2021 Kia K5

Trims and configurations

4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

• 1.6L · FWD · 8-speed automatic
• 1.6L · FWD · 8-speed automatic
• 2.5L · FWD · 8-speed dct
• K5 AWD · 1.6L · AWD · 8-speed automatic

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 12, 2026.

• 25V794000: 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.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia…

  Reported November 17, 2025. View on NHTSA

• 23V149000: 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.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…

  Reported March 7, 2023. View on NHTSA

• 22V760000: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Kia 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.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022.…

  Reported October 11, 2022. View on NHTSA

• 21V519000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  Kia 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.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is…

  Reported July 8, 2021. View on NHTSA

• 21V447000: 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…

  Remedy: Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.

  Reported June 14, 2021. View on NHTSA

• 21V164000: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

  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."

  Remedy: 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.

  Reported March 11, 2021. View on NHTSA

Data sources

• EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 12, 2026 · US Government public data
• NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 12, 2026 · US Government public data

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

• Vehicle2022Gasoline
  2022 Kia K5

  Gasoline

  Varies by configuration: 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI; Stop-Start), 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI & PFI) · Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
  32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) to 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions