2021 Kia K5 Safety Report
2021 KIA K5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Kia K5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Kia K5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (138) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Kia K5 with 7 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Kia K5 before buying across this generation. |
Kia K5 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia K5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia K5 | 108 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Kia K5 | 86 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2024 Kia K5 | 20 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2025 Kia K5 | 38 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2026 Kia K5 | 7 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Kia K5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Kia K5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Kia onlyFuel/Propulsion System
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyPower Train
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Kia onlyEngine
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyFuel System, Gasoline
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Kia K5
Reliability Score
The 2021 Kia K5 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Kia K5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Kia K5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Kia K5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, Lines, And Fittings Recalled due to a damaged check valve that can allow gasoline to leak, posing a fire risk. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bags: Side/Wind/Windshield/Curtain Recalled due to potential failure of side curtain air bags, increasing the risk of injury. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train: Automatic Transmission Recalled due to transmission issues, leading to vehicle hesitation and loss of power. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist Recalled due to steering assist malfunctions, which can affect vehicle stability and control. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Kia K5:
Issues with fuel delivery systems are the most common problem, affecting 23% of vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2021 Kia K5
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Kia K5 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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: 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...
Summary: 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: 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.
Summary: 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: 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.
Summary: 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: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Kia K5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Kia K5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle jolted forward three times and then lost power. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle into an independent mechanic and the vehicle was inspected, and there was oil all over the engine compartment...
The fuel tank malfunctioned while driving. It appeared on my odometer that I had zero gas, once I pulled into a gas station to fill up, I could see the gas pouring out of the tank while the pump was unable to pump any gas due to the pressure coming out of the tank. Bev Smith Kia of Fort Pierce has the vehicle if you would like to inspect it. I also have photos of the melted tank from the dealersh...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, the fuel gauge displayed zero miles to empty. The contact pulled into the nearest gas station, and while attempting to add fuel to the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking out of the fuel tank outlet, and the gas pump nozzle was stopped. The contact was unable to refuel the vehicle. The contac...
I purchased a 2021 car in April 2024, which was originally side-swiped in November 2024. I filed an insurance claim and had to wait for the other insurer’s statement. In January 2025, the insurance company sent the car to one of their approved shops for electrical repairs, but the shop refused to work on it after noticing a missing airbag and flagged the car as a liability. They also mentioned the...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated with DTC: P0471 displayed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repair where the dealer replaced the check valve. After receiving the recall repair, the check engine warning light remained illuminated ...
Unknown
I originally got my car 2023 from Carmax I took it in to Kia dealership to get my recalls done they kept my car for over 6 days without fixing it when I arrived I was showed a photo saying it’s after market parts on this vehicle and we can’t touch it also they stated my vehicle was dangerous to drive so I asked for documentation that my vehicle was denied and they refused also I called Kia coopera...
The steering wheel became stiff all the sudden and became hard to turn. As well as all the warning lights came on when that happened such as Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning. I was driving in the middle of the road when this hap...
I brought my car in for the recall regarding the faulty check valve in the fuel tank. My check engine light had also just come on. I have a 2021 Kia K5 with 60,000 miles and the dealership tells me I have to replace all 4 fuel injectors since it's causing a "system too lean" message.
Blower motor stops working for a bit with no ac or heat
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud explosion coming from the rear of the vehicle, and there was a dragging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear seat raised up into the air with children seated in the seat. The contact became aware of fuel leaking and that the fuel tank was hanging down. The vehicle was towed to...
The vehicle experiences severe stalling and loss of power while driving. When attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitates, shakes violently, and will not accelerate beyond approximately 10–20 mph. The vehicle then stalls completely and shuts off. These failures occur both after the vehicle has been parked and while actively driving. When placed in drive, the vehicle shakes aggressively and sta...
Ever since I bought my car in July of 2025 cash I’ve been having issues. Shortly after purchasing my car began to stall , lose power repeatedly. I then took to southwest kia in Dallas they told me I had contaminated gas. They charged me $2,000 to clean my fuel lines , replace spark plugs & replace a fuel pressure sensor. Shortly after i got my car I had the same issues. I explained my concerns and...
Took car to Kia for an oil change and car started driving weird . Rpm hand running high. Check engine light came on , took car to Kia and fuel tank was expanded . Car is still not fixed , and Kia won’t continue to pay for rental.
Recall SC263) AIR BAGS THAT DO NOT DEPLOY (SC356)x2 A MELTED FUEL TANK CAN LEAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE
Within three days of purchase, the vehicle experienced a fuel system failure requiring the gas tank to be replaced. Shortly afterward, the check-engine light illuminated, indicating additional engine or emissions problems. The failures occurred without warning and made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The engine warning has continued to appear, suggesting a recurring or unresolved malfunction. The de...
The contact owns a 2015 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that days before the vehicle was scheduled for an unknown recall repair, while refueling, the contact observed gasoline pouring out of the tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel tank had expanded due...
My 2021 Kia K5 EX has a severe and unsafe steering problem. The vehicle consistently pulls hard to the right on its own, even on straight roads. If I loosen my grip even slightly, the car immediately veers to the right. The steering wheel does not stay centered, and I have to constantly fight the steering just to keep the car in the lane. This issue has continued despite multiple alignments, tire...
For the past 16 months I have been experiencing a fuel odor in my vehicle cabin while idling or when in slow moving traffic. Knowing this likely is due to a fuel leak, I have taken it to the dealership 6 times to find the leak and remedy it. The dealership always finds something to repair/replace under warranty, however, the fuel smell persists. Over the past 16 months, this has increased in how s...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s seat seemed to be inflated. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact became aware of fuel squirting out of the fuel filler neck. The fuel gauge fluctuated from full tank to half tank or empty. There was no warning light illuminated. The fuel o...
Showing 20 of 138 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Kia K5
Has the 2021 KIA K5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 KIA K5 has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 KIA K5 have?
The 2021 KIA K5 has 138 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 7 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 KIA K5?
The 2021 KIA K5 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 KIA K5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 KIA K5 involve electrical system (17 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (14 complaints), unknown or other (14 complaints). Other affected components include power train, engine, fuel system, gasoline.
How many crash reports does the 2021 KIA K5 have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2021 KIA K5 out of 138 total complaints (5.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 KIA K5 have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2021 KIA K5 out of 138 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 KIA K5?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 KIA K5. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 KIA K5?
7 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 KIA K5. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 KIA K5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 KIA K5 is acceptable with caveats. It has 138 complaints, 6 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 KIA K5?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 KIA K5 are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17 complaints), 2. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (14 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (8 complaints), 5. ENGINE (7 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 17 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 KIA K5?
Be aware of potential fuel system and air bag risks. Regularly check your vehicle for recalls and address any issues promptly. The 2021 KIA K5 has 138 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 KIA K5?
The 2021 KIA K5 receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 138 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, Lines, and Fittings and Air Bags: Side/Wind/Windshield/Curtain.
What are the known issues with the 2021 KIA K5?
Known issues with the 2021 KIA K5 include: Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, Lines, and Fittings, Air Bags: Side/Wind/Windshield/Curtain, Power Train: Automatic Transmission, Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist. These are based on patterns found across 138 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 KIA K5?
Fuel system and air bag malfunctions are the most common issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 KIA K5?
Yes, recalls have been issued for fuel system, air bag, and power train issues.
What should I do if I experience issues with my 2021 KIA K5?
Check for recalls and take your vehicle to a dealership for repairs.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential fuel system and air bag risks. Regularly check your vehicle for recalls and address any issues promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Kia K5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Kia K5. The data includes 138 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Kia K5 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16