2021 Kia K5 recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Kia K5 and 169 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (46), fuel/propulsion system (44), unknown or other (32). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 27–32 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2021 has the most owner complaints of any K5 model year from 2021 to 2026. It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 3.3 per model year.
Recalls 6
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Kia K5. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Fuel system, gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.
Air bags · side/window · curtain
Problem: 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.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Lane departure · lane keep · steering assist
Problem: 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 with Lane Following Assist (LFA) engaged, the steering assist level may not adjust properly, causing a sudden increase in the steering effort required.
Risk: A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · air bag/restraint control module
Problem: 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 the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
From the get-go seemed to have trouble with transmission once in a while Little jerk when shifting gears, reported this, they could find nothing. It has become a lot worse. It has caused the car to shut down into limp mode with engine light on. So I had a problem from the beginning with my new car. But when they check it, they can’t find a problem. So I’m just checking to see i…
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Kia K5 because I am concerned about a potentially dangerous mechanical defect. I purchased this vehicle used from CarMax approximately two years ago. Within the first 30 days of ownership, the steering wheel began shaking. CarMax repaired the problem at no cost after ordering a replacement part. Approximately two weeks ago, the stee…
65k miles. Started driving, 20 minutes into driving i was stopped at a round about then I went to accelerate and nothing happened my engine revd really loud and after about 10 seconds my car jolted forward and I was able to accelerate, this would happen every time I stopped and anytime a wanted to accelerate to another gear
Safety ratings
2021 Kia K5 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Kia K5.
K5
Auto (AM-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L · Turbo · SIDI & PFI
Regular
K5
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo · SIDI; Stop-Start
Regular
K5 AWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia K5 have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Kia K5, most recently for fuel system, gasoline (11/18/2025). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia K5?
Based on 169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (46), fuel/propulsion system (44), unknown or other (32).
Is the 2021 Kia K5 safe?
The 2021 Kia K5 earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Kia K5?
The 2021 has the most owner complaints of any K5 model year from 2021 to 2026. It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 3.3 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia K5 get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Kia K5 range from 27 to 32 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2021 Kia K5 in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: K5.