2021 Kia K5 recalls

6 safety recalls, 169 owner complaints and a 5-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

202620252024202320222021
6Recalls
169Complaints
10Crashes & fires reported
5/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Kia K5 is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Kia K5 recall list

Fuel System, Gasoline recall

25V-794
November 18, 2025 · Kia America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety 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.

Air Bags recall

23V-149
March 7, 2023 · Kia America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety 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.

Power Train recall

22V-760
October 11, 2022 · Kia America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline recall

21V-519
July 8, 2021 · Kia Motors America
Problem
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.
Safety 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.

Lane Departure recall

21V-447
June 14, 2021 · Kia Motors America
Problem
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.
Safety risk
A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.

Air Bags recall

21V-164
March 11, 2021 · Kia Motors America
Problem
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."
Safety risk
In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.

2021 Kia K5 owner complaints

169 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 8 crashes, 2 fires, 7 injuries and 1 death.

Problems by component

Electrical System46
Fuel/Propulsion System44
Unknown or Other32
Engine30
Power Train19
Fuel System, Gasoline13
Service Brakes10
Structure10
Air Bags10
Lane Departure9

Recent complaints

October 12, 2026Power Train

From the get-go seemed to have trouble with transmission once in a while Little jerk when shifting gears, reported this, they could find nothing. It has become a lot worse. It has caused the car to shut down into limp mode with engine light on. So I had a problem from the beginning with my new car. But when they check it, they can’t find a problem. So I’m just checking to see if anybody else with this car make, model, year have reported anything the same.

October 9, 2026Service BrakesEngineFuel/Propulsion System

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Kia K5 because I am concerned about a potentially dangerous mechanical defect. I purchased this vehicle used from CarMax approximately two years ago. Within the first 30 days of ownership, the steering wheel began shaking. CarMax repaired the problem at no cost after ordering a replacement part. Approximately two weeks ago, the steering wheel began shaking again. The problem has now progressed to the vehicle shaking, feeling as though it is skidding or slipping, and failing to accelerate properly. The check-engine light is illuminated. I contacted Kia regarding recall SC250 and was told that my vehicle does not qualify. I am concerned because my ve

September 23, 2026Power TrainElectrical System

65k miles. Started driving, 20 minutes into driving i was stopped at a round about then I went to accelerate and nothing happened my engine revd really loud and after about 10 seconds my car jolted forward and I was able to accelerate, this would happen every time I stopped and anytime a wanted to accelerate to another gear

September 21, 2026StructureFuel/Propulsion System

2021 Kia K5 99K1ZRECALL Gas tank expanded and deformed the body, noticeable under back seat. Risk of gas leak or fire Kia of Mckinney service center has vehicle unrepairable SC356 KIA has case # 26282908 No symptoms, driver complained stopping was jerky CAN'T FIX CAR AND WON'T REPLACE IT.

September 16, 2026EngineFuel/Propulsion System

Vehicle experienced a severe engine misfire (P0302), rough running, and loss of power while driving. Dealership confirmed the Purge Control / PCV valve failed (replaced under Recall SC356 / 25V-794), but charged out-of-pocket for the Cylinder 2 ignition coil that failed as a direct result of the PCV valve failure. The Dealership replaced the Purge Control/PCV valve at this time - the recall was not resolved until this time - I wasn't even aware of this recall until this incident. This ocurred on XXX and as a result I was stranded 1500 miles from home in [XXX] (I live in [XXX] and was driving the vehicle to my son at the University of XXX in [XXX]. The car was running fine until I stopped bri

2021 Kia K5 crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Kia K5 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Kia K5: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning standard. Rollover risk: 10.7%.

2021 Kia K5 recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia K5. The most recent, filed November 18, 2025, concerns the fuel system, gasoline.

What are the most common 2021 Kia K5 problems?

Owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is electrical system (46 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system.

Is the 2021 Kia K5 safe?

The 2021 Kia K5 earned up to a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Kia K5?

Contact any authorized Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.