The 2021 Kia K5 is documented here with 3 trims and full specifications. It belongs to the Main generation (2021–present). The most efficient trim returns 7.3 L/100 km combined. Pricing for the 2021 model year is estimated at $23,000–$32,400 USD.
2021 K5 at a glance
- Best fuel economy
- 7.3 L/100km combined
- Lowest CO₂
- 172 g/km
- MSRP (US)
- $23,000–$32,400 USD est.
About the Main generation
Produced 2021–present. See all generations →
Recalls & safety notices (6)
Source: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Applicable to US-market 2021 Kia K5 vehicles.
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25V794000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 2025-11-17
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.
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23V149000 AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN 2023-03-07
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.
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22V760000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2022-10-11
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.
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21V519000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS 2021-07-08
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.
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21V447000 LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST 2021-06-14
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.
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21V164000 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE 2021-03-11
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.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the 2021 Kia K5?
The estimated price of the 2021 Kia K5 is $23,000–$32,400 USD — an estimate based on its segment and specifications.
Is the 2021 Kia K5 fuel efficient?
The most efficient 2021 K5 trim returns about 7.3 L/100 km in combined driving.
Are there recalls on the 2021 Kia K5?
Yes — 6 recall campaigns from the U.S. NHTSA are listed for the 2021 Kia K5 below, including the affected component and the official remedy.