DecodedCars2021 Kia K5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan, GT 4dr Sedan, LX 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 29 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,320–3,572 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 33% better than the average 2021 large car (24.1 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints169 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 27 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Kia K5 is a large car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,455 lb (EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 38 highway), 33% better than the 2021 large car average of 24.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Trims, performance & features
Engine–1.6L turbo
Engine–2.5L turbo
Transmission8-speed automatic
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
GT-LineLXSEXLXGT
Safety & driver-assist features
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
LED headlightsYes
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 K5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX / GT-Line 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,455 lb | 60/40 |
| GT 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,572 lb | 61/39 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 64.2 / 64.6 in | 3,320 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K5 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 32 | +33% | $2,100 | 277 |
| K5 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +29% | $2,150 | 291 |
| K5 AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +20% | $2,300 | 312 |
| K5 | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +12% | $2,500 | 332 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.1 MPG2021 Large Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia K5 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2021 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kia K5 (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Passat | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (6)
Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V794000 · 250,547 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Mar 7, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V149000 · 188,912 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 11, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V760000 · 69,038 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jul 8, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V519000 · 21,575 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Steering Assist · Jun 14, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V447000 · 846 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 11, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V164000 · 142 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2021 Kia K5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
169Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Kia K5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 44 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 30 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Kia K5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other K5 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →