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Kia K5 steering can suddenly get much harder

NHTSA campaign 21V447000 · Reported 2021-06-14 · Kia Motors America

high How serious is it? About this label

A sudden jump in steering effort mid-corner can lead to a crash with little warning, and while the notice does not tell you to stop driving, it is worth getting the software updated soon and being cautious with Lane Following Assist until then.

What's wrong, in plain English

These K5s use an electric power steering system that cannot detect certain internal communication faults. If one of those faults happens while you are going around a curve with Lane Following Assist switched on, the power assist may not adjust the way it should, and the steering wheel can suddenly become much harder to turn. A sharp change in steering effort in the middle of a corner can catch you off guard and pull you off your intended path. A dealer reprograms the steering software.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your K5 is included (Kia's recall number is SC213).
2. Call your Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 to schedule the steering software update.
3. The update is free; ask the dealer about it at your next visit if you cannot go in sooner.

Affected vehicles (2)

2021 Kia K5
2022 Kia K5

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

Official notice

Component: LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
Summary: 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.
Safety risk: A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
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.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.