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2021 Kia K5 airbags problems

10 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
10
of this car's complaints
6%
crashes
5
recalls
2

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia K5 airbags problems in other years

20212022202320252026

Related recalls

Air bags: side/window: curtainReported March 7, 2023 · 188,912 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 23V149000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported March 11, 2021 · 142 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 21V164000 · Recall details

What 2021 Kia K5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

I purchased a 2021 car in April 2024, which was originally side-swiped in November 2024. I filed an insurance claim and had to wait for the other insurer’s statement. In January 2025, the insurance company sent the car to one of their approved shops for electrical repairs, but the shop refused to work on it after noticing a missing airbag and flagged the car as a liability. They also mentioned the car had multiple past accidents and should have been listed as salvage, not clean title. I informed the dealership, but they refused to service the car, claiming the 30-day window had passed, even though their website states a 6-month warranty. Over the past year, I’ve been repairing the car myself and taking it to Kia and Midas, where I was told the car is in terrible condition. The dealership found water damage from a slow leak and wiring issues that were present when I bought the car. Now I’ve been quoted over $5,000 for repairs including a new computer and electrical work. I’ve tried reaching out to the dealership with no success. This car is essential for commuting to work and for my kids. I’ve had to rent a car for the past month, costing me over $1,000. I’m seeking assistance with this situation as I believe I was sold a defective vehicle without proper disclosure. I put down $4,000 when I purchased the car and have continued making small payments because I need it to commute and can’t afford another vehicle right now. I have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with Progressive and comprehensive and collision coverage through the dealership’s partnered company, Brio Management, as they operate from the same office. Given these circumstances, I’m asking for help with this situation because I was sold a car with undisclosed damage and defects, and I’ve been left with costly repairs and rental expenses while the dealership won’t assist me.

Filed Dec 13, 2025 · Airbags, Fuel system · TX

Recall sc263) air bags that do not deploy (sc356)x2 a melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire

Filed Oct 3, 2025 · Airbags, Fuel system · CA

I have a Kia K5 and was not informed of the SC288 Service campaign Fuel tank Inspection & EMC update (VESC) expansion of fuel tank and explosions' of fuel tanks. My vehicle was not apart of the recall for the fuel tank expanding program. I took my vesical in for service for over heating and it failed the SC288 Service Campaign. my gas tank expanded and caused structural damage to my car. it has been 8 weeks and I have not have had any contact from Kia consumer affairs. I am now with out resolve and I now have to get a lawyer.

Filed May 17, 2025 · Airbags, Fuel system · IL

I recently purchased a Kia k5 2021 gt line awd one month later I noticed there was recall I take to the dealership they let me know it will only take a few hours (3) and I can pick up later the same they call me 3h later and let me know sorry this case is going to take a few weeks and I should pick up rental car and they will pay for my rental so I did I come back one month later nothing as been done they just tell me to wait and they can’t release due to the safety recall the tank has swelled up it has been 3mont now and they still haven’t done anything to the car and I can’t sell the vehicle cause they won’t release it

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Airbags · CA · crash · 1 injury

While on her way from work, my mother was involved in an accident in her 2021 Kia K5 LXS where she was rear ended at a high speed by a driver not paying attention to the road and she ended up hitting the car in front of her. During the accident NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEVELOPED. My mother was hospitalized for a month and do to the SEVERITY OF HER MAJOR INJURIES (rib fractures, a closed fracture of her T7-T8 with loss of sensation and mobility of lower half of body) she passed away from “Effects Of Blunt Spinal And Rib Cage Trauma.” No recalls were noted for this particular model and year until March of 2023 which was way too late.

Filed May 10, 2023 · Airbags · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V149000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Airbags · TX · crash · 2 injuries

I was rearended into another vehicle at a speed of about 50mph, then rearended again by and SUV, not one of my 9 airbags deployed.

Filed Jul 25, 2022 · Airbags · MI · crash

The contact's son owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while her son was driving in the rain at 50 MPH, another vehicle hit her son's vehicle from behind which sent the vehicle into a concrete barrier. The vehicle was sent spinning after it hit the barrier; the vehicle was facing oncoming traffic once it came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's son was not injured and did not seek any medical attention. The other driver fled the scene of the accident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed independent collision center where it had yet to be inspected or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Mar 5, 2021 · Airbags, Seats · 10,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

I was traveling 45 MPH in my 2021 k5 gt line when an older toyota camry crossed my path. I applied brakes but there was no avoiding the collision. I broadsided the camry at somewhere between 30 and 35 MPH. I sustained injuries to both knees, neck and back. Air bags did not deploy. Police, wrecker driver and body shop (in thier previous experiences) all say they are surprised the air bags were not triggered being the fact it was a frontal collision. Another concern is the folding seat behind the driver's side broke free of the latch and folded itself down. That seat has never been folded down or even sat in for that matter, so I know for a fact it was latched. Sad to say my beautiful brand new k5 that I have had for 2 months now has close to $13,000 damage. Most importantly, I am now scared to drive this thing. What if this happens again?

Filed Nov 11, 2020 · Airbags · 1,100 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

Was driving to work on freeway and a deer jumped out in front of car, I hit it between 65-70 MPH and not one of the many airbags installed on this brand new car deployed . The police officer at the scene said I'm lucky to be alive.

Questions about the 2021 Kia K5 airbags

Does the 2021 Kia K5 have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the airbags of the 2021 Kia K5, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2021 Kia K5 airbags problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Kia K5 airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 23V149000, 21V164000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2021 Kia K5 problems

Fuel system 59Electrical 46Engine 32Transmission 19Driver assistance 14Body 10Brakes 10Seats 8Steering 7Visibility 5Lights 3Acceleration 2Tires 1

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