The largest Kia K5 recall covers 2021–2024 models whose fuel tank check valve can fail, letting the tank expand, touch the exhaust and melt (25V794). Other K5 campaigns cover a transmission oil pump fault that can cut drive power (22V760), side curtain air bags that may not deploy properly (23V149) and a 2.5T fuel leak (21V519).
CarWhere lists 10 documented K5 issues, including 9 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
2021–present K5 problems
Damaged check valve may let the fuel tank melt (recall 25V794) (2021–2024)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2024
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
A damaged check valve can let air into the fuel tank, making it expand until it touches hot exhaust parts and melts, which can cause a fuel leak and fire. Dealers replace the check valve and inspect the tank, replacing it if damaged, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell under the car
- Fuel tank appears swollen
- Check-engine light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 25V794 (2025-11-17) · 250,547 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
Transmission oil pump fault may cause loss of drive power (recall 22V760) (2021–2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2023
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
If the transmission oil pump malfunctions, the fail-safe limited-mobility mode may not work, and the car can lose all drive power. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission as needed and update the transmission control software, free of charge. The 69,038-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Transmission warning message
- Sudden loss of drive power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V760 (2022-10-11) · 69,038 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2]
Side curtain air bags may not deploy properly (recall 23V149) (2021–2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2023
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly and may not deploy as designed in a crash. Dealers inspect and reinstall them as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash; the defect shows only when the part is needed
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V149 (2023-03-07) · 188,912 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
2.5T fuel pipe may leak at the fuel rail (recall 21V519) (2021–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2022
On K5s with the 2.5-liter turbo engine, fuel can leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel rail, raising the risk of a fire. Dealers inspect and tighten or replace the fuel pipe, free of charge. The 21,575-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V519 (2021-07-08) · 21,575 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Rear window (C-pillar) trim may detach (recall 25V493) (2023–2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2023–2025
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The left and right rear window trim pieces can loosen and come off, creating a road hazard for other drivers. Dealers inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Rear pillar trim loose, lifting or rattling
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 25V493 (2025-07-28) · 100,063 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Steering effort may suddenly rise with Lane Following Assist (recall 21V447) (2021–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2022
On K5s with the 2.5L turbo engine, the rack-mounted power steering system cannot diagnose communication faults. If one occurs in a curve with Lane Following Assist on, steering assist may not adjust and steering effort can rise suddenly. Dealers update the steering software, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Sudden heavy steering in a curve with Lane Following Assist engaged
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V447 (2021-06-14) · 846 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Parking lights may flicker (recall 25V351) (2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2025
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
A software error in the Power-net Domain Controller can make the parking lights flicker, failing federal lighting standard FMVSS 108. The software is updated over the air or by a dealer, free of charge.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 25V351 (2025-05-27) · 82,281 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]
Instrument panel display may fail (recall 26V046) (2026)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2026
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
A software error can make the instrument panel display fail, so it may not show the speedometer, tire pressure or warning lights. The software is updated over the air or by a dealer, free of charge. The 42,677-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Blank or frozen instrument display
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V046 (2026-01-27) · 42,677 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8]
Occupant sensor may not detect a child seat (recall 21V164) (2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The front passenger occupant classification and detection unit may not detect a child restraint, so the passenger air bag could deploy with a child in the seat. Dealers replace the unit, free of charge. The 142-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Passenger air bag status light shows ON with a child seat installed
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V164 (2021-03-11) · 142 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]
Theft vulnerability on models without an immobilizer (2021–2022)
Major repair- Generation:
- 2021–present
- Years:
- 2021–2022
- Powertrain:
- All engines (key-start vehicles not factory-equipped with an immobilizer)
2021–2022 Kia K5 models built without a factory engine immobilizer were targeted by theft methods spread on social media. Kia offers a free security software upgrade that blocks the ignition when the car is locked, and a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector for added protection, both at Kia dealers. These model years are the ones the multistate immobilizer settlement lists for the Kia K5.
Symptoms
- Damaged steering column trim or ignition cylinder
- Vehicle starts with a mechanical key and has no push-button start
Check before buying
- Enter the VIN on Kia's anti-theft support page (customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD) to see whether the software upgrade or ignition cylinder protector applies
- Look for the upgrade sticker or ask a Kia dealer to confirm the upgrade by VIN
- Push-button-start vehicles have a factory immobilizer and are not part of this program
Sources: [10][11]