NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia K5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia K5 scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 151 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Kia K5 registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100, placing it in the Average band. This outcome is notably influenced by six distinct recall campaigns and a defect-record sub-score of 8/20. While strong crash-test results underpin its overall rating, the volume of recalls prevents the K5 from achieving a higher safety standing within its segment.
The 2021 Kia K5 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia K5 ranks 80 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 151 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 80 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia K5?
The 2021 K5 enters the US market with an overall Safety Index score of 77/100, placing it in the Average tier. While its crash-protection metrics are robust, the vehicle's defect record significantly tempers its overall safety profile. The K5 earned a 61/70 in crash protection, reflecting its strong performance in federal testing. NHTSA awarded it 5 out of 5 stars overall and 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection. The rollover risk was not specified in the data. Avoidance technology contributes 7.5/10 to the Safety Index. Lane departure warning is standard, but the crucial forward collision warning system is an optional feature, meaning not all K5 trims provide the same level of active safety. The defining factor for the 2021 K5's safety rating is its defect record, which scores 8/20. This sub-score is a direct consequence of six recall campaigns. These include two recalls pertaining to fuel-system components, one addressing potentially incorrectly installed curtain airbags, and another for the transmission fail-safe system. These multiple, safety-critical recalls explain why a vehicle with otherwise strong crash-test results ultimately achieves only an Average Safety Index rating.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia K5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Kia K5 achieved a 5 out of 5 stars overall safety rating from NHTSA, anchored by a perfect 5-star score in side-impact protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each merited 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk is assessed at 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with no tip, an encouraging outcome for occupant safety.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15137
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia K5 have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover the 2021 K5. Components addressed include the gasoline fuel system (a check-valve air-intrusion issue spanning 2021-2024 models), side curtain air bags reported as potentially incorrectly installed, the automatic transmission fail-safe mode, a fuel-line leak risk on 2.5L turbocharged engines, and a rack-mounted steering-assist concern on 2.5L T-GDI models. Shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE25V794000
Risk: A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov
Reported 2025-11-17
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN23V149000
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.
Reported 2023-03-07
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V760000
Risk: Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.
Reported 2022-10-11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V519000
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-07-08
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST21V447000
Risk: A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the R-MDPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are were mailed June 24, 2021. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC213.
Reported 2021-06-14
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE21V164000
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.
Reported 2021-03-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia K5?
Owners have filed 151 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (43 reports), the Fuel/Propulsion System (37), and the Engine (26). Allegations also include 7 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 7 reported injuries, and 1 reported death. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations.
151 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia K5?
Six recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 K5, a significant figure that prospective owners should note. Before purchase, it is imperative to verify that all six have been addressed; recall remedy status can be confirmed via the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Of particular concern are campaigns related to the fuel system and curtain airbags, both critical safety components. Failure to ensure these recalls are remedied could compromise vehicle safety.
- The 2021 K5 is the nameplate's U.S. launch year, so no prior-year Safety Index exists for trend comparison, making the 77/100 Average score a standalone baseline.
- Two separate fuel-system recall campaigns affect this model year: one targeting a check valve that can allow air into the fuel tank, and one targeting potential fuel leaks at line connections on 2.5L turbocharged engines.
- The side curtain air-bag recall, covering 2021-2023 K5 vehicles, flags possible incorrect installation at the factory, a concern that directly affects a restraint system that contributed to the vehicle's 5-star side-impact rating.
- Forward collision warning is listed as optional rather than standard for this model year, meaning not every 2021 K5 on the used market includes that crash-avoidance technology, and buyers should confirm the specific trim's equipment before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia K5 places
The 2021 Kia K5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia K5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia K5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Kia K5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Kia K5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Kia K5 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia K5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Kia K5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia K5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 151 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia K5. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other K5 years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15137), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia K5 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 80 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.