How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Kia K5?

NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 K5, which is 11% of the 167 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2021 Kia K5?

Yes. Recall 22V760000, reported October 11, 2022, covers a transmission oil pump malfunction that can impair the vehicle's fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission as necessary and update the transmission control unit.

At what mileage do 2021 K5 transmission problems typically occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 K5 is 56,000 miles.

Do transmission complaints involve crashes or fires?

No. NHTSA records zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries among the 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 K5.

How does the 2021 K5 compare to other model years for this problem area?

The 2021 K5 has 18 complaints (11% share) in this area, compared to 21 complaints (17% share) for 2022 and 11 complaints (10% share) for 2023.

2021 Kia K5 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Kia K5, 11% of its 167 total complaints, with median mileage at failure of 56,000. A related recall (22V760000) covers a transmission oil pump malfunction that can impair the fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 18; 11% of 167
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 56,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of motive power while driving on the highway, requiring the car to coast to a stop and the transmission to be replaced.
Some describe shifting delays when accelerating, with the RPMs staying elevated for a few seconds before dropping.
Others report sputtering and jerking while the transmission shifts between gears at low speed, such as 30-40 MPH.
One complaint describes the transmission failing to engage at low speed, with the engine revving but the vehicle not accelerating.
A transmission fluid leak was discovered shortly after purchase, prompting a total transmission replacement.

When 2021 Kia K5 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 28, 2020, latest Sep 23, 2026.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Oct 2022 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Kia K5

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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by K5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

202118 (11%)
202221 (17%)
202311 (10%)
20243 (10%)
20256 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Kia K5?: NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 K5, which is 11% of the 167 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2021 Kia K5?: Yes. Recall 22V760000, reported October 11, 2022, covers a transmission oil pump malfunction that can impair the vehicle's fail-safe limited-mobility drive mode. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission as necessary and update the transmission control unit.
At what mileage do 2021 K5 transmission problems typically occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 K5 is 56,000 miles.
Do transmission complaints involve crashes or fires?: No. NHTSA records zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries among the 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 K5.
How does the 2021 K5 compare to other model years for this problem area?: The 2021 K5 has 18 complaints (11% share) in this area, compared to 21 complaints (17% share) for 2022 and 11 complaints (10% share) for 2023.