Recall 21V519 affects 21,575 2021-2022 Kia Sorento and K5 vehicles for a high-pressure fuel-pipe leak. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 21,575 2021-2022 Sorento and K5 vehicles with 2.5L turbocharged engines because fuel can leak at the connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The high-pressure fuel pipe on affected 2021-2022 Kia Sorento and K5 vehicles carries fuel from the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail. The fuel rail feeds the turbocharged engine's injectors, so the pipe connection has to stay tight and properly aligned while fuel is under pressure. On these vehicles, that connection is the problem area.
Kia traced the defect to two manufacturing issues. Some pipe fittings were not tightened enough because the tightening tool sat at the wrong angle at the engine plant. Some pipes were also not centered evenly because supplier tooling was unstable. Either condition leaves the pipe connection less secure than designed, and fuel can leak at the joint between the pump and the rail.
Owners can smell fuel, see smoke, notice a burning or melting odor, or see the Malfunction Indicator Light come on. Treat any of those signs as a reason to stop driving and call a Kia dealer.
Who's affected?
Includes the 2021 Sorento and the 2021-2022 K5, all tied to the same high-pressure fuel pipe.
| 2021 Kia Sorento | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2022 Kia K5 | fuel system |
| 2021 Kia K5 | fuel system |
| Units affected | 21,575 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. Treat fuel odor, smoke, a burning or melting smell, or a Malfunction Indicator Light as a reason to pull over safely and call a Kia dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Kia Sorento or K5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free fuel-pipe inspection and repair that fixes the leak at the high-pressure fuel pump connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V519 and Kia recall SC214 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, and contact the dealer at once if you suspect a fuel leak.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about scheduling or recall coverage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the fuel pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. The technician tightens the connection or replaces the fuel pipe if inspection shows replacement is needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid for this fuel pipe repair before the recall work, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and payment records to the Kia service desk or contact Kia customer service to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 8, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 13, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 13, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 21, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 21, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V519?
Recall 21V519 covers 21,575 2021 Kia Sorento and 2021-2022 Kia K5 vehicles with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel can leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail, increasing fire risk. Kia dealers inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Kia Sorento or 2021-2022 Kia K5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V519. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the fuel-pipe inspection and repair. Reference recall number 21V519 and Kia recall number SC214 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's remedy says dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge at a franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk in this Kia fuel pipe recall?
The safety risk is fire. The recalled vehicles have a fuel pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail where fuel can leak. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Kia Sorento or K5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Kia's owner letter mailed July 21, 2021, check your VIN and call a franchised Kia dealer with recall number 21V519 or Kia recall number SC214.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V519000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V519 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V519000 |
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 →