2021 Kia K5 Engine Problems
NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How engine ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 154 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Kia K5 overview page.
What owners report
“Main wiring harness melted in my fuse box, had to pay $5000 to replace, turbo leaked into my engine and cause for the engine to…”NHTSA complaint 11661765 — filed 05/19/2025
“My current 2021 Kia K5 FUEL TANK EXPLODED while driving. Iâve had this car for about 5 years and since driving it off the lot…”NHTSA complaint 11650792 — filed 03/26/2025
“On [XXX] I took my automobile, a 2021 Kia K5 to Planet KIA of Charlotte NC located at 4700 E independence Blvd. I took it…”NHTSA complaint 11642040 — filed 02/11/2025
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Kia K5 have engine problems?
Engine is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Kia K5: 26 of 154 complaints on file (16.9%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2021 Kia K5 have in total?
154 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 7 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 7 reported injuries, and 1 reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's engine category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
