Buying a used 2021 Kia K5? Check these 6 recalls first
Six recalls apply, the heaviest list of any K5 year here, including two critical fuel items, a leak that can cause a fire and a fuel tank that can melt and leak, neither flagged park-outside. Others cover sudden loss of drive power, steering that can abruptly get much harder, incorrectly installed side curtain airbags, and possibly missing child seat hardware. Of 164 unverified owner complaints, electrical (45) and fuel/propulsion (41) lead; two fires are reported.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Ask for the recall closure list, especially both fuel leak and fuel tank items
- Smell for fuel odor and look under the car for staining or dampness
- Note any sudden increase in steering effort or power loss on a longer test drive
- Open recalls are repaired free at any Kia dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2021 Kia K5
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Kia K5 and Sorento fuel leak can cause fire | Fuel System, Gasoline | critical |
| Kia K5 fuel tank can melt and leak | Fuel System, Gasoline | critical |
| Kia Telluride, K5, Forte may miss child seat | AIR Bags | high |
| Kia K5 steering can suddenly get much harder | Lane Departure | high |
| Kia K5 and Sorento can lose drive power | Power Train | high |
| Kia K5 side curtain airbags may be installed wrong | AIR Bags | high |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
164 complaints filed for this model year, including 8 mentioning a crash, 2 a fire and 7 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 54 | Yes |
| Electrical System | 45 | None found |
| Engine | 28 | None found |
| Power Train | 17 | Yes |
| AIR Bags | 10 | Yes |