K5

Kia K5 — MPG, VIN Decoder, Recalls, Reliability & Specs

Everything on the Kia K5 — 21 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 2021–2026 · 6 model years · Updated Jul 12, 2026 · 4.0 ★★★★★★★★★★ ForCar Score
Quick answer

The Kia K5 spans 2021–2026 with 21 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2021, 2022, 2023 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2026, 2024, 2025. It delivers up to 32 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.

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2021–2026
Years
21
Recalls
32
Top MPG
5★
NHTSA
451
Complaints
FIG.01
4.0/5
★★★★★★★★★★
ForCar Reliability Score
Our editorial rating · 6 model years
Kia K5
Safety (NHTSA)5.0
Recall record3.8
Complaint severity3.4

How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.

Overview

The Kia K5 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2021 to 2026 across multiple generations.

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How to read a Kia K5 VIN — every digit explained

Every Kia K5 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.

FIG.02
1–3 · WMI5NP
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Kia and the country it was built in (real Kia codes below).
  • VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
  • Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
  • Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
  • Plant (11) — which factory assembled this K5.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Real Kia WMIs — the first 3 VIN digits by build country
  • USA5NP · 5XX · 5XY · U5Y
  • South KoreaKNA · KND · KNJ
  • Mexico3KM · 3KP
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779 · NHTSA vPIC

Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your K5, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.

How many recalls does the Kia K5 have?

The Kia K5 has 21 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2021–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

2026 Kia K5 recalls 1

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel26V046000

What's wrong. 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 such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

Risk. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix. The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

2025 Kia K5 recalls 2

Structure:body:roof And Pillars25V493000

What's wrong. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

Risk. Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software25V351000

What's wrong. 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 Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk. Parking lights that fail to illuminate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix. The PDC software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC341.

2024 Kia K5 recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline25V794000

What's wrong. 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.

Structure:body:roof And Pillars25V493000

What's wrong. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

Risk. Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

2023 Kia K5 recalls 4

Fuel System, Gasoline25V794000

What's wrong. 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.

Structure:body:roof And Pillars25V493000

What's wrong. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

Risk. Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

Air Bags:side/window:curtain23V149000

What's wrong. 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 Transmission22V760000

What's wrong. 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.

2022 Kia K5 recalls 5

Fuel System, Gasoline25V794000

What's wrong. 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:curtain23V149000

What's wrong. 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 Transmission22V760000

What's wrong. 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.

Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist21V447000

What's wrong. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings21V519000

What's wrong. 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.

2021 Kia K5 recalls 6

Fuel System, Gasoline25V794000

What's wrong. 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:curtain23V149000

What's wrong. 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 Transmission22V760000

What's wrong. 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.

Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist21V447000

What's wrong. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings21V519000

What's wrong. 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.

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module21V164000

What's wrong. 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.

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Best and worst years for the Kia K5

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 6 tracked years, the worst years are 2021, 2022, 2023 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2026, 2024, 2025.

ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.

FIG.03
YearOwner complaintsTop issueVerdict
2021 K5153Electrical SystemAvoid
2022 K5120Fuel/propulsion SystemAvoid
2023 K597Fuel/propulsion SystemAvoid
2024 K526EngineBest
2025 K545Electrical SystemBest
2026 K510EngineBest
ROWS 6·SOURCE NHTSA + ForCar
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What are the most common Kia K5 problems?

The most-reported Kia K5 problems are Seats (19 reports), Tires (13 reports) and Engine (77 reports) — out of 451 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:

32
involved a crash
5
involved a fire
50
injuries reported
3
deaths reported

Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.

Kia K5 specifications & dimensions

The 2026 Kia K5. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Kia K5 window sticker.

Specs cache warming…

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

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Kia K5 cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the K5 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 105 cu ft of passenger volume and 16 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.

105
Passenger ft³
16
Cargo ft³
121
Total interior ft³

Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.

Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Kia K5 tire size, oil type & owner specs

The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.

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What MPG does the Kia K5 get?

The Kia K5 returns up to 32 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,950/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:

The 2026 Kia K5 (2.5L 4-cyl) gets 30 mpg combined and costs about $2,100/yr to fuel, emitting 298 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 6/10) — that's about $500 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.

FIG.04a
YearCityHwyCombFuel/yrCO₂ g/miSmogEngine
2026 K5263730$2,1002982.5L 4-cyl
2025 K5263730$2,1002986/102.5L 4-cyl
2024 K5273731$2,0002935/101.6L 4-cyl
2023 K5273731$2,0002935/101.6L 4-cyl
2022 K5293832$1,9502775/101.6L 4-cyl
2021 K5293832$1,9502775/101.6L 4-cyl
ROWS 6·SOURCE EPA (ForCar database)

Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.

See how the K5 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this K5's real yearly fuel cost.

What engines does the Kia K5 have? Power & range

The Kia K5 is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.

FIG.05
EngineDisplacementTransmissionDriveFuel
4-cyl2.5L · 4-cylAutomatic (S8)FWDRegular
ROWS 1·SOURCE EPA + NHTSA vPIC

Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

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How much does a Kia K5 cost to own?

A used Kia K5 sells for a median of about $23,998 for a 2025 — most listed between $22,975 and $30,108, from 97 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:

FIG.10
YearTypical priceMarket rangeListings
2025 K5$23,998$22,975–$30,1088
2024 K5$25,457$21,998–$26,00011
2023 K5$19,950$2,000–$27,99911
2022 K5$20,985$17,998–$24,30631
2021 K5$16,035$13,995–$21,00036
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar market · real US listings

For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a K5 is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.

A Kia K5 depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.

80%
Value @ 1 yr
61%
Value @ 3 yrs
46%
Value @ 5 yrs
$9,750
Est. 5-yr fuel
FIG.06
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 180%$24,000−$6,000
Year 270%$21,000−$9,000
Year 361%$18,300−$11,700
Year 453%$15,900−$14,100
Year 546%$13,800−$16,200
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar estimate

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this K5 loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
  • Fuel — ≈ $9,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
  • Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the K5 ages.
  • Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.

Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.

How much is a Kia K5 to insure?

A Kia K5 costs about $2,045 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 42% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (142, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.

FIG.07
$2,045/yr
estimate · typical driver · full coverage · US average
$2,045
Est. / year
+42%
vs average car
$1,738–2,352
Typical range
142
HLDI loss index
CheaperAveragePricier
Where the money goes · full coverage
Liability (BI + PD)$982
Collision$573
Comprehensive$245
Other (UM / PIP)$245
LOSS INDEX 142·UNIT est. $/yr·SOURCE HLDI × NAIC
★ This is a typical-driver estimate. Go Pro to dial in your coverage, age & deductible — and see this car inside the full 5-year cost-to-own.Upgrade to Pro →

Estimate = US-average premium × the K5's HLDI loss index. See Kia insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.

Is the Kia K5 safe?

The Kia K5 earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:

FIG.08
YearOverallFrontalSideRollover
2026 K5★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2025 K5★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2024 K5★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2023 K5★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2022 K5★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2021 K5★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
ROWS 6·SOURCE NHTSA NCAP

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.

Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.

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How many miles does a Kia K5 last?

A well-maintained Kia K5 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.

K5

Check your Kia K5’s VIN — history, recalls & specs

Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Check this K5’s VIN free →

All Kia K5 model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the Kia K5 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

FIG.09
YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
2026 K52 recalls30 mpg★★★★★
2025 K52 recalls30 mpg★★★★★
2024 K52 recalls31 mpg★★★★★
2023 K54 recalls31 mpg★★★★★
2022 K55 recalls32 mpg★★★★★
2021 K56 recalls32 mpg★★★★★
ROWS 6·SOURCE NHTSA + EPA

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

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Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the K5?

By owner-complaint volume, 2021, 2022, 2023 drew the most reports. 2026, 2024, 2025 have the cleanest records.

How many recalls does the K5 have?

21 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2021–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.

What MPG does the K5 get?

Up to 32 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.

Is the K5 safe?

The K5 earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.

How many miles does a K5 last?

A well-maintained K5 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the K5 reliable?

Our ForCar Reliability Score for the K5 is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.

What's the Kia K5 warranty?

New Kia models carry a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Kia dealer.

Where is the Kia K5 made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your K5's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Kia may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.

How much ground clearance does the K5 have?

Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jul 2026. — ForCar Editorial Reviewed by Denis Kataev, founder of ForCar.
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