2025 KIA K5

2 recalls, 73 complaints - 5/5 safety rating

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Defect Description

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

Consequence

Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

100,063 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K5 vehicles. A software error in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) may cause the parking lights to flicker. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devi... Read more

Consequence

Parking lights that fail to illuminate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The PDC software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC341.

82,281 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

73 total complaints 2 crashes 2 fires 1 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	13
POWER TRAIN	11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6
SERVICE BRAKES	3
TIRES	3
TIRES:TREAD/BELT	3
AIR BAGS	3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS	2

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

I am filing this on behalf of a relative. He was driving his Kia k5 home and he heard a sudden POP. He got it to the side of the road and saw his tread was delaminated and a flap was made on the sidewall. The tires were the factory installed ones with a long life left

Incident date: Sep 3, 2026

At approximately 20,000 miles, an original-equipment Pirelli P Zero All Season 235/45R18 94V tire on my 2025 Kia K5 GT-Line suffered a sudden apparent tread/outer-shoulder separation while traveling at highway speed. The tire had been maintaining normal pressure and remained inflated, but a large po... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Vehicle: 2015 Hyundai Sonata VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~85,000 Description of the Problem: While driving, the vehicle suddenly began producing thick smoke from under the hood without warning. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder to avoid an accident. The engine subsequently seized completely and became ino... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

My transmission is surging at low speeds all the way from takeoff to about 60mph. No engine or transmission codes.

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

Vehicle is an active fire hazard subject to the high-voltage battery recall (NHTSA 24V-718). The manufacturer's safety instructions require me to stop charging the vehicle and park it away from homes and structures. Because I am currently leasing this vehicle from Chrysler Capital and have no altern... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

Incident date: Jul 17, 2002

While driving on a two-lane 40 MPH road in the left lane the vehicle suddenly lost power, stopped in traffic, and displayed a transmission warning message. Multiple warning lights were "on" and the car would not restart. Additionally, the vehicle would not come out of "Park." Occupants needed to a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

Oil consumption

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

While traveling with my fifth-wheel camper attached, my 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty (6.7L Power Stroke) suddenly developed a complete no-crank condition. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed multiple electrical warnings, including U0100 (Lost Communication with PCM), High Engine Temperature, A... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

While driving, regardless of whether at neighborhood or highway speeds, my Jeep Wrangler 4xe suddenly loses drive power without warning. Electric propulsion drops in stages — to about 50%, then 25% — then the dash displays "Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable" and the vehicle forces itself int... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

The malfunction was both rear drains from the sunroof were clogged and possibly kinked. The dealership might still have the components but did not give us access to them. The clog caused the water to enter the vehicle and accumulate. In addition to wet carpeting, an electrical component shorted and ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2026

When in reverse, the infotainment system allows a user to swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification window which overlays the backup camera, and upon closing the notification window, the backup camera is dismissed and is no longer visible.

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

On Saturday May 30th my vehicle did a safety shut down and told me to pull over, it appeared to be overheating. Checked my coolant and my reserve tank was empty. I took it to my Ford dealer, their diagnosis was that my engine block was defective/porice and leaking coolant. They stated this is a know... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2026

Vehicle was parked and turned off in a residential driveway when a fire spontaneously ignited in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights, unusual sounds, or symptoms prior to the incident. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire using dry chemical suppressant and water.... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 20, 2025

I was driving yesterday when my car began to shake at low RPMs. The traction control light came on steadily and the check engine light was blinking. I was unable to safely accelerate. I took it to my mechanic who tested spark plugs and coils, which he confirmed aren't the problem. He informed me tha... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2025

Since taking delivery of this vehicle in June 2024 from Kenny Ross Mazda, I have experienced a persistent and unresolved error message on the vehicle’s display screen relating to “Multiple ECUs Reprogramming.” This error message first appeared within the first twelve (12) months of ownership a... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2025

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

We were driving down the interstate at speed and the Engine shut off unexpectedly. The truck flashed a notification on the dash asking to turn it back on. Pressing the on button would not turn the truck on. The tow truck company also couldn't get it to shift into neutral so he had to drag it up the ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

Engine seized while driving. vehicle was inoperable.

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

1. Driver side seat belt is not retracting as it should. 2. Causing a slower exit when getting out of the vehicle. 3. A compliant has been made to Glassman Southfield MI. Mitsubishi service department not only for the driver side seat belt but the passenger seat belt as well. 4. Just by Glassm... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

I brought my car into Dyer Kia on March 16, 2025 to replace my rear passenger side tire that had a bubble in it.They finally agreed to replace the tire and after being there for 4 1/2 hours they sent me on my way and I was within 5 miles of home and I did hit a small hole in the road and the tire im... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

The driver's seat bracket broke causing the seat to sag to the right and for the back of the seat to rise up. Pictures were taken and are attached. Available for inspection until fixed. The view is from the front. My finger points to the failed weld. In an accident, the seat might break off causin... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2026

Mazda did the "increase in steering effort" recall 03/18/2024. At 10,455 miles. Campaign 6524A. At that time, we had never experienced problems with the steering. But now, with 33, 627 miles, the steering has a sort of kickback feel when in a sustained turn; either direction. It's most noticeable o... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2025

Every 7 minutes of driving electrical failure , happens, which results in Check driver assistance system warning. Once vehicle is turned off, driving 7 minutes error pops again. Due to this all systems : Adaptive Cruise Control , Automatic Emergency Braking , Blind Spot Warning , Forward Collision W... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2025

Incident date: Dec 25, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Dec 25, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

Our vehicle passed their inspection required test for the engine recall and then at an intersection just died with absolutely no warning and wouldn’t even start again. Warning light for low engine oil came on. We were stuck and couldn’t even put the vehicle in neutral to be towed out of the inte... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2026

My vehicle was parked in my driveway. I left my property in another vehicle and upon returning, my rear windshield was shattered. If this had happened while operating the vehicle, there would have been a high risk of injury to myself, other occupants, or other vehicles on the road. This has not yet ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 21, 2026

"Vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with the 6.2L L87 engine bearing failure investigation (NHTSA Probe January 2026). Despite two repair attempts, the dealer claims 'operating as designed.' I have experienced persistent engine stumble,hesitation, erratic tachometer needle flutter and signi... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2024

The seal on the sunroof of the car allows water into the car. My car will be available for inspection upon request. This issue allows water into the car around the b pillar airbag and the side window airbag which can damage the airbag and make it deploy without any accidents or make them not deploy ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2024

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

The 9 speed transmission suddenly lost power while accelerating onto an interstate from an on ramp. It is available for inspection at the auto shop as it is not driveable and had to be towed. The vehicle did not give any indication in the moment. My safety and the safety of other drivers were at ris... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

I purchased my Jeep in 8/2024. Since purchasing this Jeep it has had an intermittent burning smell. I was told by the dealership I got it at that it’s normal for burning smells on new cars. Well 13,700 miles later it’s still doing it and a couple of times I have seen smoke coming from the hood a... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

Whine noise when you accelerate coming from the automatic transmission. Car is hesitant in shifting gears when needing to accelerate causing safety issues/concerns while driving due to the inconsistency. Toyota dealer as inspected the vehicle and recommended a transmission replacement. Dealer has fi... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2025

Check engine light is on and off for the past month. The day before I took it to the dealer the light went off. I went into my vehicle appointment, and the check engine light was off and there were old codes for the fuel temperature. He reset the codes, and the engine light went off. I drove off and... Read more

Incident date: Nov 26, 2025

Multiple times when driving, at interstate speeds and highway speeds I have a full loss of power, requiring me to pull to the side of the road and power off the car and power it back on. Turtle mode gets activated not allowing me to go more than 5mph. Not safe at all especially when children are in ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 26, 2025

Incident date: Dec 12, 2025

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of electrical voltage. Multiple warning messages appeared, and several vehicle systems disabled while the vehicle was in motion. Power and safety features malfunctioned, and the parking brake engaged unexpectedly. The vehicle became unsafe to ope... Read more

Incident date: Nov 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the contact's concerns; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2025

The contact owned a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that, upon pulling into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, only coming to a complete stop after partially driving through a storefront. The contact also stated that... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Oct 20, 2025

While driving on a dry, clearly marked two-lane highway in Montana, I had Lane Tracing Assist and Active Lane Keep/Track Assist turned on. My hands were on the steering wheel, speed was within the limit, and visibility was clear. The truck unexpectedly steered itself out of the lane toward the right... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Oct 20, 2025

Passenger side sun visor will not stay in place. Cannot lock it in up position, which means it droops. Causing sight of vision impairment.

Incident date: Oct 6, 2025

These tires are good year wrangler trail runner at size lt275/65 r20. My total mileage on these tires was 40970These were the original tires that were installed when the truck was purchased new. My tires are rotated every 5000 miles. Tire pressure is maintained at the exact pressure. I was driving o... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

Recall N252503010 / 25V433 – 2024 Chevy Blazer EV. Dealer cleared my VIN after only a visual “inspection” and later applied software updates. The official remedy requires rerouting/taping or replacing the brake harness, not software. My VIN was falsely marked “recall complete” while the s... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2025

on July 19, 2025 my 10-year old daughter entered the back seat and shut the door. When I (her mother) went to get into the drivers door the electricity in the car completely shut down locking my daughter in the vehicle. There were no visible icons or labels showing where the emergency/manual latch... Read more

Incident date: Sep 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a scanner determined that there was a failure with the crankshaft. The con... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2025

The backup camera screen shows a blue screen when the gear is placed in reverse. It is difficult to see pedestrians, or other objects not viewable on the rearview mirror. This has occurred on numerous occasions. I contacted the manufacturer and the manufacturer told me to contact the dealership. I c... Read more

Showing 50 of 73 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2025 KIA K5

2025 Kia K5 4 DR AWD

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	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.7%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
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 K5

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	36.0	29.0	Regular	$2,100
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	26.0	37.0	30.0	Regular	$2,050
2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S8) (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	33.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300

CO2 Emissions: 310.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

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

KIA K5 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA K5 across all model years (2021, 2026).

20 Total Recalls

766 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

42 Reported Crashes

19 Reported Fires

0 Reported Deaths

KIA K5 - Year by Year

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

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	18	View
2025 (current)	2	73
2024	2	43	View
2023	4	154	View
2022	5	223	View
2021	6	255	View

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 K5

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2025 KIA K5

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2025 KIA K5

KIA K5 - All Years Overview

KIA K5 - Year by Year

Other KIA Models