2021 Kia K5 fuel/propulsion system problems
42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2021 Kia K5 — 25% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Sep 16, 2026
“I am reporting a violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act by Ball Kia (National City, CA). The dealer tried to deny service for recall 25V794000 (SC356) for a melted, leaking fuel tank, fabricated a false diagnostic narrative of road impact to exploit me, and tried to charge…”
filed Aug 17, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV CHECK VALVE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT + ECU SW UPGRADE (SC288/SC288A) CLOSED & SUPERSEDED - This bulletin is now closed and superseded…
SC288_TSB_R6_CLSD · Emissions · issued Jan 16, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other K5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 K5 | 2 | 7% |
| 2023 K5 | 39 | 36% |
| 2022 K5 | 35 | 28% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia K5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.