Kia K5 years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia K5 years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2023 has the most complaints per year, at 25 (107 complaints). 2021 through 2023 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2024 at 10 (from 30 complaints), 2021 at 17 (from 167 complaints), and 2022 at 18 (from 127 complaints). The Kia K5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2023 Kia K5, 22 of 107 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.
Data as of .
2024
2021
2022
2025–26
Kia K5 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia K5. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 28.3 |
| 2025 → Too early | 26 | 51 | 2 | Tires | 28.3 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 10 | 30 | 2 | Structure | 28.7 |
| 2023 → Most | 25 | 107 | 4 | Fuel and propulsion system | 28.7 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 18 | 127 | 5 | Fuel and propulsion system | 29.5 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 17 | 167 | 6 | Electrical system | 29.8 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.5L and 1.6L turbo where equipped) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/55R17 to 245/45R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 21V519000. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia K5 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2024 at 10 (from 30 complaints), 2021 at 17 (from 167 complaints), and 2022 at 18 (from 127 complaints).
Which Kia K5 year has the most owner complaints?
2023 has the most complaints per year, at 25 (107 complaints). 2021 through 2023 are in that same range. On the 2023 Kia K5, 22 of 107 complaints name Fuel and propulsion system.
How do Kia K5 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia K5 years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
Which Kia K5 years are too early to compare?
The Kia K5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Kia K5 take?
US notes list 0W-20 for the 2.5L and 1.6L turbo where equipped (about 5 qt with filter).
Does NHTSA campaign 21V519000 cover the Kia K5?
It covers certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles with 2.5L turbo engines (also certain 2021 Sorento): fuel may leak at the pipe-to-rail connection; dealers inspect and repair.
What generation is the Kia K5?
DL3 generation, model year 2021 onward in the US.