This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
VIN 5XXG34J27MG032980 identifies a sedan — the 2021 Kia K5 EX. This specific unit was assembled at the GEORGIA, UNITED STATES (USA) facility, one of Kia's North American production plants.
This vehicle carries a significant 6 open NHTSA recalls. Affected systems include air bags: air bag/restraint control module, fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, lane departure: lane keep: steering assist. All recalls must be repaired by a Kia dealer at no charge to the owner. Contact a dealer with this VIN before finalizing any purchase. Verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The EPA rates this vehicle at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), which represents reasonable fuel economy. Annual fuel cost is estimated at $2050 at national average gas prices. It scores 6/10 on the EPA greenhouse gas scale, emitting 296 g CO₂/mile.
Based on vehicle class, trim, and U.S. market data, this 2021 Kia K5 EX falls in an estimated used-market range of $9,400–$13,500. The high recall count may suppress resale value — factor this into price negotiation. Verify actual market value with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds using specific mileage and condition.
Important limitation: This free VIN report does not include odometer/mileage history, accident records, flood or fire damage, number of previous owners, or title/lien status. Get the full history with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to unlock it. Use this report alongside a full history check, an independent pre-purchase inspection, and a NICB stolen vehicle check for the most complete picture before buying.
Plant StateGEORGIAPlant CountryUNITED STATES (USA)
Plant ZIPNot availableDest. MarketNot available
Vehicle Descriptor5XXG34J2*MGGVWRClass 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls6Recall StatusActive recalls found
Overall Risk LevelHigh RiskABSIncluded
ESCIncludedTraction ControlIncluded
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating5 StarsFront Crash Rating4 Stars
Side Crash Rating5 StarsRollover Risk4 Stars
Safety Recalls
21V16400011/03/2021
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
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 passenger seat. As such, these vehicles...
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...
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...
21V51900008/07/2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
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...
21V44700014/06/2021
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) system lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults. If a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve...
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...
22V76000011/10/2022
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
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...
23V14900007/03/2023
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash.
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...
25V79400017/11/2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
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...
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
NoneNHTSA
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
This free report does not include accident records, mileage history, or title status. Get a full history from one of these trusted providers:
⭐ OUR TOP PICK
GoodCar
Full vehicle history at the best price. Unlimited VIN lookups — accidents, title records, odometer, recalls, salvage, flood damage, and more.
This report covers:
Accident & collision history
Title status (salvage/flood/junk)
Odometer records
Number of owners
Open recalls
Theft records
MOST POPULAR
Carfax
The most trusted name in vehicle history. Shows accidents, mileage rollback, flood/fire damage, number of owners, service records, and title problems.
This report covers:
Accidents & damage
Mileage history
Number of owners
Title & lien status
Service records
Flood/fire damage
BEST VALUE
AutoCheck by Experian
Powered by Experian. Includes AutoCheck Score — a 0–100 rating comparing this vehicle to similar ones.
This report covers:
AutoCheck Score (0-100)
Accidents & salvage
Mileage history
Auction records
Title brands
Odometer rollback
INTERNATIONAL
EpicVIN
Comprehensive report with photo history and market value. Covers US and international vehicles.
Select any state to see its current emissions testing requirements and lemon law protections.
Emissions Testing
Lemon Law Protection
Select a state above to view its requirements.
OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
Enter a code from your OBD-II scanner, pick from the dropdown, or tap a common code chip below.
Common:
Owner Complaints
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES,ENGINE07/23/2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the fuel gauge suddenly went from one-half tank to empty. The fuel...
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEATS,ENGINE07/22/2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there were failures with the spark plugs. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and...
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE07/20/2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the fuel tank expanded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle...
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE07/20/2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was...
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER07/13/2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator...
I am submitting this complaint regarding a leaking evaporator core in my 2021 Kia K5. The evaporator core failed at approximately 59,600 miles, causing the air conditioning system...
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM07/08/2026
My car is losing power upon acceleration causing a...
My car is losing power upon acceleration causing a loss of power upon take off upon taking off and when gears are shifting. Told by dealer it is...
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE06/30/2026
I Heard a loud noise in the backseat twice...
I Heard a loud noise in the backseat twice and noticed the back seat raise up also the check engine light came on but also the fuel was...
SERVICE BRAKES06/27/2026
After coming to a stop brake pedal slowly sinks...
After coming to a stop brake pedal slowly sinks to floor. First noticed around 40,000 miles, inspected by team kia el cajon at 41,500 miles. Not dash lights...
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 6 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓Check digit (position 9) validates
✓VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 158 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,560/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 5XXG34J27MG032980 decode to?+
VIN 5XXG34J27MG032980 decodes to a 2021 KIA K5 EX, assembled in GEORGIA, UNITED STATES (USA).
How many recalls does this 2021 KIA K5 have?+
This 2021 KIA K5 has 6 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 2021 KIA K5 with open recalls?+
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a KIA dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs — they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2021 KIA K5?+
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2021 KIA K5 EX is estimated at $9,400–$13,500. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?+
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2021 KIA K5 get?+
According to EPA data, the 2021 KIA K5 gets approximately 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,050.