2021 Kia K5

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vehicle experienced a severe engine misfire (P0302), rough running, and loss of power while driving. Dealership confirmed the Purge Control / PCV valve failed (replaced under Recall SC356 / 25V-794), but charged out-of-pocket for the Cylinder 2 ignition coil that failed as a direct result of the PCV valve failure. The Dealership replaced the Purge Control/PCV valve at this time - the recall was not resolved until this time - I wasn't even aware of this recall until this incident. This ocurred on XXX and as a result I was stranded 1500 miles from home in [XXX] (I live in [XXX] and was driving the vehicle to my son at the University of XXX in [XXX]. The car was running fine until I stopped briefly in [XXX] and when I started the car, the engine light came on and the car's engine started sputtering and losing power as I was driving. Due to the fact that I was not in the vicinity of any Kia Dealerships or any open mechanics as it was Labor Day, I somehow managed to drive the car all the way to [XXX] as this was the closest dealership (over 120 miles away from where I was when the engine light came on). Once I arrived in [XXX], I checked into a hotel. I then attempted to drive to the nearest Kia Dealership the following morning at approximately 6:45 am and the engine light started flashing. I knew that this meant I was not able to safely drive the car even the additional 5 miles to the dealership so I pulled over and called Kia Roadside assistance and the dealership. INFORMATION R

The panoramic glass of the sunroof exploded out while driving on the freeway. A large piece of the glass exploded outwards and could not be retrieved. It was not damaged by external impact as other cars were not close enough to kick back rocks, debris, etc. The sunroof glass had no damage prior to shattering. Hazard lights were turned on to drive to the nearest exit, and subsequent accident happened when a speeding vehicle crashed into my vehicle. This happened on the freeway driving 75 mph causing a road hazard, the glass that shattered out could have hit vehicles behind my vehicle, causing damage or a crash. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealership or insurance company as of yet. There were no warning signs or symptoms of failure.

The contact owned a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The message "Not Emissions Ready" was displayed. The vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

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.

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

Wiring harness has melted at the HVAC connection point.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 REP

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unknown

I am writing to formally complain about the ongoing issues with my vehicle, specifically the repeated failure of the air conditioning system and the excessive number of recalls that have caused major inconvenience and lost work time. The air conditioning unit in my vehicle has failed three separate times. Each time, I was told the fan motor needed to be replaced, and the motor has now been replaced three times. After each repair, the system works temporarily before failing again. I have now been informed that the issue may actually be electrical in nature, which raises concerns that the original problem was never properly diagnosed or repaired. In addition to the air conditioning problems, my vehicle has been subject to multiple recalls requiring repeated trips for repairs. These ongoing issues have forced me to miss work several times, causing financial hardship, stress, and a loss of confidence in the reliability and safety of my vehicle. At this point, I am requesting the following: A full inspection and proper diagnosis of the electrical system related to the air conditioning failure. A permanent repair solution rather than temporary fixes. Reimbursement or compensation for repeated repair visits, missed work time, and inconvenience caused by these recurring issues. A review of my vehicle’s repair history to determine whether additional corrective action is appropriate. I have made every effort to address these issues through the proper service channels, but the recurring