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2021 Kia K5

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most K5 years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Kia K5 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.5.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 31 of 165 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports6 injury reports

Visibility/wiper complaints

5 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2026
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility, which determined that the evaporator core was leaking refrigerant and requi…

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I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility, which determined that the evaporator core was leaking refrigerant and required replacement. An evaporator core is a major HVAC component that should not fail at such low mileage under normal operating conditions. This failure affects the vehicle’s ability to properly dehumidify and defrost the windshield, which can reduce visibility and create a potential safety hazard during rain, high humidity, or cold weather conditions. I have maintained the vehicle as recommended and believe this component failed prematurely. Due to the extensive labor required to replace the evaporator core, the repair cost is significant. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether there is a pattern of premature evaporator core failures in 2021 Kia K5 vehicles and whether an investigation is warranted. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Kia * Model: K5 * Mileage at Failure: 59,600 miles * Failure: Leaking evaporator core causing refrigerant loss and loss of air conditioning performance

NHTSA ODI #11749904

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2025
Fuel/propulsion SystemSeatsVisibility/wiper

The Electric seats do not adjust due to failed motors. Electric mirrors do not adjust due to failed motors. Gas refuel door does not open due to faulty actuator. All things that make the care dangerous to drive. Online search reveals that all three issues are very common in the 2021-2023 KIA K5 cars. We believe they pose a dan…

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The Electric seats do not adjust due to failed motors. Electric mirrors do not adjust due to failed motors. Gas refuel door does not open due to faulty actuator. All things that make the care dangerous to drive. Online search reveals that all three issues are very common in the 2021-2023 KIA K5 cars. We believe they pose a danger. Also, they seem to break at about 40-60K miles. Often out of warranty and dealer will not fix even though they acknowledge that the items in question are an issue.

NHTSA ODI #11638110

Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2022
Visibility/wiper

had the windshield replaced on March 14, 2022. i drove the car for approximatly for two weeks with no issues. i left my car parked while on vacation and took a cab to the airport. after i returned home from vacation and drove my car for the first time in almost two weeks i noticed the cracks on the windshield. one on the low…

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had the windshield replaced on March 14, 2022. i drove the car for approximatly for two weeks with no issues. i left my car parked while on vacation and took a cab to the airport. after i returned home from vacation and drove my car for the first time in almost two weeks i noticed the cracks on the windshield. one on the lower area of the passenger side and another that is on the driver side about mid ways. both have spread and since then there are two smaller ones starting. i have been constantly contacting the dealership who is giving me the run around. but on may 3 they are wanting to see the car windshield. the glass company the dealer uses has no warranty for their work. The cracks are inside the glass you cant feel them at all. i know the service guy wanted to know if i had a telluride i told him no i have the K5.

NHTSA ODI #11462269

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2022
Visibility/wiper

The windshield cracked and spread very quickly without any known reason. I made an appointment with the dealership and was told that they do not handle that situation and was dismissed without a proper check. Will be checked by an auto glass company soon. There was no indication of any failure/warning lamps. There were no prior …

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The windshield cracked and spread very quickly without any known reason. I made an appointment with the dealership and was told that they do not handle that situation and was dismissed without a proper check. Will be checked by an auto glass company soon. There was no indication of any failure/warning lamps. There were no prior chips in the windshield that were prone to further damage, no loud sounds and the crack appeared while the car was parked on my carport.

NHTSA ODI #11461900

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2021
Visibility/wiper

My 2021 KIA K5 developed a chip after a small pebble hit the windshield. By the time I got home(an hour and a half later) the chip caused a crack across three quarters of the windshield. The dealer and KIA Corporate will not admit the problem even though there have been numerous complaints on the Telluride model and now several …

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My 2021 KIA K5 developed a chip after a small pebble hit the windshield. By the time I got home(an hour and a half later) the chip caused a crack across three quarters of the windshield. The dealer and KIA Corporate will not admit the problem even though there have been numerous complaints on the Telluride model and now several complaints documented on the new K5.

NHTSA ODI #11424226

Official recalls

6

25V794000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Nov 17, 2025

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V149000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain

Mar 7, 2023

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

22V760000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Oct 11, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V519000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 8, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V447000 · Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist; Steering

Jun 14, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist

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.

Consequence: 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.

Steering

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.

Consequence: 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.

21V164000 · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module; Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

Mar 11, 2021

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

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."

Consequence: 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.

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

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."

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.