2021 Kia K5 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 27%of 169 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,476miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Kia K5, 27% of the 169 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,476 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was stopped a red light on a city street when suddenly cut off. Smoke began to pour out from under the hood. Less than 1 minute later the vehicle was fully involved under the hood of car. Car was a total loss. Vehicle had just been driven approximately 25 miles (all highway) from home towards work when incident occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11416535, filed 2021-05, 3,000 miles“65k miles. Started driving, 20 minutes into driving i was stopped at a round about then I went to accelerate and nothing happened my engine revd really loud and after about 10 seconds my car jolted forward and I was able to accelerate, this would happen every time I stopped and anytime a wanted to accelerate to another gear”
NHTSA complaint #11766532, filed 2026-09“For breaks: at 20k miles the steering wheel shakes like crazy when braking, and also the pedals: the rotors are very cheap for being a 0-mile purchase vehicle and Kia does not replace this under warranty. I saw a forum that this is an issue for all owners of this Kia K5 and Kia doesn't care and does not replace them. For Electrical issue: the fuse box melted a couple fuse because I used my rear defrost system. …”
NHTSA complaint #11629536, filed 2024-12“I bought my Kia k5, my blower motor went out upon inspection the problem was a multilink fuse for the blower motor. The fuse is burning the wiring harness, I believe this to be a fire hazard. After some research I believe this to be a common issue with this particular car.”
NHTSA complaint #11598807, filed 2024-07“Ever since I bought my car in July of 2025 cash I’ve been having issues. Shortly after purchasing my car began to stall , lose power repeatedly. I then took to southwest kia in Dallas they told me I had contaminated gas. They charged me $2,000 to clean my fuel lines , replace spark plugs & replace a fuel pressure sensor. Shortly after i got my car I had the same issues. I explained my concerns and they replaced my fuel tank free of charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #11705470, filed 2025-12Related service bulletins
- 11033978Jun 18, 2026VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN & WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC307/WTY037) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a…
- 11033989Jun 17, 2026VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAINGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (SC307 Flight#301) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to…
- 11033217May 28, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment…
- 11031906Apr 14, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing…
- 11027856Jan 16, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV CHECK VALVE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT + ECU SW UPGRADE (SC288/SC288A) CLOSED & SUPERSEDED…
- 11025760Nov 19, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ITM REPLACEMENT AND ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (CA2511) - This bulletin provides information to replace the Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM) and…
- 11024347Oct 17, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC288 FLIGHT 301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
- 11020864Jul 18, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC288A) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign…
- 11019682Jun 21, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC288) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign…
- 11019657Jun 17, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV CHECK VALVE INSPECTION/ REPLACEMENT + ECU SW UPGRADE (SC288/SC288A) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Kia K5
57 complaintsOther or unknown
32 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsForward collision avoidance
9 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Kia K5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology