2021 Kia K5: check engine light

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Transmission · OK

From the get-go seemed to have trouble with transmission once in a while Little jerk when shifting gears, reported this, they could find nothing. It has become a lot worse. It has caused the car to shut down into limp mode with engine light on. So I had a problem from the beginning with my new car. But when they check it, they can’t find a problem. So I’m just checking to see if anybody else with this car make, model, year have reported anything the same.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · KS

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my Kia K5 because I am concerned about a potentially dangerous mechanical defect. I purchased this vehicle used from CarMax approximately two years ago. Within the first 30 days of ownership, the steering wheel began shaking. CarMax repaired the problem at no cost after ordering a replacement part. Approximately two weeks ago, the steering wheel began shaking again. The problem has now progressed to the vehicle shaking, feeling as though it is skidding or slipping, and failing to accelerate properly. The check-engine light is illuminated. I contacted Kia regarding recall SC250 and was told that my vehicle does not qualify. I am concerned because my vehicle is now experiencing symptoms that I believe warrant investigation into whether they could be related to the defect addressed by this recall. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether my vehicle may have an unresolved or related safety defect, and whether other vehicles excluded from the recall could be experiencing similar problems. I am concerned about the risk of losing acceleration while driving, potentially putting me and other motorists in danger. I can provide my VIN, vehicle mileage, repair history from CarMax, and any diagnostic information available.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Vehicle experienced a severe engine misfire (P0302), rough running, and loss of power while driving. Dealership confirmed the Purge Control / PCV valve failed (replaced under Recall SC356 / 25V‑794), but charged out-of-pocket for the Cylinder 2 ignition coil that failed as a direct result of the PCV valve failure. The Dealership replaced the Purge Control/PCV valve at this time - the recall was not resolved until this time - I wasn't even aware of this recall until this incident. This ocurred on XXX and as a result I was stranded 1500 miles from home in [XXX] (I live in [XXX] and was driving the vehicle to my son at the University of XXX in [XXX]. The car was running fine until I stopped briefly in [XXX] and when I started the car, the engine light came on and the car's engine started sputtering and losing power as I was driving. Due to the fact that I was not in the vicinity of any Kia Dealerships or any open mechanics as it was Labor Day, I somehow managed to drive the car all the way to [XXX] as this was the closest dealership (over 120 miles away from where I was when the engine light came on). Once I arrived in [XXX], I checked into a hotel. I then attempted to drive to the nearest Kia Dealership the following morning at approximately 6:45 am and the engine light started flashing. I knew that this meant I was not able to safely drive the car even the additional 5 miles to the dealership so I pulled over and called Kia Roadside assistance and the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there were failures with the spark plugs. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine sputtered. The contact stated that fuel spewed out of the filler neck while refueling the vehicle, and the fuel gauge incorrectly indicated that the fuel tank was empty after refueling. Additionally, there was an abnormal egg and sulfur odor coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and inspected under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). During the inspection, the seats were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was negotiating a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, upon further inspection the fuel level was lowering unexpectedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and was scanned with an OBD2 scanner and diagnosed with a recall-related failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the dealer was short-staffed. The dealer associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; a case was filed; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · GA

I Heard a loud noise in the backseat twice and noticed the back seat raise up also the check engine light came on but also the fuel was going down and up (the gauge), is currently at the kia dealership and has been reported fail recall

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 200,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact received the recall notice for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 86,017 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the failure cause was unidentifiable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Engine · 45,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle jolted forward three times and then lost power. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact steered the vehicle into an independent mechanic and the vehicle was inspected, and there was oil all over the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown sensor was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred the same day the vehicle was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred nine times, and the valve cover was replaced each time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 52,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated with DTC: P0471 displayed. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repair where the dealer replaced the check valve. After receiving the recall repair, the check engine warning light remained illuminated with DTC: P0471 displayed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the Exhaust Pressure Sensor was causing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Sensor to fail and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

I brought my car in for the recall regarding the faulty check valve in the fuel tank. My check engine light had also just come on. I have a 2021 Kia K5 with 60,000 miles and the dealership tells me I have to replace all 4 fuel injectors since it's causing a "system too lean" message.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The vehicle experiences severe stalling and loss of power while driving. When attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitates, shakes violently, and will not accelerate beyond approximately 10–20 mph. The vehicle then stalls completely and shuts off. These failures occur both after the vehicle has been parked and while actively driving. When placed in drive, the vehicle shakes aggressively and stalls. The check engine light is illuminated. The stalling has occurred multiple times in the middle of freeway traffic, creating an extreme safety hazard. My child has been in the vehicle during every occurrence. On one occasion, the vehicle shut off completely while on the freeway, placing our lives at risk and nearly resulting in a serious collision. This issue is unpredictable, persistent, and prevents safe operation of the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected and worked on by Southwest Kia and A-Z Auto, but the defect continues to occur. I believe this is a manufacturing or design defect related to the engine or powertrain that poses a serious safety risk and should be investigated to determine whether other vehicles are affected.