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2021 Kia

K5 AWD

Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo

Kia K5: best and worst years
2021 Kia K5 AWD (photo 1 of 3)
2021 photoDinkun ChenCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Drivetrain
All-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
180
Power to weight
0.052 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.37

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
Real-world MPG
31.7 mpg, reported by 2 driversabout 2.7 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1 (6,000 lb or less)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
6
Owner complaints
167 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
7

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM17%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER12%
  • ENGINE11%
  • POWER TRAIN7%
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 260 total.

Kia K5: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

131 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 28, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMTSB_ELE422

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for supported vehicles (2021-2026MY All Models).

  • Apr 14, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMTSB_ELE417

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.

  • Feb 19, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYTSB_CS2312_R1

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whole Integr

  • Jan 16, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSC288_TSB_R6_CLSD

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV CHECK VALVE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT + ECU SW UPGRADE (SC288/SC288A) CLOSED & SUPERSEDED - This bulletin is now closed and superseded by SC356. This bulletin provided information to inspect the fuel evaporative system and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank and/or the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) check valve on certain 2021-2024MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles equipped with a Gamma II 1.6L T-GDI engine, produced f

  • Dec 18, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYTSB_CS2312

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 19, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) did receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In

  • Dec 17, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYCS2312_OWNR

    CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. A software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method has been made available to owners of eligible Kia model vehicles free of charge at authorized Kia dealers since 2023. In addition to the anti-theft software, a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade has been developed and can be installed at th

  • Dec 9, 2025BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGSPS797

    PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating distance based on the difference in signal transmission and reception times between the vehicle (ultrasonic sensor) and an object. The membrane film of the ultrasonic sensor is used for object detention and can be damaged by stone chips or for

  • Nov 19, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMTSB_ENG260

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ITM REPLACEMENT AND ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (CA2511) - This bulletin provides information to replace the Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM) and then upgrade the Engine Control Module ‘ECM’ system software on certain K5 (DL3a) vehicles, in the event the Multifunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P218100, P2181F0, and/or P2181F1 stored. This condition may occur due to degradation of the diaphragm inside the ITM. There are no drivability or other

  • and 123 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.