MotorDeets

Kia K5 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every K5 from 2021 to 2026: 500 owner complaints and 20 recalls across 6 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2021 (167), 2022 (129), 2023 (108). Best fuel economy: 32 mpg combined (2022).

Kia K5
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Fuel & propulsion120
Electrical97
Other / unknown93
Engine85
Transmission & drivetrain59
Body & structure44
Fuel system38
Forward collision avoidance34

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2021616732
2022512932
2023410831
202423031
202525230
202611429

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Kia K5.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Kia K5?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2021 (167), 2022 (129), 2023 (108).

How many recalls has the Kia K5 had?

Across 2021–2026, NHTSA lists 20 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).