Car Record Book

2025 Kia K5 recalls & problems

The 2025 Kia K5 has 2 safety recalls and 54 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is tires (15 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints54filed by owners
Crashes · fires4 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths6 · 0reported in complaints
2025 Kia K5 in an NHTSA crash test
2025 Kia K5 in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Structure › Exterior trim

NHTSA recall 25V493000 · Jul 28, 2025 · 100,063 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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

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

Fix: 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.

Components: Structure › Exterior trim; Structure › Body › Roof and pillars

Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software

NHTSA recall 25V351000 · May 27, 2025 · 82,281 vehicles

Problem: 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 Devices, and Associated Equipment."

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

Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2025 Kia K5 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2025 Kia K5 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2025 Kia K5 4 DR AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.7%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2025 Kia K5 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.7%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

K5

30mpg combined
City / highway26 / 37 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

K5

29mpg combined
City / highway25 / 36 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

K5 AWD

27mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

K5

27mpg combined
City / highway23 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM-S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Tires
Sidewall; Tread/belt
15000—
Electrical system
12000—
Power train
6002—
Unknown or other
6000—
Exterior lighting
6000—
Wheels
5000—
Structure
Body
5201—
Forward collision avoidance
Warnings; Adaptive cruise control
5000—
Visibility/wiper
4000—
Air bags
3201—
Engine
3103—
Vehicle speed control
2000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.