2021 Kia K5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Kia K5: 6 recalls, 167 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V164000 · 2021 · 142 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocs/ods unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021.
Lane departure, Steering Vehicle recall #21V447000 · 2021 · 846 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #21V519000 · 2021 · 21,575 vehicles
What's wrong: 5l turbocharged engines. Fuel May leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Why it matters: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V760000 · 2022 · 69,038 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #23V149000 · 2023 · 188,912 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #25V794000 · 2025 · 250,547 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (46): the most common themes are electrical failure (23), fire / smoke (12), warning light on (7).
- Fuel & propulsion (43): the most common themes are warning light on (14), fire / smoke (12), leaks (9).
- Other / unknown (32): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), leaks (3).
- Engine (29): the most common themes are warning light on (13), stalls / loses power (6), fire / smoke (5).
The 2021 Kia K5 has 167 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 6 K5 model years for complaints (2.0× the average K5 year). Complaints peaked in 2025 (45 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 45,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (129 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 38 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | Regular |
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 2021 Kia K5.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Kia K5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Kia K5 problems?
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (46), fuel & propulsion (43), other / unknown (32).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia K5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (S8)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Kia K5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.