Sedan · Gas
Kia K5 2021–2026 (DL3)

- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $23,500–$33,000
- MPG
- 32
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong cargo & utility
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Watch-out: Poor reliability
How it scores for you10 scores
A top-safety-rated midsize sedan with roomy trunk and competitive tech, though its 180hp is merely adequate and nagging electrical complaints temper the appeal.
Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years (over-the-air software recalls count half); 3 of its 9 recalls were serious. About 8% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -2 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,100 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 70% of cars we track.
15.9 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 73% of other sedans we track.
Roomy midsize sedan with generous rear legroom and 15.9 cu ft trunk, near top of class for sedan cargo and passenger comfort.
Base 180hp 1.6T is adequate but not thrilling; K5 handles competently with sharp styling. GT trim adds more power, but this spec is segment-typical sedan performance.
K5 offers modern infotainment, available large touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and driver-assist features that are competitive to above-average for the midsize segment.
Quiet, well-appointed cabin with good ride quality; available heated/ventilated seats. Slightly above segment norm for a mainstream sedan.
Typical resale value for a sedan.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls20 recalls
20 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2021–2026
- Electrical — 41 complaints (2021)
- Recall — Electrical: instrument cluster/panel (2026)
- Unknown or other — 23 complaints (2021)
2026
- RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel26V046000
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 suc
2025
- RecallExterior lighting: lighting control module: software25V351000
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 Devi
- RecallStructure: body: roof and pillars; structure: exterior trim25V493000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
- Complaint clusterTires14 complaintscomplaints:TIRES
I am filing this on behalf of a relative. He was driving his Kia k5 home and he heard a sudden POP. He got it to the side of the road and saw his tread was delaminated and a flap was made on the sidewall. The tires were the factory installed ones with a long life left
- Complaint clusterElectrical10 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The first time the collision warning lights and sounds came on when I was parked but had my engine on in the morning of 7/21/2026. The second time was when I was merging on a busy highway with cars going 65+mph... There were no cars around me, but the collision warning said crash, the sounds came on
- Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
On startup, the engine took about an extra second to fire. The starter cranked noticeably longer than normal before the car turned on. Shortly after, I pulled out and turned onto a street. When I pressed the accelerator, there was no response at all. No rev increase and no acceleration. The car wou
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I don’t see any problem
2024
- RecallStructure: body: roof and pillars; structure: exterior trim25V493000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline25V794000
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.
- Complaint clusterStructure6 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE
chrome pillars came off on highway. the recall was sent in mail but upon visitation to kia for a different recall, I mentioned pillars and they did not have part to repair and there was a wait for part on their end is what they said. car was literally built with many defects I don't know how it pas
- Complaint clusterElectrical5 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2024 Kia K5's infotainment screen went completely pitch black, disabling the backup camera now creating an active safety hazard.
2023
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission22V760000
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.
- RecallAirbags: side/window: curtain23V149000
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.
- RecallStructure: body: roof and pillars; structure: exterior trim25V493000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline25V794000
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.
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion22 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel pump, fuel tank and valve check. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? SEE PHOTO. on turnpike 95. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent servi
- Complaint clusterFuel14 complaintscomplaints:FUEL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair was completed and the contact was provided a receipt. However, the contact
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other12 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle is grounded at the dealership due to NHTSA Campaign 25V794 (Kia Recall SC356). The vehicle's fuel tank has critically expanded and swollen, causing permanent structural and chassis deformation inside the vehicle. The dealership service department has documented this structural damage, co
- Complaint clusterStructure12 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the front splash guard had detached from the vehicle following a night of driving in the rain. The contact stated that the failure had occurred without impact. Upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covere
- Complaint clusterPowertrain11 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
I’m loosing power when i drive
2022
- RecallLane departure: lane keep: steering assist; steering21V447000
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 As
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings21V519000
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.
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission22V760000
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.
- RecallAirbags: side/window: curtain23V149000
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.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline25V794000
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.
- Complaint clusterElectrical21 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- The exact component that failed has not yet been determined. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of acceleration while driving, followed by a popping noise, smoke, and a fire that severely damaged the vehicle. The vehicle is a 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle has an open Safety Recall
- Complaint clusterPowertrain18 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS) in my Kia K5 GT (2.5T engine) has experienced a recurring internal electronic and mechanical fault. This is the third failure of this component. The failure causes the cooling system to malfunction, either by over-cooling or failing to cycle coolant on
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion16 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
As I was driving down the road, I began to hear a loud, forceful noise. I assumed it was something in my trunk rolling against the rear seats. The noise kept getting louder, and I pulled over, very frightened, as several warning lights came on, including the low fuel light and check engine light, an
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other10 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In XXX 2026, I brought my 2022 Kia K5 GT-Line (VIN: [XXX] ) to Jim Click Kia in Tucson, AZ for routine maintenance. Fuel system testing revealed my vehicle failed inspection due to an active federal recall affecting the fuel tank/fuel valve system. Kia America confirmed the recall defect caused casc
- Complaint clusterAirbags9 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
My son owned the 2022 Kia s-K5 and lost his life in the same car ...him and my nephew died in this car last [XXX] one month after his [XXX] birthday...he was driving the car hit maybe black ice or the car lock up and went sideways on the payment for .3 of a mile and couldn't pick straits or gain co
2021
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module; air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger21V164000
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
- RecallLane departure: lane keep: steering assist; steering21V447000
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 As
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings21V519000
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.
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission22V760000
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.
- RecallAirbags: side/window: curtain23V149000
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.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline25V794000
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.
- Complaint clusterElectrical41 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Wiring harness has melted at the HVAC connection point.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other23 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 s
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion20 complaintscomplaints: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
- Complaint clusterPowertrain16 complaintscomplaints: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 Recirculati
- Complaint clusterFuel12 complaintscomplaints:FUEL SYSTEM
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 a
Cost to own$22,000 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$23,500–$33,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,100/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
29
Highway MPG
38
Combined MPG
32
Horsepower
180 hp
Doors
4
Length
192.9 in
Width
73.2 in
Height
56.7 in
Wheelbase
112.2 in
Curb weight
3,455 lb
Cargo volume
15.9 cu ft
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