2021 Kia K5: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker K5 years.
167 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 K5?The 2021 Kia K5 has 167 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel/propulsion system. Owners most often flag electrical/infotainment glitches: includes infotainment screen freezing, frequent bluetooth/carplay disconnections, slow system response, and various unexplained electrical gremlins. primarily associated with 2021-2022 model years.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Kia K5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other K5 years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the K5?
Across the 6 K5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 107 (2023) to 167 (2021). With 167 complaints, the 2021 K5 sits above the model's median of 107.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 K5
air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Campaign 21V164000Kia 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."
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 21V519000Kia 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.
lane departure: lane keep: steering assist
Campaign 21V447000Kia 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.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 22V760000Kia 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.
Show 2 more recalls
air bags:side/window:curtain
Campaign 23V149000Kia 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.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 25V794000Kia 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed to positive sentiment overall, heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
- Very frequentElectrical/Infotainment glitches
Includes infotainment screen freezing, frequent Bluetooth/CarPlay disconnections, slow system response, and various unexplained electrical gremlins. Primarily associated with 2021-2022 model years.
Owner insights cover all generations of the K5. See the full K5 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used K5 listings typically run $19,000–$24,995.
Other K5 model years
Compare every K5 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the K5 against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy