Model research hub
Kia K5
The Kia K5, formerly the Optima, is a mid-size car made since 2000, now in its fourth generation since 2020. Federal data shows the 2021 with the most recalls (6) and complaints (164), falling to 1 recall on the 2026, and CarGurus says a K5 checked for recall resolutions is a solid used pick, noting it was not until the 2025 model year that the K5 got a refresh with styling changes, a bigger touchscreen and a different base engine. The 2026 K5 starts at $28,735.
What the Kia K5 is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) says the K5, formerly known as the Optima, is a mid-size car made by Kia since 2000 and sold under nameplates including Magentis and Lotze, now in the fifth generation, badged K5 globally since 2020. The 2026 K5 has a 2.5L four-cylinder, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, rated 27 to 30 mpg combined by the EPA, about $2,100 to $2,300 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices are $28,735 for the LXS, $34,835 for the GT and $36,235 for the EX.
Best and worst K5 model years
Federal data shows the 2021 K5 with 6 recalls and 164 complaints, both the most of any year, covering air bags, the fuel system, lane departure and the powertrain. The 2022 has 5 recalls and 124 complaints, the 2023 has 4 and 106, and the 2024 has 2 and 29. The 2025 has 2 recalls and 49 complaints, and the 2026 has 1.
CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says it wasn't until the 2025 model year that the K5 received a refresh, including subtle exterior styling changes, a more noticeable interior makeover, a larger infotainment touchscreen and a different base engine, and that as long as a K5 has been checked for recall resolutions, it would have no issue considering it a solid used vehicle pick. It also notes that Kia and Hyundai's generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty only applies to the original owner. REREV (opens in a new tab) combines NHTSA complaint volume, CarComplaints PainRank scores, recall records and Consumer Reports data to produce a year-by-year verdict.
Choosing a year
The 2024 to 2026 cars carry the lightest recall load, and any K5 you consider should have its recall history confirmed by VIN, especially a 2021 given its higher counts. Remember the powertrain warranty resets to the standard terms for a second owner.
Questions buyers ask
Which Kia K5 year has the most problems?
Federal data shows the 2021 with the most recalls (6) and complaints (164) of any K5 year.
Does the Kia K5 powertrain warranty transfer to a used buyer?
CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty only applies to the original owner.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 Kia K5 is built around 2.5L four-cylinder or turbo 2.5L four-cylinder, rated at 191 / 290 horsepower across its midsize sedan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2027 K5 seats 5 and is a Midsize sedan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 K5.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 Kia K5
LXS and GT-Line share a 191-horsepower 2.5L engine, while GT alone gets a 290-horsepower turbo 2.5L with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. GT-Line is the only trim offered with optional AWD.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
3 indexed Kia K5 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia K5 | 3 | 2027 record → |
| 2026 Kia K5 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Kia K5 | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Kia K5.
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima, is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002.
- Safety
- The 2001 Optima received Poor to Average ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- Engines
- The second generation Optima, known as the Kia Magentis globally except in United States and Malaysia, and as the Kia Lotze in South Korea, was launched in South Korea in November 2005. This generation differed further from the Hyundai Sonata donor vehicle than the previous model.
- Reception
- In a March 2012 comparison test by Car and Driver, the Optima came in third place out of six cars behind the first place Volkswagen Passat and the second place Honda Accord.
- Powertrain
- The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid was unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and was launched in the U.S. market in June 2011. During its first month in the market sold 524 units.
- Awards
- The Optima is a two-time winner of the International Car of the Year award. it also won the 2016 Red Dot "Best of the Best" Award.
Source: Kia K5 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Kia K5 at a glance
- Production
- 2000–present
- Model years
- 2001–present
- Class
- Mid-size car (D)
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (2020–present)
- Predecessor
- Kia Credos
- Also called
- Kia Magentis (2000–2010), Kia Optima (2000–2020), Kia Lotze (2005–2010)
NHTSA rated the 2025 Kia K5 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (3 campaigns across the latest model years)
- January 2026, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may… Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- July 2025, Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach. Consequence: Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- May 2025, Exterior Lighting:Lighting Control Module:Software. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K5 vehicles. A software error in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) may cause the parking lights to flicker. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard… Consequence: Parking lights that fail to illuminate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Kia K5, most often about tires (14), electrical system (11), unknown or other (6).
Year by year
The Kia K5 across 7 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia K5 | 27–30 | $2,150–$2,400 | 4 | |||
| 2026 Kia K5 | 27–30 | $2,100–$2,300 | 4 | 1 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Kia K5 | 27–30 | $2,100–$2,300 | 4 | 2 | 49 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Kia K5 | 27–31 | $2,000–$2,300 | 3 | 2 | 29 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Kia K5 | 27–31 | $2,000–$2,300 | 3 | 4 | 106 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Kia K5 | 27–32 | $1,950–$2,300 | 4 | 5 | 124 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Kia K5 | 27–32 | $1,950–$2,300 | 4 | 6 | 164 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Kia K5, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | Labels: K5 w/Stop-Start | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 3 to 4 | 29.0 to 28.5 | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start | Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI |
| 2022 to 2023 | 4 to 3 | 29.5 to 29.0 | Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; Stop-Start |
Buying used
What the Kia K5 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel) | None |
| 2025 | 2 | exterior lighting (lighting control module); structure (body) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | structure (body); fuel system, gasoline | None |
| 2023 | 4 | power train (automatic transmission); air bags (side/window); structure (body); 1 more | None |
| 2022 | 5 | lane departure (lane keep); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); power train (automatic transmission); 2 more | None |
| 2021 | 6 | air bags (air bag/restraint control module); lane departure (lane keep); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); 3 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| fuel/propulsion system | 118 | 25% | 2021 (42) |
| electrical system | 93 | 19% | 2021 (45) |
| unknown or other | 87 | 18% | 2021 (32) |
| engine | 77 | 16% | 2021 (29) |
| power train | 57 | 12% | 2022 (20) |
| fuel system | 27 | 6% | 2023 (14) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Kia K5 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXS | FWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 191 | 181 | 3,230 | – | 29 | $28,735 |
| GT-Line | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 191 | 181 | 3,463 | – | 27 | $29,735 |
| GT | FWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 290 | 311 | 3,596 | – | 27 | $34,835 |
| EX | FWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 191 | 181 | 3,395 | – | 29 | $36,235 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Kia K5 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 191–290 | 3,230–3,596 | – | 15.8 |
| 2025 | 4 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 191–290 | 3,230–3,596 | – | 15.8 |
| 2024 | 4 | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 180–290 | 3,148–3,534 | – | 15.8 |
| 2023 | 4 | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 180–290 | 3,148–3,534 | – | 15.8 |
| 2022 | 5 | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 180–290 | 3,115–3,534 | – | 14.8–15.8 |
| 2021 | 5 | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 180–290 | 3,115–3,534 | – | 14.8–15.8 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Kia K5.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0W-20 (6.1 qt) Smartstream G2.5 GDi; 0W-30 Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2026 | 0W-20 (6.1 qt) Smartstream G2.5 GDi; 0W-30 Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | 0W-20 (6.1 qt) Smartstream G2.5 GDi; 0W-30 Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | – | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2023 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Kia K5: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2026 Kia K5 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.3).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2021 Kia K5 : 6 recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags and fuel system.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | not available | electrical system |
| 2025 | 2 | 49 | exterior lighting, structure |
| 2024 | 2 | 29 | structure, fuel system |
| 2023 | 4 | 106 | powertrain, airbags, structure, fuel system |
| 2022 | 5 | 124 | fuel system, Lane Departure, powertrain, airbags |
| 2021 | 6 | 164 | airbags, fuel system, Lane Departure, powertrain |
| 2020 | not available | ||
| 2019 | not available | ||
| 2018 | not available | ||
| 2017 | not available | ||
| 2016 | not available | ||
| 2015 | not available |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Kia K5 model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Kia K5?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2026 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2021 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Kia K5 model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2021 Kia K5 has 6 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags, fuel system, Lane Departure. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Kia K5 model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2026 Kia K5 has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.3. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Kia K5 by model year?
2026: electrical system. 2025: exterior lighting, structure. 2024: structure, fuel system. 2023: powertrain, airbags, structure, fuel system. 2022: fuel system, Lane Departure, powertrain, airbags. 2021: airbags, fuel system, Lane Departure, powertrain.
Q05Why do some Kia K5 model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Kia K5 model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling, Transmission and drivetrain, Climate and electrical.
2021 Kia K5 owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Engine and cooling and Transmission and drivetrain.
Trim ladder
3 Kia K5 trims, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this Kia K5 is most often compared with.
Nearest Kia models
Other Kia models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 K5 come in?
The 2027 Kia K5 (midsize sedan) comes in 3 trims: LXS, GT-Line, GT.
Q02What are the 2027 K5 trims?
The 2027 Kia K5 trims are LXS, GT-Line, GT, listed from the entry LXS up to the top GT.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 K5 use?
The 2027 Kia K5 is built around 2.5L four-cylinder or turbo 2.5L four-cylinder, rated at 191 / 290 horsepower across its midsize sedan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 K5 have?
The 2027 Kia K5 is rated at 191 / 290 horsepower (2.5L four-cylinder or turbo 2.5L four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 K5?
The 2027 Kia K5 is offered with FWD / AWD.