VehicleVerdict

2025 Kia K4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 75 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median K4 year — the 2025 model ranks #1 of 2 K4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

75

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other K4 years?

K4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted75 complaints2025: 75 complaints2026: 11 complaints
K4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Kia K4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance2027%
Electrical System1013%
Other912%
Transmission79%
Engine79%
Airbags57%
Speed Control45%
Steering45%
Fuel System23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Brakes23%
Suspension11%
Seats11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2025 Kia K4 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V046000Electrical SystemJanuary 26, 2026 · 42,677 units

Defect

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 such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

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 Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

25V548000EngineAugust 25, 2025 · 30 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The airbags failed to go off. I think the vehicle is still available it was towed to Carroll's in Winslow Maine. By the airbags not going off it made the risk of injury much greater. Also lost control of the steering all together. Tried to swerve to miss an animal and the steering assist took over.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 1, 2025 · crash

“Blind spot and front collision features inactive. Seat belt didn't unlock after crash. Airbags deployed no passenger didn't work on driver airbag b1652 dtc codes on recall for another vehicle ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 7, 2025 · crash

““The engine undercover (belly pan) detached and is dragging/scraping on the ground on a 2025 Kia K4 with approximately one year of normal use. The radiator support is also affected. Dealer (Selma Kia, Selma CA) denied warranty coverage and stated damage was caused by driver hitting a speed bump.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 26, 2026

“Transmission failure 4 times since purchasing it new in December 2024 I was almost killed multiple times on the highway because car won’t accelerate. Car is jumping when driving and choking Air conditioning shuts off while driving Car gets stuck in park and nothing will work”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 24, 2025

“As I entered onto i4 reaching the speed of 60 miles an hour my vehicle began to make a high pitched whining noise that got louder as I pressed on the gas pedal, noise dissipated when I let off the gas pedal. Vehicle began to slow down on its own , even when applying pressure to the gas pedal, I had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 5, 2026

2025 Kia K4 — common questions

Is the 2025 Kia K4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 75 complaints put the 2025 model at #1 of 2 K4 years. It is one of the K4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2025 K4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (20 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), other (9 complaints).

Does the 2025 Kia K4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2025 Kia K4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia K4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K4 years to avoid are 2025.

How safe is the 2025 Kia K4?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 Kia K4 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.