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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2021–2026

Kia K5 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 494 owner complaints for the Kia K5, covering model years 2021 to 2026. The 2021 model year drew the most complaints (167), and Fuel/Propulsion System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Kia K5 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 9 recall campaigns on file
  • 494 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (2021–2026)
  • most complaints: 2021 (167 for that model year)
  • top component: Fuel/Propulsion System (119 complaints)
  • latest recall 26V046000 (reported Jan 26, 2026)
  • 34 complaints reporting a crash (6.9%)
  • 6 complaints reporting a fire (1.2%)
  • 33 complaints reporting an injury (6.7%)
  • 2 complaints reporting a death (0.4%)

Kia K5 complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2021 model year has the most complaints: 167 of 494, or 33.8%. Next come 2022 (127) and 2023 (107). The fewest are for 2026, with 12 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Kia K5 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2021–2026Column chart of 494 complaints across 6 model years. The highest is 2021 with 167. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2021: 167 complaints16720212022: 127 complaints12720222023: 107 complaints10720232024: 30 complaints3020242025: 51 complaints5120252026: 12 complaints122026
Kia K5 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Kia K5 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
20211678261
2022127154131
20231076080
2024301010
2025514040
2026120010
All model years494346332

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Kia K5 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Fuel/Propulsion System is the component named most often, in 119 complaints (24.1% of all 494), followed by Electrical System (97) and Engine (84).

Components named most often in Kia K5 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Kia K5 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System11924.1%
Electrical System9719.6%
Unknown or Other9218.6%
Engine8417.0%
Power Train5911.9%
Structure448.9%
Fuel System, Gasoline377.5%
Forward Collision Avoidance346.9%
Service Brakes275.5%
Air Bags265.3%
Seats224.5%
Tires193.8%
Lane Departure183.6%
Exterior Lighting132.6%
Steering132.6%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Kia K5 recalls

9 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name K5, newest first. The 9 campaigns cover model years 2021 to 2026. The 2021 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 9 recall campaigns
Kia K5 recall campaigns covering each model year
2021: 6 campaigns2022: 5 campaigns2023: 4 campaigns2024: 2 campaigns2025: 2 campaigns2026: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 26V046000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    Model year 2026

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

    Consequence:
    An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 25V794000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 2021–2024

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 25V493000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars; Structure › Exterior Trim

    Model years 2023–2025

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

    Consequence:
    Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 25V351000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software

    Model year 2025

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K5 vehicles. A software error in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) may cause the parking lights to flicker. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Consequence:
    Parking lights that fail to illuminate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    The PDC software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC341.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 23V149000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain

    Model years 2021–2023

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 22V760000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 2021–2023

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 21V519000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2021–2022

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 21V447000

    Reported

    Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Steering Assist; Steering

    Model years 2021–2022

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 21V164000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger; Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module

    Model year 2021

    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."

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Kia K5 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Kia K5 have?

NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns for the Kia K5, covering model years 2021 to 2026. The most recent, 26V046000, was reported on January 26, 2026 and is filed under “Electrical system”. The 2021 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which Kia K5 model year has the most complaints?

The 2021 model year, with 167 of the 494 complaints in NHTSA’s file (33.8%). The next are 2022 (127) and 2023 (107). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Kia K5 complaint?

Fuel/Propulsion System is the component named most often: 119 complaints, or 24.1% of all 494. Electrical System (97) and Engine (84) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Kia K5?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Kia dealer.

How many Kia K5 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 494 complaints, 34 report a crash, 6 a fire, 33 at least one injury and 2 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Kia models

8 models · most complaints first

The Kia models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Kia VIN decoder with every Kia model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Kia Sorento 2003–2026 · 40 recalls · 10,159 complaints
  • Kia Optima 2001–2020 · 22 recalls · 7,499 complaints
  • Kia Soul 2010–2025 · 15 recalls · 5,532 complaints
  • Kia Sportage 1995–2026 · 36 recalls · 4,687 complaints
  • Kia Forte 2009–2024 · 18 recalls · 2,539 complaints
  • Kia Sedona 2002–2021 · 23 recalls · 2,406 complaints
  • Kia Telluride 2020–2027 · 19 recalls · 2,009 complaints
  • Kia Sephia 1995–2003 · 7 recalls · 1,687 complaints

All Kia models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.