KiaK52021Overview/kia/k5/2021/base/

2021 Kia K5

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 K5.

The 2021 Kia K5 is a model that requires 4.7 quarts of oil and accepts viscosities of 5W‑20, 5W‑30 or 10W‑30. It has generated 154 owner complaints, the highest level in the 2021‑2026 complaint history, with the electrical system identified as the primary complaint area and six recall actions documented. Compared with later years, the 2021 model records the peak complaint count, while complaints fall to just 10 by 2026, indicating a downward trend in reported issues.

Model year20262025202320222021

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.7 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 / 10W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque80.0-94.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 48 · 760 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 48 · 760 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLPOEM · verified
Tire size235/45R18 94VOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length192.9 in
Overall width73.2 in
Overall height56.7 in
Wheelbase112.2 in
Curb weight3455 lb
Track (front / rear)64.2 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the K5 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.2–7.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.20 sec — 2021 GT Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021GT Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-45.20 sec13.70 sec290 hpFWD
2021GT Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-45.40 sec14.00 sec290 hpFWD
2021GT-Line Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-47.00 sec15.50 sec180 hpFWD
2021GT-Line Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-47.40 sec15.70 sec180 hpAWD
2021EX Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-47.80 sec16.00 sec180 hpFWD
2021EX Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-47.90 sec16.10 sec180 hpFWD
2025EX Sedan 2.5L I-47.60 sec15.70 sec191 hpFWD
2025GT-Line Sedan 2.5L I-48.30 sec16.30 secAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.7 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 / 10W-30 engine oil, DOT 4 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 80.0-94.0 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0-33.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.8 qt
Brake FluidDOT 4 · DOT 4
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity4.0 qt
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity4.1 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · 5W-30 · 10W-30 · 5W-40 · 15W-40 · 20W-50

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14.0-17.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0-33.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts80.0-94.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill PlugUse a new gasket: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugUse a new gasket: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Spark Plug ManufacturerKia
Spark Plug Gap0.028-0.031 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0-18.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerKia
Spark Plug Gap0.039-0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0-18.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.09-1.20 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF
Oil Capacity3.04-3.72 oz
Standard BCI Group NumberOnly use AGM VRLA Battery. 48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance760 cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16.0-23.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 72.0-; Rear: 58.0-
ABS Sensor Torque6.4
Minimum Pad ThicknessDisc: 0.079"; Drum: 0.039" in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 16; Rear: 15
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationFront: .0002; Rear: .0004
Maximum Rotor Runout.0016"

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
185.0-89.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 68-72°85–89 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
149.0-52.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 98-102°49–52 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90°22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 42,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miAir Conditioning System (inspect) · Air Intake System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 12,000 miFuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 37,500 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 40,000 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 42,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
Every 48,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Kia K5 registers the highest federal complaint volume (154) and recall count (6) within the 2021–2026 dataset, significantly exceeding the 120 complaints and 5 recalls seen in 2022 and the downward trend that continues through 2026's low of 10 complaints and 1 recall. As the earliest model year shown, it carries the generation's peak TSB count at 134, with top complaint categories including Electrical System (18), Fuel/Propulsion System (17), and Unknown Or Other (17), though the data does not specify underlying causes for these concentrations. This inaugural year also generated 7 crash-related and 2 fire-related complaints according to federal records. Given its position at the high-risk origin of an improving reliability trajectory, the 2021 model is objectively the least favorable year in this generation to purchase, advisable only if the transaction price reflects its substantially elevated complaint and recall exposure relative to 2022–2026.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
134
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
154
Owner complaints
7 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 154 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System18
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Unknown Or Other17
Power Train8
Engine7
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other6
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Structure5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V164000Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control ModuleReported 11/03/2021

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… 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…

21V519000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And FittingsReported 08/07/2021

Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 134 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SC307_OWNR_3012026-06-17Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN & WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION…
SC307_REIMB2026-06-17Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAINGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (SC307 Flight#301) - This document is a…
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_ELE4222026-05-27Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM…
TSB_ELE4172026-04-14Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific K5. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 K5 take?

4.7 qt of Non Turbo Engines: 5W-20 is preferred. 5W-30 can be used if 5W-20 is unavailable. Temperatures above 0°F: 10W-30; Turbo Equipped Vehicles: 5W-30 is preferred. 5W-40 can be used if 5W-30 is unavailable. Temperatures above 0°F: 10W-30; Temperatures above 14°F: 15W-40; Temperatures above 20°F: 20W-50, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 K5 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.