2021 Kia K5

The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission oil pump may fail, causing the vehicle to suddenly lose power. The fail-safe limited-mobility mode may be impaired, resulting in a complete loss of vehicle power while driving. This affects 2021-2023 K5 models with the DCT.

Kia issued a recall for affected K5 models. Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission as necessary and update the TCU software free of charge.

A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, potentially melting the tank and creating a fire risk. Owners may notice a fuel smell or evaporative emissions system warning codes.

Kia issued a recall for affected K5 models. Dealers will replace the check valve and inspect the fuel tank, replacing it if necessary, free of charge.

On K5 models with the 2.5L turbocharged engine, fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. A fuel leak near hot engine components increases the risk of fire. Owners may detect a fuel odor after driving.

Kia issued a recall for 2021-2022 K5 2.5T models. Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge.

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 engaged, the steering assist level may not adjust properly, causing a sudden increase in steering effort.

Kia issued a recall to update the R-MDPS software to add fault detection capability. Dealers will perform the software update free of charge.

Some K5 owners report erratic shifting behavior, particularly in Sport and Smart drive modes. Complaints include hard downshifts that jolt the vehicle, hesitation when accelerating from a stop, and the transmission hunting between gears at steady speeds. The issue is more pronounced in the 8-speed DCT.

Kia has released TCU software updates to improve shift logic and reduce harshness. Visit the dealer for the latest calibration. If shifting problems persist after the update, the clutch pack may need inspection or replacement under warranty.

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.

A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

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.

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

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.

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.

Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

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.

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.

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

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.

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.

A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

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."

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.

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.