Kia K5 2021-2022 steering system defect increases crash risk
Kia is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 models with a power steering defect. The steering system may lose assist while driving due to a communication fault, increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: This recall involves a potential steering system defect that could increase crash risk, but no injuries, crashes, or illnesses have been reported. Under the severity rubric, this qualifies as a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported.
Plain-English summary
Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system has a defect: it lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults.
If a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve with Lane Following Assist (LFA) engaged, the steering assist level may not adjust properly, causing a sudden increase in the steering effort required. A sudden increase in steering effort can increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners by mail and dealers will update the R-MDPS software at no cost. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- KIA K5
- Brand
- KIA
- Manufacturer
- Kia Motors America
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Affected units
- 846
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- K5
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · KIA
- HighKia Recalls 2025-2026 EV9 Vehicles for Front Passenger Air Bag Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-21
- SevereKia Recalls 2020-2024 Telluride Vehicles Due to Front Seat Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-02
- SevereKia Recalls EV6 and EV9 Models Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-02
- HighKia Recalls 2027 Telluride Models for Seat Belt Retraction Defect
NHTSA · 2026-06-02
- High2022–2026 Kia Carnival vehicles recalled for fuel system leak risk
NHTSA · 2026-04-10
Same manufacturer · Kia Motors America
See all →- HighKia Recalls 2012-2013 Optima for Headliner Plate Detachment Risk
NHTSA · 2022-08-01
- Severe2022 Kia Sorento and Telluride recalled for spare tire brake defect
NHTSA · 2022-07-19
- High2021-2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid front seat belt pretensioner failure
NHTSA · 2022-06-23
- High2022 Kia Telluride recall: instrument cluster display may go blank
NHTSA · 2022-05-17
- High2022 KIA EV6 Parking Brake Software Defect May Cause Vehicle Rollaway
NHTSA · 2022-05-11
Same hazard · steering assist defect
See all →- HighMercedes-Benz Recalls 2018 S-Class Vehicles for Steering Assist Defect
NHTSA · 2018-12-19