2021 Kia K5 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

6 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Kia K5 has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 2 fires, 7 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (46 reports).

6Recalls
169Owner complaints
8Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your K5?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2021 Kia K5 recalls

Fuel Tank Can Melt and Leak, Raising Fire Risk

Recall 25V794Nov 17, 2025250,547 vehicles affected

A damaged check valve in the fuel system can let air into the gas tank.

Curtain Airbags May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash

Recall 23V149Mar 7, 2023188,912 vehicles affected

Some Kia K5 vehicles from model years 2021 through 2023 may have had their side curtain airbags installed incorrectly.

Transmission Fault Can Cause Sudden Loss of Drive Power

Recall 22V760Oct 11, 202269,038 vehicles affected

A transmission oil pump malfunction can impair the vehicle's fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode, which may result in a complete loss of drive power.

Fuel May Leak Near Engine, Creating Fire Risk

Recall 21V519Jul 8, 202121,575 vehicles affected

Certain turbocharged engine vehicles may have a fuel leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel rail.

Steering Can Suddenly Get Heavy, Raising Crash Risk

Recall 21V447Jun 14, 2021846 vehicles affected

Certain 2021-2022 Kia K5 vehicles with the 2.5L turbo engine may have a steering system that cannot detect communication faults.

Passenger Airbag May Not Turn Off for Child Seats

Recall 21V164Mar 11, 2021142 vehicles affected

The occupant detection system in the front passenger seat may fail to recognize when a child safety seat is installed.

Most common 2021 Kia K5 problems

Problem areas named in the 169 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System46
Fuel/Propulsion System44
Unknown Or Other32
Engine30
Power Train19
Fuel System, Gasoline13
Air Bags10
Structure10
Forward Collision Avoidance10
Service Brakes10

What owners report

2026-10-12, Power Train
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 if anybody else with this car make, model, year have reported anything the same.
2026-10-09, Service Brakes
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 steering wheel began shaking again. The problem has now progressed to the vehicle shaking, feeling as though it is skidding or slipping, and failing to accelerate properly. The check-engine light is illuminated. I contacted Kia regarding recall SC250 and was told that my vehicle does not qualify. I am concerned because my
2026-09-23, Power Train
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
2026-09-21, Structure
2021 Kia K5 99K1ZRECALL Gas tank expanded and deformed the body, noticeable under back seat. Risk of gas leak or fire Kia of Mckinney service center has vehicle unrepairable SC356 KIA has case # 26282908 No symptoms, driver complained stopping was jerky CAN'T FIX CAR AND WON'T REPLACE IT.
2026-09-16, Engine
Vehicle experienced a severe engine misfire (P0302), rough running, and loss of power while driving. Dealership confirmed the Purge Control / PCV valve failed (replaced under Recall SC356 / 25V-794), but charged out-of-pocket for the Cylinder 2 ignition coil that failed as a direct result of the PCV valve failure. The Dealership replaced the Purge Control/PCV valve at this time - the recall was not resolved until this time - I wasn't even aware of this recall until this incident. This ocurred on XXX and as a result I was stranded 1500 miles from home in [XXX] (I live in [XXX] and was driving the vehicle to my son at the University of XXX in [XXX]. The car was running fine until I stopp

2021 Kia K5 questions

Does the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia K5: Fuel Tank Can Melt and Leak, Raising Fire Risk; Curtain Airbags May Not Deploy Properly in a Crash; Transmission Fault Can Cause Sudden Loss of Drive Power; Fuel May Leak Near Engine, Creating Fire Risk; Steering Can Suddenly Get Heavy, Raising Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia K5?

Based on 169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (46), Fuel/Propulsion System (44), Unknown Or Other (32).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Kia K5 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Kia K5 years

Other 2021 Kia models