Owners have filed 253 complaints
about the 2021 KIA K5 with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the KIA K5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 41
7.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 75
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
933.3%
Warnings
518.5%
Automatic Emergency Braking
311.1%
Blind Spot Detection
311.1%
Rearview System Braking
27.4%
Steering Assist
27.4%
Assist
27.4%
Warning
13.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
510.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
612.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
816.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
36.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
714.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
714.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1020.8%
150,000+ miles
24.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2020peak 16Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2021 KIA K5
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20256382,737 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the check valve for the purge control system could wear and cause the fuel tank to expand. As a result, the fuel tank could contact hot components and fuel could leak. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 1.6 L turbocharged engine. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the check valve and update the electronic control unit (ECU) software. The dealer will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank.
Recall 20231242,593 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the side curtain airbag(s) may not have been installed correctly. As a result, the side curtain airbag(s) may not inflate properly in a crash. Safety Risk: A side curtain airbag that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the installation of the side curtain airbags, and reinstall them correctly if necessary.
Recall 20225809,039 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, a fault in the transmission oil pump can cause the vehicle to enter "fail-safe mode". When this happens, a programming error can cause a sudden loss of power to the wheels after 20-30 seconds. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.5 L turbo gasoline (T-GDI) engine and an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Safety Risk: A sudden loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmission. The dealer will also update the transmission control unit software.
Recall 20214212,968 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the connection between the high-pressure fuel pipe and fuel pump may not be properly sealed. As a result, a fuel leak could occur. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Action: KIA will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pipe, as required.
Recall 2021374168 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: Under certain driving conditions, a fault in the power steering system could cause reduced power assist when the lane following assist (LFA) system is used. This can cause a sudden change in steering feel and an increase in steering effort. Note: This problem only affects certain models equipped with a 2.5 L T-GDI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden change in steering effort could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: Kia Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealer to update the motor driven power steering system (MDPS) software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fulshear, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Kia has a known issue with the HVAC blower motor circuit on this vehicle model. They have issued a warranty extension related to relocating the blower motor fuse to another circuit in the fuse box, due to potential burning of fuse(s). After executing this extended warranty fuse-relocation-procedure, our blower motor relay burned and was replaced twice by separate Kia dealers. Kia is now claiming that our entire wire harness needs to be replaced at our own cost. It is quite obvious that any wire harness issue is now very dangerous (electrical arcing and melting) and was caused by the original motor circuit issue. (The two Kia dealers agree with our assessment but are saying that Kia will not repair because original warranty extension was limited to rewiring.) Safety issues: Electrical fire hazard (already demonstrated with burning/melting fuse-box before and after extended warranty procedure was executed). No A/C in 95 degree F conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11691075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesKaty, TX1 injured
SEATS
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, when the gas tank expanded, and the back seat popped up. The contact stated that two teenagers were in the back seat, and one was injured. The contact's daughter pulled over and waited for a short while. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle drove slowly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that the seat had moved two inches. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired because the frame of the seats could be damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not been driven since. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11657502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesKaty, TX1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, when the gas tank expanded, and the back seat popped up. The contact stated that two teenagers were in the back seat, and one was injured. The contact's daughter pulled over and waited for a short while. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle drove slowly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that the seat had moved two inches. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired because the frame of the seats could be damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer and had not been driven since. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11657502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CACrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS
While on her way from work, my mother was involved in an accident in her 2021 Kia K5 LXS where she was rear ended at a high speed by a driver not paying attention to the road and she ended up hitting the car in front of her. During the accident NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEVELOPED. My mother was hospitalized for a month and do to the SEVERITY OF HER MAJOR INJURIES (rib fractures, a closed fracture of her T7-T8 with loss of sensation and mobility of lower half of body) she passed away from “Effects Of Blunt Spinal And Rib Cage Trauma.” No recalls were noted for this particular model and year until March of 2023 which was way too late.
NHTSA complaint #11557151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burleson, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
I was rearended into another vehicle at a speed of about 50mph, then rearended again by and SUV, not one of my 9 airbags deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11504460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton Township, MICrash
AIR BAGS
The contact's son owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while her son was driving in the rain at 50 MPH, another vehicle hit her son's vehicle from behind which sent the vehicle into a concrete barrier. The vehicle was sent spinning after it hit the barrier; the vehicle was facing oncoming traffic once it came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's son was not injured and did not seek any medical attention. The other driver fled the scene of the accident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed independent collision center where it had yet to be inspected or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11475762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 111,000 milesMilledgeville, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair. The contact was struggling to receive updates on the status of the vehicle. The contact spoke with a service clerk and was informed that the repair was going well and that only one recall test remained. However, a supervisor later called and stated that the recall repair could not be completed. The vehicle could not be repaired. The vehicle was no longer functional due to a high risk of catching fire from fuel tank swelling caused by the recall defect. The contact stated that prior to the dealer visit, the vehicle had no issues but became inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer stated that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
National City, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act by Ball Kia (National City, CA). The dealer tried to deny service for recall 25V794000 (SC356) for a melted, leaking fuel tank, fabricated a false diagnostic narrative of road impact to exploit me, and tried to charge $3,000 out-of-pocket for a federally mandated free repair.My vehicle has a severe fuel leak from a compromised fuel tank. Ball Kia service refused the recall, claiming "external aesthetic factors" or "road debris impact" caused it, and pressured me to tow it away.Using my military infantry experience in mechanical damage assessment, I inspected the vehicle in the service bay. I verified there is absolutely no puncture, tear, scrape, or kinetic impact on the fuel tank assembly. The dealer pointed to a split in the fuel tank protector panel, but a professional assessment shows this is false. The plastic protector panel failed due to extreme thermal exposure; the expanding tank pressed it against the hot exhaust, causing it to melt and tear under heat/pressure, not a kinetic strike.The tank itself is structurally melted and deformed with zero signs of road impact. This physical evidence matches the exact defect mechanism in the NHTSA recall: a deteriorated check valve allows intake pressure into the fuel tank, causing it to expand, hit hot exhaust components, melt, and leak.Only after I read the exact NHTSA safety risk and remedy text verbatim did the service manager back down and open a manufacturer Tech Line.Because I had to fight a fraudulent diagnosis to get this safety mandate acknowledged, I fear internal dealership retaliation, being blacklisted, or receiving a subpar, dangerous repair. Leaving a high-risk fire defect unaddressed is a public safety hazard. Please audit Ball Kia's handling of campaign 25V794000 to ensure they are not endangering or defrauding other affected Kia K5 owners.
NHTSA complaint #11757545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Wiring harness has melted at the HVAC connection point.
NHTSA complaint #11755313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Park, GA
POWER TRAIN
Recall NNK post-repair failure. Dealership: Kia of Valdosta (RO# XXX). After ECU update NNK-02-0118, my K5 suffered a severe loss of acceleration and torque. The car cannot safely merge on highways. The dealer’s own live scan data sheet proves that at 4,997 RPM under full load, the Turbo Recirculation (Dump) Valve reads "OFF". The factory tool key explicitly states (OFF = Open). The service manager is misreading the tool, claiming "OFF" means closed, and refuses to fix it. The boost gauge only rises under heavy floor acceleration, proving an uncalibrated boost leak. I have uploaded a photo of the technician's data sheet directly to the attachments and will also drop link to videos of my car in normal and sport mode. I have also opened Kia Corporate Case #XXX. I demand a corporate Regional Technical Manager review this data and authorize a Turbocharger Recirculation Valve (RCV) and Wastegate Adaptation Relearn at an alternate dealer...... 1. [XXX] 2. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Park, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Recall NNK post-repair failure. Dealership: Kia of Valdosta (RO# XXX). After ECU update NNK-02-0118, my K5 suffered a severe loss of acceleration and torque. The car cannot safely merge on highways. The dealer’s own live scan data sheet proves that at 4,997 RPM under full load, the Turbo Recirculation (Dump) Valve reads "OFF". The factory tool key explicitly states (OFF = Open). The service manager is misreading the tool, claiming "OFF" means closed, and refuses to fix it. The boost gauge only rises under heavy floor acceleration, proving an uncalibrated boost leak. I have uploaded a photo of the technician's data sheet directly to the attachments and will also drop link to videos of my car in normal and sport mode. I have also opened Kia Corporate Case #XXX. I demand a corporate Regional Technical Manager review this data and authorize a Turbocharger Recirculation Valve (RCV) and Wastegate Adaptation Relearn at an alternate dealer...... 1. [XXX] 2. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,185 milesLaurel, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the fuel gauge suddenly went from one-half tank to empty. The fuel level displayed 120 miles to empty. The contact attempted to refuel the vehicle but was unable to add fuel to the tank. The contact also stated that the oil warning light and the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,185.
NHTSA complaint #11752335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,185 milesLaurel, MD
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the fuel gauge suddenly went from one-half tank to empty. The fuel level displayed 120 miles to empty. The contact attempted to refuel the vehicle but was unable to add fuel to the tank. The contact also stated that the oil warning light and the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,185.
NHTSA complaint #11752335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,185 milesLaurel, MD
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the fuel gauge suddenly went from one-half tank to empty. The fuel level displayed 120 miles to empty. The contact attempted to refuel the vehicle but was unable to add fuel to the tank. The contact also stated that the oil warning light and the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,185.
NHTSA complaint #11752335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMiramar, FL
SEATS
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there were failures with the spark plugs. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine sputtered. The contact stated that fuel spewed out of the filler neck while refueling the vehicle, and the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty after refueling. Additionally, there was an abnormal egg and sulfur odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). During the inspection, the seats were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was negotiating a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMiramar, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there were failures with the spark plugs. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine sputtered. The contact stated that fuel spewed out of the filler neck while refueling the vehicle, and the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty after refueling. Additionally, there was an abnormal egg and sulfur odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). During the inspection, the seats were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was negotiating a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMiramar, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there were failures with the spark plugs. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine sputtered. The contact stated that fuel spewed out of the filler neck while refueling the vehicle, and the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty after refueling. Additionally, there was an abnormal egg and sulfur odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). During the inspection, the seats were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was negotiating a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesMacclenny, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the fuel tank expanded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the fuel tank had expanded, and that the vehicle was unrepairable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer offered a buyback. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, upon further inspection the fuel level was lowering unexpectedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and diagnosed with a recall-related failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the dealer was short-staffed. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility, which determined that the evaporator core was leaking refrigerant and required replacement. An evaporator core is a major HVAC component that should not fail at such low mileage under normal operating conditions. This failure affects the vehicle’s ability to properly dehumidify and defrost the windshield, which can reduce visibility and create a potential safety hazard during rain, high humidity, or cold weather conditions. I have maintained the vehicle as recommended and believe this component failed prematurely. Due to the extensive labor required to replace the evaporator core, the repair cost is significant. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether there is a pattern of premature evaporator core failures in 2021 Kia K5 vehicles and whether an investigation is warranted. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Kia * Model: K5 * Mileage at Failure: 59,600 miles * Failure: Leaking evaporator core causing refrigerant loss and loss of air conditioning performance
NHTSA complaint #11749904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility, which determined that the evaporator core was leaking refrigerant and required replacement. An evaporator core is a major HVAC component that should not fail at such low mileage under normal operating conditions. This failure affects the vehicle’s ability to properly dehumidify and defrost the windshield, which can reduce visibility and create a potential safety hazard during rain, high humidity, or cold weather conditions. I have maintained the vehicle as recommended and believe this component failed prematurely. Due to the extensive labor required to replace the evaporator core, the repair cost is significant. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether there is a pattern of premature evaporator core failures in 2021 Kia K5 vehicles and whether an investigation is warranted. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Kia * Model: K5 * Mileage at Failure: 59,600 miles * Failure: Leaking evaporator core causing refrigerant loss and loss of air conditioning performance
NHTSA complaint #11749904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car is losing power upon acceleration causing a loss of power upon take off upon taking off and when gears are shifting. Told by dealer it is a problem with fuel injection. Replaced several coil packs and spark plugs on my own. Dealer repair shop had my car for 4 days for the fuel talk and valve issues and did not repair anything. Losing power when I drive in traffic and on highway is a huge safety issue causing loss of power when at highway speeds. I plugged in a code reader bought by myself which is telling me it’s coil packs. We have replaced several with no luck. There is a smell of fuel and with all the other fuel system recalls and after reading other complaints on this site that sounds similar, I fear this is a safety issue with the vehicle. They checked my fuel tank and valve but didn’t replace either. I believe this is related to all the other fuel system recalls and should be repaired free of charge by dealer as a dysfunctional fuel problem as nothing we’ve done to repair with the code reader has fixed this issue. I fear a loss of power of fire caused by the mounting fuel system issues of these issues have caused the issue I’m having. Please look into this as several other complaints I’ve read online by owners are having same issue. My car only has 68,000 miles. I’m in fear of serious injury as a cause of these issues. Also concerned dealer had my car 4 days and DID. NOT repair or replace fuel tank or fuel valve, why did they have my car this long and DID NOT REPAIR the recall that the vehicle was there and the appointment was scheduled for such? I really have a fear there is an accident in my vehicle travels caused by mounting fuel issue recalls and problems. Please please look into this and help with these mounting fuel system issues before serious injury or death!
NHTSA complaint #11749168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I Heard a loud noise in the backseat twice and noticed the back seat raise up also the check engine light came on but also the fuel was going down and up (the gauge), is currently at the kia dealership and has been reported fail recall
NHTSA complaint #11747487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
I Heard a loud noise in the backseat twice and noticed the back seat raise up also the check engine light came on but also the fuel was going down and up (the gauge), is currently at the kia dealership and has been reported fail recall
NHTSA complaint #11747487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Cajon, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
After coming to a stop brake pedal slowly sinks to floor. First noticed around 40,000 miles, inspected by team kia el cajon at 41,500 miles. Not dash lights associated. Brakes losing pressure is a major safety issue. Kia dealership had car over 30 days replaced brake master cylinder, booster and abs unit. Returned vehicle with same issue claimed normal operation.
NHTSA complaint #11746884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklinton, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I took my 2021 KIA K5 to the dealership in March of 2025 for an oil change. While I was there, a diagnostic test was conducted to determine if my vehicle was affected by a damaged check valve. Therefore, the car could have caught on fire while it was being driven. I was given a rental car while my vehicle was supposed to be fixed. KIA deemed my 2021 K5 to be a hazard to the road. In June of 2025, KIA offered to pay my loan balance off and give me less than $250 for the "down payment." Please note when I purchased the KIA K5 in 2021, I traded my 2018 KIA Optima. Now, in June of 2026, KIA in offering me $13,200 for my KIA K5. I have until June 29, 2026, to accept the offer. The balance on my loan will come out of that so, I will receive approximately $7000 for a car I will pay a total of $44,000 for. I never once stopped making my monthly payment and my car has been deemed a hazard for the road since March of 2025. For years, I drove a vehicle that could have potentially caused a death or injury.
NHTSA complaint #11746075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
League City, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Premature Leaking Evaporator Core – 2021 Kia K5 I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. The vehicle was diagnosed by a repair facility, which determined that the evaporator core was leaking refrigerant and required replacement. An evaporator core is a major HVAC component that should not fail at such low mileage under normal operating conditions. This failure affects the vehicle’s ability to properly dehumidify and defrost the windshield, which can reduce visibility and create a potential safety hazard during rain, high humidity, or cold weather conditions. I have maintained the vehicle as recommended and believe this component failed prematurely. Due to the extensive labor required to replace the evaporator core, the repair cost is significant. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether there is a pattern of premature evaporator core failures in 2021 Kia K5 vehicles and whether an investigation is warranted. Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Kia * Model: K5 * Mileage at Failure: 59,600 miles * Failure: Leaking evaporator core causing refrigerant loss and loss of air conditioning performance Thank you for your consideration.
NHTSA complaint #11742478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesLawrence, KS
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the driver-side turn signal became inoperable. The vehicle was shifting hard and/or not shifting at all. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle shut down. The turn signal and brake lights were illuminated. The contact stated there was a recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnosis of the signal light. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The BBB was contacted who filed a claim. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesLawrence, KS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the driver-side turn signal became inoperable. The vehicle was shifting hard and/or not shifting at all. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle shut down. The turn signal and brake lights were illuminated. The contact stated there was a recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnosis of the signal light. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The BBB was contacted who filed a claim. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesLawrence, KS
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the driver-side turn signal became inoperable. The vehicle was shifting hard and/or not shifting at all. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle shut down. The turn signal and brake lights were illuminated. The contact stated there was a recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for diagnosis of the signal light. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The BBB was contacted who filed a claim. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waurika, OK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11739702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.