021 Kia K5 LXS where she was rear ended at a high speed by a driver not paying attention to the road and she ended up hitting the car in front of her.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231128
I WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH IN MY 2021 K5 GT LINE WHEN AN OLDER TOYOTA CAMRY CROSSED MY PATH. I APPLIED BRAKES BUT THERE WAS NO AVOIDING THE COLLISION. I BROADSIDED THE CAMRY AT SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 30 AND 35 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210305
WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON FREEWAY AND A DEER JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF CAR, I HIT IT BETWEEN 65-70 MPH AND NOT ONE OF THE MANY AIRBAGS INSTALLED ON THIS BRAND NEW CAR DEPLOYED . THE POLICE OFFICER AT THE SCENE SAID I'M LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201111
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Campaign 21V164000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.
Campaign 21V447000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Campaign 21V519000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022.
Campaign 22V760000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC263.
Campaign 23V149000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026.
Campaign 25V794000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Kia K5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V164000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V447000 (lane departure, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V519000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V760000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V149000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V794000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 Kia K5 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia K5?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia K5 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.