Recall 21V447 affects 846 2021-2022 Kia K5 vehicles for R-MDPS software that mishandles steering-assist faults. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 846 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L T-GDI engines because the power steering system does not diagnose certain communication faults. If the fault happens while Lane Following Assist is engaged around a curve, steering effort can suddenly increase and raise crash risk; Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Rack-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering unit on affected 2021-2022 Kia K5 vehicles is the electric steering motor mounted at the steering rack. It adds assist when you turn the wheel, and it changes that assist based on driving conditions and Lane Following Assist inputs. In normal operation, the system helps the driver steer without removing control from the driver.
The recall involves missing fault-diagnosis logic in the motor-driven power steering control software. If a communication fault happens while the K5 is traveling through a curve with Lane Following Assist engaged, the steering assist level does not adjust the way it should. The driver can feel a sudden increase in steering effort, especially while already turning.
Before the problem shows up, the driver can get an audible alarm, the master warning light, a message that says "Check Lane Following Assist [LFA] system," or the MDPS warning light. Treat those as warning signs that the steering assist system needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Covers the K5 across the 2021 and 2022 model years, with the rack-mounted motor-driven power steering unit listed under both steering and steering-assist components.
| 2021 Kia K5 | Steering assist |
|---|---|
| 2021 Kia K5 | steering system |
| 2022 Kia K5 | Steering assist |
| 2022 Kia K5 | steering system |
| Units affected | 846 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden increase in steering effort can make the K5 harder to control and increase the risk of a crash. Warning signs include an audible alarm, the master warning light, a "Check Lane Following Assist [LFA] system" message, or the MDPS warning light. Schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Kia K5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free R-MDPS software update that lets the steering system diagnose communication faults tied to sudden steering effort.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V447 when you call.
- Use extra caution around curves with Lane Following Assist engaged until the repair is complete.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about recall number 21V447.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician updates the R-MDPS software so the steering system can diagnose communication faults correctly. The software update is free under the recall, and the dealer visit is covered. Kia will reimburse repair expenses already incurred under its standard reimbursement plan. Bring documentation for any related steering assist repair you paid for before the recall notice and ask the service desk how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 14, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 16, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 16, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 24, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 24, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V447?
Recall 21V447 covers 846 2021-2022 Kia K5 vehicles with 2.5L T-GDI engines. The R-MDPS steering system lacks the ability to diagnose communication faults, which can cause a sudden increase in steering effort while driving around a curve with Lane Following Assist engaged. Kia dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Kia K5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific K5 is included in recall 21V447. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the R-MDPS software update. Reference recall number 21V447 or Kia recall number SC213 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kia dealers will update the R-MDPS software free of charge. Use a franchised Kia dealer, and reference recall 21V447 or Kia recall number SC213 when scheduling service.
Is it safe to drive my Kia K5 before the repair?
This recall does not carry a do-not-drive instruction. The safety risk is a sudden increase in steering effort if a communication fault occurs while driving around a curve with Lane Following Assist engaged, which can increase crash risk. Schedule the free software update with a Kia dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V447?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on June 24, 2021. If you bought the K5 used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V447000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V447 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V447000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →