2021 Kia K5 Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Kia K5? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 142 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Kia K5 has 142 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2021 Kia K5 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 Kia K5 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2021 Kia K5 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Kia K5 has 142 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- K5
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 142
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 31
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 37
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Kia K5 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Fuel/Propulsion System
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Fuel/Propulsion System, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Kia K5?
The 2021 Kia K5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Kia K5
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery, for any signs of faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel/propulsion system and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including wiring and battery, for any signs of faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for fuel/propulsion system and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Kia K5, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Kia K5 are concentrated in electrical faults and fuel/propulsion system issues, with a notable number of engine and transmission reports. Crash-related complaints are relatively low, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited model years and sample size.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints at 41.
- Fuel/propulsion system issues are the second most reported category with 36 complaints.
- Engine problems and transmission/drivetrain issues together total 39 complaints.
- Electrical faults
- Fuel/propulsion system
- Engine problems
Full breakdown
All 2021 Kia K5 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Kia K5. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 41 | — | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 25 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia K5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I have experienced consistent electrical issues with my drivers side door panel on my 2021 Kia K5. The lights on the panel will flash off and on intermittently, the windows will not roll down, and doors will not lock/unlock, posing an entrapment risk. Additionally, when this pane…
Manufacturer has failed to remedy the safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner. Vehicle is a fire risk and I am unable to drive it. My vehicle has been sitting at the dealership service center for over a month. I have not been contacted by Kia as of yet even after repeate…
I am reporting a failure in the integrity of Federal Safety Recall completion and documentation at Kia of Daphne. On 2/6/26, I was issued official paperwork stating a recall part was 'Special Ordered.' On 4/3, I attempted to call for FU in part progress. Informed “recall was don…
My vehicle is currently under a recall (recall SC356), but I'm currently very far from a Kia dealership. The nearest one is about 175 miles away. I contacted Kia and they informed me that they can't reimburse me for having my car towed to the dealership. So now I am stuck with a …
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 t…
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 ou…
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 …
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 …
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 th…
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 w…
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 A…
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" mess…
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…
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 spa…
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 aft…
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 vehicl…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Kia K5.
Safety recalls
2021 Kia K5 recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia K5. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Kia K5 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Kia K5 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 142 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Kia K5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia K5?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (41 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (36 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (28 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia K5?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Kia K5?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Kia K5, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 142 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Kia K5. A major recall area is AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Kia K5?▾
The 2021 Kia K5 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia K5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Kia K5 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.