VinSleuth

2021 Kia K5 recall campaigns

6 model-year recall campaigns were returned for the 2021 Kia K5.

Methodology: recall and complaint counts are pulled from NHTSA public data by make, model, and model year during the site build. This page is not a VIN-specific open-recall status.

Data sources: NHTSA recalls retrieved: 2026-09-09 (cache). Complaints retrieved: 2026-09-09 (cache). These are automated source snapshots; confirm current VIN applicability with NHTSA and the manufacturer.

6 Recall campaigns
164 Complaints
2 Fire reports
8 Crash reports

Recall campaign details

Recall AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE #21V164000 Reported 11/03/2021

Defect

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.

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.

Recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS #21V519000 Reported 08/07/2021

Defect

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.

Risk

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

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 SC214.

Recall LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST #21V447000 Reported 14/06/2021

Defect

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.

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.

Recall POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION #22V760000 Reported 11/10/2022

Defect

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.

Risk

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.

Recall AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN #23V149000 Reported 07/03/2023

Defect

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.

Risk

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in 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 is SC263.

Recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE #25V794000 Reported 17/11/2025

Defect

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.

Risk

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

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 customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 1, 2025.

Check your VIN for unrepaired recalls

Enter your VIN at NHTSA to check vehicle-specific recall repair status. This model-year list cannot confirm whether your vehicle is affected. Recent and some older recalls may not appear; contact the manufacturer when needed.

Check VIN at NHTSA

Other Kia K5 model years

Recalls differ by model year — check the years near yours.

What owners complain about

Top components in 164 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Kia K5. Owner reports are not confirmed defect findings.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 41
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 23
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20
POWER TRAIN 16
FUEL SYSTEM 12
ENGINE 9
STRUCTURE 9
AIR BAGS 8

Frequently asked

How many recalls does the 2021 Kia K5 have?

6 model-year recall campaigns were returned for the 2021 Kia K5.

Do I have to pay to fix a Kia recall?

Safety recall remedies are generally provided without charge for eligible affected vehicles. Eligibility and remedy availability depend on the campaign, including vehicle-age rules. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer with your VIN to confirm coverage and next steps.

Is this recall list specific to my VIN?

This page lists campaigns for the 2021 Kia K5 model year. It does not confirm whether your VIN is affected or whether a repair is still needed. Use the official NHTSA VIN lookup at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or contact Kia. Recent and some older recalls may not appear in the VIN tool.

2021 Kia K5 crash ratings All recalls

Confirm recalls for your vehicle

This site shows campaigns by make, model and year. Automatic recall alerts are not available here. Check your VIN with NHTSA and confirm applicability and repair status with the manufacturer or dealer.

Check your VIN with NHTSA