VehicleVerdict

2025 Kia K5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2025 Kia K5 sits mid-pack among K5 years: 63 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 100, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (15), electrical system (9), and transmission (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

63

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other K5 years?

K5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted237 complaints2021: 237 complaints2022: 205 complaints2023: 138 complaints2024: 37 complaints2025: 63 complaints2026: 14 complaints
K5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Kia K5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1524%
Electrical System914%
Transmission610%
Visibility & Wipers58%
Lighting58%
Other58%
Engine46%
Body & Structure46%
Driver Assistance46%
Airbags35%
Suspension12%
Speed Control12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 2025 Kia K5 have recalls?

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

25V493000Body & StructureJuly 28, 2025 · 100,063 units

Defect

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.

25V351000LightingMay 27, 2025 · 82,281 units

Defect

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."

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Three of the four tires, rated for 30k miles, have failed. There are 11,400 miles on the tires. Back passenger tire blew out and went immediately and audibly flat. Dealer stated this is a known issue with this brand of tire on the Kia K5. 235/45 R18 94v M+S”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 9, 2025

“While driving, the entire control panel shuts down including all interior and exterior lights. It completely resets everything including Bluetooth. It has happened 5 or 6 times since I got the car in October 2024. I’ve reported this to Stones Kia in Idaho Falls, and they were unable to duplicate…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 25, 2024

“There is a hard shift after the car has been parked. Bought the car with 6 miles on it, now has 35,000. This issue is not new, we have had it into 2 different dealerships, and neither "were able to duplicate the issue". It is increasingly getting worse so it will be going back to the shop yet…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 14, 2026

“KIA has hasd a recall since July of 2025 and the part to fix the back window trim. The part was supposed to be ready to ne installed by Oct of 2025. It is Nov 5 2025 and the part is still unavailable. KIA is in no hurry or rush to get this recalled.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 5, 2025

“While I was driving, the panoramic sunroof suddenly shattered without any impact. I did not hear or see any object hit the glass. It made a very loud noise similar to a gunshot, and then the glass fractured across the middle section, broke upward, and collapsed into small pieces. There is no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 26, 2025

2025 Kia K5 — common questions

Is the 2025 Kia K5 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 63 NHTSA complaints, below the typical K5 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2025 K5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (15 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2025 Kia K5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2025 Kia K5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia K5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K5 years to avoid are 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among K5 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2025 Kia K5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 Kia K5 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.