The 2021 Kia K5 has a high safety risk profile with 3 recall campaigns and 141 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

141

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

21V4470002021-14-06

LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST

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.

A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

23V1490002023-07-03

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

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.

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

View at NHTSA

25V7940002025-17-11

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 141 owners have filed complaints about the 2021 Kia K5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Electrical System17

02Unknown Or Other15

03Fuel/propulsion System15

04Power Train8

05Engine7

141 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Kia K5 Fuel Economy

27–32mpg combined

24-29city

32-38hwy

$2,100-$2,500/yr

Across 4 configurations, the 2021 Kia K5 returns 27–32 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

K5 - Automatic (S8)

32mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

29 city38 hwy~$2,100/yr7/10 Clean

K5 AWD - Automatic (S8)

29mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

26 city34 hwy~$2,350/yr6/10 Average

K5 - Automatic (AM-S8)

27mpg

2.5L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

24 city32 hwy~$2,500/yr6/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 Kia K5

33States

29%in top 3

12% of the market sits in Florida, though listings span 33 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

FLFlorida

1,22012%

TXTexas

9029%

CACalifornia

7498%

OHOhio

5686%

GAGeorgia

5055%

MOMissouri

4665%

PAPennsylvania

4034%

AZArizona

3884%

ILIllinois

3774%

DCWashington DC

3173%

NJNew Jersey

3153%

TNTennessee

3073%

NYNew York

3023%

NCNorth Carolina

2903%

MDMaryland

2653%

DE250

IN226

UT154

WA140

OK139

NV136

MI128

AL123

CO115

MN102

WI85

OR83

KY79

NH73

ID70

VA63

HI56

RI55

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

Buying a 2021 Kia K5?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2021 Kia K5 a good car to buy?

The 2021 Kia K5 has its strengths and its watch-outs. 3 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report electrical system as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2021 Kia K5?

There are 3 documented recalls for the 2021 Kia K5. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 Kia K5?

You'll get between 27 and 32 MPG combined from the 2021 Kia K5, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2021 Kia K5?

Out of 141 owner complaints, electrical system issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.