2021 Kia K5 recalls and problems
The 2021 Kia K5 has 6 safety recalls and 172 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Kia K5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Kia K5 recalls
Recall 25V-794: 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.
Recall 23V-149: Air Bags
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.
Recall 22V-760: Power Train
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.
Recall 21V-519: Fuel System, Gasoline
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.
Recall 21V-447: Lane Departure, Steering
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.
Recall 21V-164: Air Bags
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.
2021 Kia K5 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 46 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 46 | |
| Unknown or Other | 33 | |
| Engine | 30 | |
| Power Train | 19 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 14 | |
| Air Bags | 10 | |
| Structure | 10 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 10 | |
| Service Brakes | 10 | |
| Seats | 9 | |
| Lane Departure | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 10
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 5
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
- Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Steering Assist — 2
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 2
- Lane Departure › Assist — 2
- Lane Departure › Warning — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Kia K5 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia K5 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Kia K5: 25V-794 (fuel system, gasoline), 23V-149 (air bags), 22V-760 (power train), 21V-519 (fuel system, gasoline), 21V-447 (lane departure, steering) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kia K5?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (46 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (46). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.