2021 Kia K5 Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 56 fuel system complaints for the 2021 Kia K5, 34% of all 167 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 113,000. Two related recalls (25V794000 and 21V519000) cover a check valve defect and a leaking fuel pipe connection.
- Fuel System complaints
- 56
- 34% of 167
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 113,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report loud banging or explosion-like sounds from the rear of the car followed by a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin.
- Multiple complaints describe the fuel tank expanding and pushing the rear seat upward, sometimes with visible gas leaking near the wheel well.
- Some drivers say the purge control valve builds pressure in the tank, worsening the expansion and leaking problem over time.
- A few owners report the fuel door or fuel lid becomes stuck or fails to open due to a faulty actuator.
- One owner described gas spraying out when opening the fuel cap after the tank had expanded and popped the fuel pump out of place.
- Separate reports mention engine misfires, check engine lights, and a failed differential pressure sensor tied to fuel system symptoms.
When 2021 Kia K5 fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 26, 2021, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Fuel System recalls for the 2021 Kia K5
- 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 21V519000Jul 8, 2021Fuel System21,575 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC214.
Fuel System complaints by K5 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are fuel system complaints for the 2021 Kia K5?
- NHTSA lists 56 fuel system complaints for the 2021 K5, which is 34% of all 167 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Kia K5 fuel system?
- Yes. Recall 25V794000 covers a damaged check valve that can let air into the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust parts, and recall 21V519000 covers a fuel pipe connection that can leak on turbocharged models.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 113,000 miles for fuel system complaints on the 2021 K5.
- Were there any injuries or fires linked to this problem?
- NHTSA records show 1 injury and 0 fires among the 56 fuel system complaints for the 2021 K5, and 0 crashes.
- How does 2021 compare to other K5 model years for fuel system complaints?
- The 2021 K5 had 56 fuel system complaints (34% share), close to 2022's 43 complaints (34% share) and lower in share than 2023's 53 complaints (50% share).