2021 Kia K5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Kia K5 has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 3rd worst of 5 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 167 complaints, 6 recalls, and top problem areas in Fuel System (56 complaints) and Electrical System (47 complaints).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #3 of 5 K5 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 167
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 7
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 26.5 city / 35.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 1
Top 2021 Kia K5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System56 (34%)
- Electrical System47 (28%)
- Engine33 (20%)
- Other32 (19%)
- Structure & Body18 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (11%)
- Airbags10 (6%)
- Brakes9 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (5%)
- Lane Departure9 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple frontal and side-impact crashes, including at highway speeds.
- Under-hood fires and smoke were reported shortly after driving, including one total-loss fire after a short highway trip.
- Steering wheel shuddered and became rigid during a low-speed turn, contributing to a loss of control and crash.
- Unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, later traced by dealers to issues with onboard computer chips.
- HVAC blower motor circuit issues led to burning fuses, even after a dealer fuse-relocation repair.
- Transmission fluid leaks appeared within days of purchase on nearly new vehicles.
2021 Kia K5 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V794000Nov 17, 2025Fuel System250,547 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 23V149000Mar 7, 2023Airbags188,912 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 22V760000Oct 11, 2022Transmission & Powertrain69,038 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: 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.
2021 Kia K5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26.5 MPG
- Highway
- 35.5 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other K5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Kia K5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 K5 carries a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 3rd worst among the 5 model years with data.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia K5?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Fuel System issues lead with 56 complaints (34% share), followed by Electrical System problems with 47 complaints (28%) and Engine issues with 33 complaints (20%).
- Does the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 K5, covering the fuel system, airbags, transmission, power steering software, and an airbag occupant-detection unit.
- How does the 2021 K5 compare to other model years?
- The 2021 K5 (Complaint Index 50) ranks better than 2022 (100, Avoid) and 2023 (75, Avoid), but worse than 2024 (0, Best) and 2025 (25, Good).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Kia K5?
- EPA rates the 2021 K5 at 30 mpg combined (26.5 city / 35.5 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $2,175.