2021 Kia K5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Kia K5 has 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 137. The most common issue is fuel system problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: when filling up the gas tank on 3 separate occasions the station pump failed to cut off causing fuel to leak unto the surrounding surface. the kia k 5 is leased vehicle that i entered into contract in july 2021. the car was used as a demo and i find it suspicious that the dealership wasn’t aware of . There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.
233
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
1.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
FUEL SYSTEM
44 complaints- • When filling up the gas tank on 3 separate occasions the station pump failed to cut off causing fuel to leak unto the surrounding surface. The Kia K 5 is leased vehicle that I entered into contract in July 2021. The car was used as a demo and I find it suspicious that the dealership wasn’t aware of
- • One day I was driving my car when suddenly I heard a loud explosion sound from the back. I continued to drive the car until I could pull over to inspect the car. In the midst of pulling the car over I began smelling a strong odor of gas in the cabin of the car. Prior to stopping the car started skip
- • Loss of power. Check engine light came on
“When filling up the gas tank on 3 separate occasions the station pump failed to cut off causing fuel to leak unto the surrounding surface. The Kia K 5 is leased vehicle that I entered into contract in July 2021. The car was used as a demo and I find it suspicious that the dealership wasn’t aware of ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Kia K5
Based on 41 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (6)
Kia 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Kia K5
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Kia K5
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Kia K5 Service Intervals
Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners
These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2021 K5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 233 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: When filling up the gas tank on 3 separate occasions the station pump failed to cut off causing fuel to leak unto the surrounding surface. The Kia K 5 is leased vehicle that I entered into contract in July 2021. The car was used as a demo and I find it suspicious that the dealership wasn’t aware of
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: KEEP LOST WIRELESS CARPLAY SCINAL.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CROSSED IN MY PATH, AND I BROADSIDED HIS VEHICLE. I AM NOT SURE OF MY SPEED AT IMPACT. I WOULD GUESS 30 MPH. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE SEAT ALSO CAME UNLATCHED, FOLDING ITSELF DOWN. THERE WERE NO OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND AFTER IT IS PARKED AND ENGINE IS TURNED OFF THE COOLING SYSTEM ( COOLANT RESERVOIR ON UPPER RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE ARE) ALLOWS ANTIFREEZE VAPORS AND HIGH PRESSURE TO ESCAPE INTO ENGINE AREA. WHEN PARKING IN A GARAGE THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF COOLANT. DEALER HAS VERI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Kia K5 — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 233
- Recalls
- 6
- Fire reports
- 3
- Crash reports
- 7
- Injury reports
- 7
- Segment avg
- 137
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Kia K5