What weaknesses does the Kia K5 DL3 have?

	Weakness	Cost
✖	Recall NHTSA 22V-760 (SC250): DCT oil pump — complete loss of drive NHTSA recall 22V-760 / SC250 covers K5 2021–2023: the electric oil pump (EOP) in the 8-speed wet DCT can crack, disabling the fail-safe drive mode and resulting in complete loss of drive power while driving. Dealers replace the transmission and update software at no charge. Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive power while driving, transmission fault warning, vehicle cannot accelerate. Ad Kia K5 DL3 DCT transmission recall 22V-760 SC250 EOP oil pump K5 2021 2022 2023 transmission oil pump EOP recall replacement	Low

NHTSA Owner Complaints

Below average

126 complaints · 2021–2024 · 5 recalls

Fuel System

Engine

28 ⚠ 1

Electrical

23 ⚠ 2

Airbags

18 ⚠ 3

Transmission

15 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Fuel System (33 complaints)

⚠ Engine (28 complaints)

⚠ Electrical (23 complaints)

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia K5 DL3 (2021–2024) — 5 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics, Steering. Considered reliable: G4FP (1.6L T-GDi (Smartstream CVVD)).

K5 (G4KP, 2021–2024) — Be Careful: Recall NHTSA 22V-760 (SC250): DCT oil pump — complete loss of drive, Recall NHTSA 21V-519: High-pressure fuel pump connection — fire risk, Elevated oil consumption (early indications). Power: 290 PS.

What to watch out for with the Kia K5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia K5 DL3 have? +

The Kia K5 DL3 has 5 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Kia K5 DL3? +

faq.watch_a_solid

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: G4FP (1.6L T-GDi (Smartstream CVVD)). The most reliable engine is the G4FP (1.6L T-GDi (Smartstream CVVD)) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the G4KP (2.5L T-GDi (Smartstream / Theta III)).

Which Kia K5 DL3 engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Kia K5 DL3. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 2 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Kia K5 DL3 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia K5 DL3 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 290 hp from a 2.5-litre turbo in a compact sedan body: the K5 GT is one of the most potent compact-class entries in the US market. The wet DCT puts the power down efficiently — only the SC250 transmission oil pump recall clouds early model years.

Is the Kia K5 DL3 worth buying used? +

The Kia K5 DL3 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.

What horsepower variants are available for the Kia K5 DL3? +

The Kia K5 DL3 is available with engine variants from 182 to 294 hp. Petrol: G4FP (1.6L T-GDi (Smartstream CVVD)), G4KP (2.5L T-GDi (Smartstream / Theta III)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee