2021 Kia K5 problems and complaints
Owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Kia K5. The most-reported areas: Electrical System (46), Fuel/Propulsion System (45), Unknown Or Other (33).
Key takeaways
- 170 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 8 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 7 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 46 | 27% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 45 | 26% |
| Unknown Or Other | 33 | 19% |
| Engine | 30 | 18% |
| Power Train | 19 | 11% |
| Fuel System | 13 | 8% |
| Gasoline | 13 | 8% |
| Service Brakes | 10 | 6% |
| Structure | 10 | 6% |
| Air Bags | 10 | 6% |
| Lane Departure | 9 | 5% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 9 | 5% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
Parts for the 2021 Kia K5
GarageDex's verified specs for this car. Each Buy button searches Amazon for that exact part.
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Engine air filter
- Wiper blades
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| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia K5 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Unknown Or Other,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-11-01
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the fuel tank system of my 2021 Kia K5 LS. On August 17, 2026, my vehicle was inspected at Bayway Kia in connection with Kia recall SC356. The dealership documented the following on Repair Order #4972: "Recall SC356. Check and found fuel tank fail. Then open a Techlin...
Power Train - filed 2026-10-12
From the get-go seemed to have trouble with transmission once in a while Little jerk when shifting gears, reported this, they could find nothing. It has become a lot worse. It has caused the car to shut down into limp mode with engine light on. So I had a problem from the beginning with my new car. But when they check ...
Service Brakes,engine,fuel/Propulsion System - filed 2026-10-09
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Kia K5 because I am concerned about a potentially dangerous mechanical defect. I purchased this vehicle used from CarMax approximately two years ago. Within the first 30 days of ownership, the steering wheel began shaking. CarMax repaired the problem at no cost after orderin...
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More for the 2021 Kia K5
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.