The Kia K5 Years To Avoid
Kia K5 by Elise240SX - CC-BY-SA-4.0
Despite the ongoing domination of SUVs and crossovers, midsize sedans remain significant in the automotive market. The shift in consumer preference towards larger vehicles is largely influenced by people wanting increased cargo space, higher driving positions, and perceived safety benefits. However, midsize sedans remain an important niche for a variety of reasons.
From better fuel economy and superior handling and ride comfort, midsize sedans are a practical and appealing choice for many consumers. With that said, one of the more interesting additions to the segment is the Kia K5.
The Kia K5 looks to deliver a striking balance of looks and performance. However, as with any used car purchase, it’s essential to consider its reliability and identify any model years that potential buyers might want to avoid.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE KIA K5
An investment in a car is no light consideration, especially with many car options. There are only three years of the Kia K5 so far, which makes it even more important to land on the most reliable Kia K5 year.
So for today’s post, we highlight the Kia K5 years to avoid for used car buyers and offer insights on why you should heed caution while shopping. Let’s take a look.
Kia K5: A Brief Introduction
A dynamic newcomer to the midsize sedan market, the Kia K5 is turning heads with its solid combination of style, performance, and technology. As the successor to the well-loved Kia Optima, the K5 had big shoes to fill, but if reviews and user feedback are of any indication, it’s certainly rising to the occasion.
One of the K5’s standout features is its striking design. From sleek lines to an aggressive front grille to eye-catching LED lighting, the K5 is an eye-candy on the road, which helped the sedan stand out in an otherwise mundane segment. But the K5 isn’t just about looks – it also delivers on performance (mostly). With a range of powerful yet efficient engines, including a powerful 2.5-liter turbo-four (the base engine is rather weak), the K5 offers an engaging and responsive driving experience.
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Inside, the K5 brings the usual Kia refinements, including upmarket materials, comfortable seating, and advanced technology. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of headroom, while the infotainment system is user-friendly and packed with features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Kia K5 is certainly a noteworthy addition to the South Korean automaker’s lineup and the midsize sedan segment in general.
Which Kia K5 Years To Avoid?
The Kia K5’s reliability track record is still developing as a relatively brand-new model. However, we know that Kia is one of the most reliable car manufacturers in the business. According to RepairPal, Kia’s reliability score is an impressive 4.0 out of 5.0, placing 3rd out of 32 for all car brands. As for the Kia K5 years to avoid, used car buyers may want to avoid the following:
2021 Kia K5
At CoPilot, we often advise our readers to steer clear of the first production year of any new vehicle, as they can sometimes be plagued with teething problems as manufacturers iron out initial production issues. Also, more recent models tend to have little to no information about their long-term reliability, which can be a risk for used car buyers. This is certainly the case with the 2021 Kia K5.
2021 K5 Reliability Ratings and Complaints
CarComplaints.com has documented about 58 complaints and five recalls for the 2021 K5. A 2021 Kia K5 owner in Fargo, North Dakota, has encountered difficulties starting the vehicle, with the engine not turning over on occasion. Despite no warning lights and a replaced key fob battery, the car often requires over 30 attempts to start. The local Kia dealership suspects a faulty starter. The owner is awaiting a service appointment for diagnosis. However, remember this is just one complaint, so it is likely an isolated incident.
Meanwhile, Consumer Reports has rated the 2021 Kia K5 a reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0. According to the consumer advocate website, the 2021 K5’s common trouble spots are power equipment (1.0 out of 5.0) and in-car electronics (1.0 out of 5.0).
Over to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2021 K5 has received 43 complaints, with the top trouble spots being the electrical system, engine, airbags, and forward collision avoidance. Based on the NHTSA complaints, the common problems you may encounter in a 2021 Kia K5 are:
- Electrical system problems have been reported, with one instance leading to a vehicle fire. Other issues include losing a wireless CarPlay connection, warning lights on the instrument panel, and faulty sensors affecting tire pressure, headlights, and the speedometer.
- Airbag problems have also been reported, with three instances of airbags not deploying during collisions, leading to injuries. This non-deployment issue of the airbag differs from the recall issue related to airbags.
- Engine problems have also been reported, including engine bay noise due to the engine cover being off, fender damage from rubbing the wheel/tire, and the hanging fog light housing. Another complaint concerns the cooling system, where antifreeze vapor seeps into the engine area when the vehicle is turned off, causing a strong coolant smell.
Consider the above mentioned issues and complaints when buying a used 2021 Kia K5. These issues make the 2021 model the worst Kia K5 years to avoid.
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2021 K5 Recalls
Below is a breakdown of the current recalls for the 2021 Kia K5, as per the NHTSA:
- Airbags Bags Side Window Curtain (2023-03-06): Some K5s from 2021 to 2023 might have airbags that were installed incorrectly, which could stop them from working right in a crash.
- Power Train Automatic Transmission Recall (2022-10-10): Certain 2021-2023 K5s and 2021-2022 Sorentos could lose all power due to a problem with the transmission oil pump.
- Fuel System Gasoline Delivery Hoses Linespiping and Fittings Recall (2021-07-07): Some 2021-2022 K5s and 2021 Sorentos with 2.5L turbo engines might have a fuel leak, which could be dangerous.
- Steering Recall (2021-06-13): Certain 2021-2022 K5s with 2.5L TGDI engines might have steering issues, making the car harder to steer, especially when using lane following assist.
- Air Bags Air Bag/Restraint Control Module Recall (2021-03-10): Some 2021 K5s might not detect a child seat in the front passenger seat, which can be a huge safety risk.
When evaluating a vehicle’s reliability, it never hurts to consider multiple factors, including the number and severity of recalls. Overall, the 2021 model isn’t the most unreliable midsize sedan out there, but it’s still one of the worst Kia K5 years to avoid when buying used.
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