CarModelProblems.com

2021 Kia K5 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
153Complaints
6Recalls
7Crashes
2Fires
7Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electrical System (27.5% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Electrical System complaints here are 2.5× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electrical System42 · 27.5%not available
Fuel/propulsion System39 · 25.5%RecalledRecall 21V519000 · Recall 25V794000
Engine26 · 17%not available
Power Train16 · 10.5%RecalledRecall 22V760000
Air Bags10 · 6.5%RecalledRecall 21V164000 · Recall 23V149000
Structure:body9 · 5.9%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Unspecified / other31 · 20.3%
ENGINE26 · 17%
POWER TRAIN16 · 10.5%
AIR BAGS10 · 6.5%
STRUCTURE:BODY9 · 5.9%
SERVICE BRAKES9 · 5.9%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8 · 5.2%
SEATS7 · 4.6%

Percentages are the share of the 153 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 6 campaigns

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

NHTSA campaign 21V164000 · 2021 · reported 03/11/2021

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

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

NHTSA campaign 21V519000 · 2021 · reported 07/08/2021

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist

NHTSA campaign 21V447000 · 2021 · reported 06/14/2021

A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 22V760000 · 2022 · reported 10/11/2022

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain

NHTSA campaign 23V149000 · 2023 · reported 03/07/2023

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline

NHTSA campaign 25V794000 · 2025 · reported 11/17/2025

A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“Air/hearing works intermittently. I’ve had fuses replaced and this seems to be a known and ongoing issue that Kia refuses to acknowledge. Many have reported…”NHTSA complaint 11674755 — filed 07/19/2025 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“Having issues with the blower motor and harness which is a known issue with this car. I can’t keep my AC working plus my defroster…”NHTSA complaint 11662629 — filed 05/22/2025 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“Main wiring harness melted in my fuse box, had to pay $5000 to replace, turbo leaked into my engine and cause for the engine to…”NHTSA complaint 11661765 — filed 05/19/2025 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

32020172021302022242023432024792025422026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia K5?

Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 42 of 153 NHTSA complaints (27.5%), followed by fuel/propulsion system (39), unspecified/other issues (31), engine (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Kia K5 have?

153 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?

Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V164000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Kia K5's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.