Kia K5 GT 2.5T
The Smartstream G4KP 2.5 T-GDi is the 290-hp high-performance engine in the K5 GT and Genesis G80. It belongs to the Theta III family and differs structurally from the problematic Theta II. In the K5 GT it is paired with an 8-speed wet DCT that was affected by an oil pump recall (SC250) in early model years 2021–2023. Performance potential is high; the transmission EOP issue is the only known structural weakness to date.
K5 GT 2.5T: the midsize sleeper
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.
Engine Weaknesses 3
NHTSA recall 22V-760 / SC250 covers K5 GT 2021–2023: a crack in the electric oil pump (EOP) of the 8-speed wet DCT disables the fail-safe drive mode, 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.
NHTSA recall 21V-519 covers K5 2021–2022: the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail can leak, allowing fuel into the engine bay — creating a fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace the connection at no charge.
Symptoms: Fuel smell in or around the vehicle, fuel puddle under the engine, engine warning light.
Early reports from the US market suggest rising oil consumption at higher mileages. With the G4KP only in market since 2021, robust long-term data is still accumulating; first cases appear from around 80,000 km (50,000 miles).
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between changes, blue smoke under high load, low oil level warning light.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
NHTSA recall 21V-519 covers K5 2021–2022: the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail can leak, allowing fuel into the engine bay — creating a fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace the connection at no charge.
NHTSA recall 23V-149 / SC263 covers K5 2021–2023: side curtain airbags may have been installed incorrectly during production, causing them not to deploy properly in a crash. Dealers inspect and reinstall the airbags at no charge.
K5 2021–2023 has a known fuel tank expansion issue: a defective check valve allows air into the tank, which expands when it contacts hot exhaust components and can melt in severe cases. NHTSA documents over 50 complaints with rear seat lifting and fuel smell. Related recall SC356/25V-794.
K5 2021–2023 shows a recurring pattern of multiple warning lights (EPB, Forward Collision, Auto Hold, Check Engine) illuminating simultaneously, forcing the car into limp mode. Speed is limited to roughly 40 mph (65 km/h); root causes vary and dealerships have struggled to diagnose reliably.
K5 DL3 2021–2022 in lower trims (LX, LXS) without UVO connectivity are affected by the 'Kia Boys' theft wave. The missing electronic immobilizer made theft possible in under 90 seconds. Kia offers a free anti-theft software update.
NHTSA recall 22V-304 covers K5 2021–2022: a steering column bolt may not be secured properly, allowing the column to detach from the steering rack and causing complete loss of steering control. Dealers inspect and secure the bolt at no charge.
