2025 KIA K4

2 recalls, 87 complaints - 5/5 safety rating

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Defect Description

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 fail. As suc... Read more

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.

Remedy

The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbe... Read more

42,677 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Defect Description

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.

30 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

87 total complaints 1 crashes 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	19
POWER TRAIN	14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	6
STEERING	3
WHEELS	3
STRUCTURE:BODY	3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2

Incident date: Aug 11, 2025

The tpms system will stop working and display a message saying check tire pressure monitoring system. While this message is displayed i cannot see any tire pressures and presumably will not receive any warnings about tires losing pressure. It starts working again on its own at seemingly random inter... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2026

CORRODED GROUNDING STRAP FAILED CYLINDER 5 GLOW PLUG CIRCUIT CRACKED AND SEPARATED EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE VALVE

Incident date: Jul 5, 2026

The dealer is saying that the car needs a purge solenoid repair or replacement as well as rear shocks. When I looked this up on a 2016 Ford fusion it states this is the most are one of the most common issues the purge solenoid the dealers trying to charge me almost $500 for this repair and I guess I... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

No Incident Occurred. Tire Size 275/65R20. Tire Pressure Fluctuating between 59 and 71 PSI. 3 of 4 tires appear to have a defect. Was detailing the vehicle on 7/26/26 and noticed a tear in the Side wall on the Passenger side rear tire. About 3/4" to 1 inch away from the rim along the sidewall. Runni... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

My 2016 Ford Escape is under a recall for the rear view camera. My rear view camera does not work. Ford issued the recall in October 2025 but has not made an effort to repair my vehicle. I have a bad neck and back, it is hard for me to turn and look behind me. I could really use the rear view camera... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

Noise while driving and over bumps and steering

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

I am filing a formal complaint regarding General Motors' handling of a critical vehicle component that has left my vehicle and many others in an unsafe condition. For more than over a one month, I have been waiting for a replacement gear shift module that is currently on backorder. During this time... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2025

On XXX, while my wife was driving our 2017 Honda Pilot Elite (VIN: [XXX]) southbound on [XXX], approaching the intersection with [XXX], the vehicle experienced a complete engine stall due to the Auto Idle Stop feature. The engine shut off at a stop but failed to automatically restart when she relea... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

While driving on the highway the vehicle lost power and then lowered the transmission gear and would not accelerate over 17mph regardless of pressure on accelerator. I switched from auto hybrid mode over to sport mode so the gasoline engine could be used yet the transmission would not increase powe... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

I have a 2022 Escalade with 98,000 miles at 70,000 miles I complained about engine and transmission issues On June 14 I lost my transmission I brought it to the dealer and they diagnosed it as a valve body failure Valve number 6 stuck and binding Unfortunately I inquired about the special ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

I purchased a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid from Dulles Kia. Since I've owned it, I've had the same problem three times — my car randomly goes into limp mode while I'm driving. It doesn't matter what speed I'm going. The car just starts slowing down on its own, won't let me accelerate, and the RPMs star... Read more

Incident date: Jun 17, 2026

A squealing sound was coming from the top of my engine and I had low/rough idle and it progressed to a low voltage output and check engine lights. This happened while i was driving on the highway and my speed was eratic and I had to cross 2 lanes to get the next exit. The problem has been reprodu... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

This truck has the 6.2 GM engine. While driving it late at night at approximately 28mph the engine blew, leaving the truck in the lane and unable to move. This was very dangerous since there was no warning and it just died. The truck receives regular maintenance by GMC and was tested to see if it... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, there was a loud bang coming from the engine compartment, followed by a clunking sound. The contact stated that the engine started running rough and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2026

My 2013 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX]) suffered a catastrophic rear-wheel lockup while traveling at highway speeds, mimicking a sudden, unprompted hard braking event. The vehicle's speedometer dropped to zero and the dashboard went blank. A certified Ford dealership has just scanned the vehicle and pulled ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2026

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly became inoperable; the power steering became inoperable, and the brake pedal became difficult to depress. The message "No Key Fob Detected" illuminated. The vehicle was tak... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

I purchased my 2023 Toyota Tundra new and immediately had concerns as at low speeds it jerked badly. This problem has not gotten better but worse. It is noticeable to passengers when riding in the truck. Early on the fuel pump quit and was replaced. The spark plugs were replaced after the dealer... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

This complaint documents a recurring automatic transmission failure resulting in three complete vehicle shutdowns during active operation — two at highway speed and one in an active turning lane. The most recent failure occurred within 15 minutes of the vehicle being released from an authorized Hy... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

Fuel pump has been repaired twice since I bought the vehicle brand new and now it’s faulty again it’s going to the dealership for a third time again

Incident date: May 15, 2026

While driving my new Grand Highlander, I have experienced a serious and recurring safety issue. Even with lane assist turned off, the vehicle automatically steers to the right when I exit a regular highway — apparently misinterpreting the widening road as a lane shift. When this happens, the steer... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding/humming noise would come from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that both the front and rear Power Transfer Units failed, causing additional damage to t... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2026

I had a coolant leek that I could smell from the exhaust. I constantly had to refill the coolant. At 59k miles the engine was replace and not at 61k the car is stalling at idle.

Incident date: May 20, 2026

The last 2 weeks my wipers have nearly quit functioning. They don’t go all the way up, will stop in the middle of the windshield, will not go down and when I use the wiper stick to try and get them to go back down the back wiper will start going as well even when I’m not hitting the switch for t... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

I recently purchased my vehicle from Big Star Dealership in Baytown Tx. At a little over 1000 miles i was towing a camper. The vehicle stalled, fuel pouring from engine. It was towed and repaired due to fuel pump failure. At a little over 3000 miles the vehicle would not start. Dealership initi... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

My rearview camera froze while I was reversing. Also when I put the vehicle into drive, the screen stayed on the backup camera after it eventually unfroze, showing the road behind me, it was very distracting. I have no photos or videos available because I was driving no warning lamps were visible, n... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2026

My car infotainment system keeps on having a "Ghost Touch" and it keeps on being a distraction when im using the GPS and it is a hazard being on the road especially in [XXX] where drivers are reckless. Other people have been having same issue, at least 80% that i have seen in person and online. Thi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

The moon roof glass seems somehow dangerously tight or prone to exploding. This could endanger passengers and other vehicles. Out of seemingly nowhere the moon roof exploded while driving off the high way. I saw no flying object. We were not behind other vehicles that could have kicked something u... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2026

Basically normal driving the car stalled. It slowed to a stall. I had to restart the car. This has happened a couple to times.

Incident date: Nov 23, 2025

A significant engine failure occurred while driving, presenting as loud knocking from the engine. The issue developed without prior warning lights or messages. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership and the problem was confirmed as internal engine failure (piston slap/engine knock). The dealersh... Read more

Incident date: Apr 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated, causing the cruise control feature to b... Read more

Incident date: Jan 30, 2026

Went out to my car and shut the door. Heard a cracking sound after I shut the door. Then the back window fell in. It completely shattered the back window from shut the driver side front door.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

The vehicle is subject to Safety Recall N252494001 (NHTSA Campaign 25V-274) due to manufacturing defects in the engine crankshaft and connecting rod bearings. • Component/System Failed: The 6.2L V8 (L87) engine crankshaft and connecting rod assembly. The engine is available for inspection upon re... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

On January 23, while driving, the vehicle suddenly shut down and stopped working without warning. I attempted to restart the vehicle several times, but it would not start. Smoke was coming from the engine area, and the vehicle was completely disabled on the road. I was stranded on the roadside unti... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

I have had several different warning lights come on. 1. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2. 4WD Overheated Temporarily Unavailable 3. Stop/Start Not Ready Engine Temperature Too Low Received several codes showing faulty equipment. C140B-4B Transfer Case Motor Overheating-Drawing Excessive A... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

Vehicle shutting down while driving (3 incidents) Diagnostic codes P0A3F21, P1CAD49, P0A3F1F, and P1C5D19 Multiple failed repair attempts Toyota's refusal to address safety defect

Incident date: Oct 24, 2025

When turning right or left during 90-degree turns or U-turns, a loud clicking noise is heard. Already had the front axle replaced during first maintenance and the problem came back within 2 months of normal driving.

Incident date: Oct 24, 2025

The front facing camera has stopped working. Anytime we turn the vehicle on we get multiple warning lights (lane assist, cruise control, bright lights, braking, etc) aren't working.

Incident date: Oct 24, 2025

The front facing camera has stopped working. Anytime we turn the vehicle on we get multiple warning lights (lane assist, cruise control, bright lights, braking, etc) aren't working.

Incident date: Jan 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had seized; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign exiting a parking lot, as the contact depressed the brake pedal to stop for a commercial truck stopped at the exit, the "collision warning" illuminated. The contact stated that th... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited - Mileage 8,855 - Owned for 6 months!!! - 11/22/2025 System failure with the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) & Active Braking (AB). Available for inspection upon request until vehicle buyback is complete. - At the point of failure the brakes locked up while travel... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved software/firmware failures that cause loss of essential vehicle functionality and repeated vehicle immobilization. Since purchase, the vehicle has been taken out of service multiple times for software-related repairs, including firmware updates and ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

They stated the second row is not safe in a high speed collision because they could eject. I’ve been using a rental for 3 months with no end insight. They stated they would have a timeline by 12/6 but that has yet to happen. My car is sitting at the dealership out in the elements for the unforesee... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2026

My Multi-Purpose Camera System has gone bad after only 5 years. Collision mitigation, cruise control, brake system, lane keep assist, among other safety features are failing because of this.

Showing 50 of 87 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2025 KIA K4

2025 KIA K4 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover Risk	9.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard & Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2025 KIA K4

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S1) (Front-Wheel Drive)	29.0	39.0	33.0	Regular	$1,850
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S1) (Front-Wheel Drive)	30.0	40.0	34.0	Regular	$1,800
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	26.0	36.0	29.0	Regular	$2,100

CO2 Emissions: 273.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

KIA K4 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA K4 across all model years (2025, 2026).

3 Total Recalls

103 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

3 Reported Crashes

0 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

KIA K4 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	16	View
2025 (current)	2	87

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2025 KIA K4

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2025 KIA K4

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2025 KIA K4

KIA K4 - All Years Overview

KIA K4 - Year by Year

Other KIA Models