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2021 Kia K5: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Not rated yet
Owners have filed 265 complaints about the 2021 Kia K5 with NHTSA, and it has 6 recalls. We don't rate it yet: a rating needs sales figures to turn complaints into rates.
Owner complaints
265
filed with NHTSA
Recalls
6
on record
Fuel economy
32 mpg
best version, EPA combined
Fuel, 5 years
$6,375
12,000 mi a year, $3.40/gal
What owners complain about most
Engines and fuel economy
| Version | Drive | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 mpg |
| Automatic (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L | All-Wheel Drive | 29 mpg |
| Automatic (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 mpg |
Recalls
Fuel System, GasolineNov 17, 2025 · campaign 25V794000
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window › CurtainMar 7, 2023 · campaign 23V149000
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.
Power Train › Automatic TransmissionOct 11, 2022 · campaign 22V760000
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsJul 8, 2021 · campaign 21V519000
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.
Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Steering AssistJun 14, 2021 · campaign 21V447000
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 th
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front PassengerMar 11, 2021 · campaign 21V164000
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."
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before you buy
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Other years of the Kia K5
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | Not rated yet |
| 2023 | Not rated yet |
| 2022 | Not rated yet |
| 2021 | Not rated yet |
Questions people ask
What problems does the 2021 Kia K5 have?
Owners have filed 265 complaints with NHTSA: electrical system (46), engine & cooling (33), body, glass & interior (26). We don't rate it yet, so this count isn't a reliability score: popular cars get more complaints.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia K5 have?
6 recalls on record with NHTSA.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia K5 get?
Up to 32 mpg combined (EPA), depending on the engine.