2021 Kia K5 Engine Problems
Owners filed 33 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Kia K5, 20% of all 167 complaints for that year, with a median failure mileage of 52,000. No related recalls are listed for this issue.
- Engine complaints
- 33
- 20% of 167
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 52,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine stalls or shuts off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes at highway speed and reoccurring multiple times before the vehicle enters limp mode.
- Coolant or antifreeze vapor escapes near the radiator cap and coolant reservoir, producing a strong smell in the engine bay and garage.
- Sudden loss of power or hesitation during acceleration, with the vehicle jerking as it struggles to regain speed in traffic.
- Check engine and low oil pressure warning lights appear together, with owners finding oil under the car and low oil levels afterward.
- Owners report antifreeze migrating through the turbo into the head gasket, with related coolant leak concerns after warranty coverage ends.
- Loud popping or explosion-like noise from the rear of the engine accompanied by a gas smell and rough running or misfiring.
When 2021 Kia K5 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 20, 2021, latest Sep 16, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 Kia K5
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by K5 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
- 202133 (20%)
- 202232 (25%)
- 202314 (13%)
- 202410 (33%)
- 20254 (8%)
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2021 Kia K5 have?
- NHTSA lists 33 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Kia K5, which is 20% of the 167 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia K5 engine?
- No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area on the 2021 Kia K5.
- At what mileage do 2021 Kia K5 engine problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2021 Kia K5 is 52,000 miles.
- What kind of engine problems do 2021 Kia K5 owners report?
- Owners describe unexpected stalling, coolant vapor leaks near the reservoir, sudden power loss during acceleration, and warning lights paired with low oil pressure.