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
- 168
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 168 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 168 |
| 2022 | 127 |
| 2023 | 108 |
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
27% · 46 reportsMost commonly citing horn.
Show complaint excerpts
I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13
Also filed under Visibility/wiper
Fuel/propulsion system
26% · 44 reportsEngine
18% · 30 reportsPower train
11% · 19 reportsFuel system, gasoline
8% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, when the gas tank expanded, and the back seat popped up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-29
Also filed under Seats
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there were failures with the spark plugs. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine sputtered.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
Safety timeline
6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-03-18Air bags21V164000 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.
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2021-06-24Lane departure, steering21V447000 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.
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2021-07-21Fuel system, gasoline21V519000 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.
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2022-12-09Power train22V760000 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.
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2023-04-07Air bags23V149000 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.
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2026-01-16Fuel system, gasoline25V794000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Kia K5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 46 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 44 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 30 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V164000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V447000 · Lane departure, steering
- Recall 21V519000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 22V760000 · Power train
- Recall 23V149000 · Air bags
- Recall 25V794000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.