2021 Kia K5 Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Kia K5.
Worst 2021 Kia K5 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Fuel System
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia K5.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 39 | — | 2 | 13,407 mi | |
| Fuel System | 35 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 23 | — | 1 | 14,590 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 14 | — | — | 32,771 mi | |
| Airbags | 10 | 5 | — | 3,700 mi | |
| Body Structure | 9 | — | — | 1,814 mi | |
| Brakes | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 7 | — | — | 93,667 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | 16,000 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | 1 | — | 48,000 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Horn | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia K5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Kia K5
6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~531,060 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults. If a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve with Lane Following Assist (LFA) engaged, the steering assist level may not adjust properly, causing a sudden increase in the steering effort required.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Other Kia K5 Years
2021 Kia K5 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia K5 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Kia K5?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia K5?
How safe is the 2021 Kia K5?
Does the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Kia K5?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia K5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Kia K5
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