RoadVitals

2025 Kia K4

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
+4 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jan 26, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
8 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 44 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2025 Kia K4, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 19 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
26V046000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Jan 26, 2026
42,677 units potentially affected
The 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."
The risk: 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.
The 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.
Kia America, Inc.Manufacturer number SC361View on NHTSA.gov
25V548000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Aug 25, 2025
30 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Kia America, Inc.Manufacturer number SC349View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 44
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Jul 29, 2026
Crash reported2 injuries reported

I am submitting this complaint regarding a suspected safety defect involving a 2025 Kia K4. On XXX, the vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle crash in the Town of [XXX]. According to the driver, the vehicle unexpectedly steered off the roadway when the Lane Keeping Assist/Lane Centering steering system appeared to intervene. The driver attempted to maintain control but was unable to keep the vehicle on the roadway. The vehicle entered a ditch and struck a utility pole, causing significant damage to the passenger side. The front and rear passenger-side airbags deployed. The front passenger window shattered, sending broken glass onto the front and rear passengers. My daughter was seated in the front passenger seat, and my [XXX] granddaughter was properly restrained in a rear child safety seat. Both sustained injuries and required medical evaluation following the crash. After the collision, I began researching similar incidents and found other owners reporting concerns involving the steering assistance and lane-keeping systems. While I cannot determine the exact cause of this crash, I believe the possibility of an unintended Lane Keeping Assist or steering system intervention should be investigated because it may present a safety risk to other motorists. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this incident, along with any similar complaints involving the 2025 Kia K4, to determine whether a defect exists in the vehicle's steering assistance, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, or other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Supporting documentation can be provided if requested. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11753551
Incident
Jul 5, 2026
Airbags
Filed Jul 27, 2026

Air bag did not deploy, yes High Risk Yes Yes No Hit a street sign. Went through radiator, bent frame in front on passenger side, busted windshield, punctured roof. Car is totaled

NHTSA ID
11753002
Incident
Jul 19, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jul 18, 2026

The primary Dashboard of the vehicle stopped working (while driving the car) and i lost access to all important information such as speed, RPM, current cruise setting, milage, visual alerts for any driver assistance warnings. The entire screen went black and showed “NO SIGNAL” in red text in the middle. It later came back after a few minutes. This issue has occurred 5 times so far and 4 of them being while driving the car within 1 week. The dealer is confirmed this is an issue and recommended an entire dashboard replacement for the vehicle. This is very unsafe because i cannot determine my speed or any other important warnings the vehicle may give me during my drive. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to the first failure.

NHTSA ID
11751322
Incident
Jul 13, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jul 16, 2026

I'm not sure what's going on. It's telling me to start stop the car when it's running and then it will turn off and go into accessory mode even when I'm driving that's dangerous. I took it to Kia a month ago for the same thing but they said they couldn't find anything, but it has to be something if I'm not the only one saying this is happening to their car. my car doesn't even have 8000 miles on my car.

NHTSA ID
11750872
Incident
Jul 16, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Kia K4. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart but would immediately stall again, requiring the driver to wait approximately 10 minutes before the vehicle could be successfully restarted and driven. The vehicle was towed on one occasion and taken to the same dealer twice, but the dealer was unable to replicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,085.

NHTSA ID
11748745
Incident
Dec 2, 2025
Mileage
69,085 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 4, 2026

The car completely cut off while driving on the highway going 65 mph. This isn’t the first time it has turned off while driving. I had to pull over and put the car in park before it would turn back on. The error says Accessory Mode. I have taken the vehicle to Kia Dealership in Winston Salem but they told me they are unable to recreate the issue so they are unable to assist with the problem. The car turning off while driving has happened at least 20 times. I have repeatedly called Kia and they are unwilling to diagnose an issue with the vehicle unless it happens while they have it. I am putting myself and others at danger driving this vehicle. I contacted Hertz Auto sales where I purchased it and they directed me to contact Kia since I have a warranty. I plan on taking the car again but I can only hope the issue happens while they have it because this vehicle is VERY dangerous to be on the road and I have no other option than to be at the dealerships mercy.

NHTSA ID
11748312
Incident
Jul 4, 2026
Filed Jul 3, 2026

This car is a rental to [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11748151
Incident
Jun 17, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 27, 2026

Transmission slippage, rpms rev higher then mph, hesitates at red lights and stop signs

NHTSA ID
11746968
Incident
Jun 26, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_ELE414_R1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BODY DOMAIN CONTROLLER (BDC) REPLACEMENT (CA2515 Revision 1) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the Body Domain Control unit ‘BDC’ on certain 2025MY and 2026MY K4 (CL4) vehicles manufactured from May 1, 2025, through February 9, 2026. Due to a communication issue between the key fob and the BDC, the affected vehicles may exhibit a NO START condition when the ignition 'START' button is pressed; however, all other key fob functions such as the Lock/Unlock, Trunk Release, Alarm, and Remote Start continue to operate normally.

TSB_ELE422

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for supported vehicles (2021-2026MY All Models).

TSB_ELE414

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BODY DOMAIN CONTROLLER (BDC) REPLACEMENT (CA2515) - This bulletin provides information regarding the Body Domain Control unit (“BDC”) on certain 2025MY and 2026MY K4 (CL4) vehicles manufactured from May 1, 2025, through Feb 9, 2026. Due to a communication issue between the key fob and the BDC, the affected vehicles may exhibit a NO START condition when the ignition 'START' button is pressed; however, all other key fob functions such as the Lock/Unlock, Trunk Release, Alarm, and Remote Start continue to operate normally.

TSB_ELE417

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.

TSB_ELE413

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DCU COMMUNICATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) system software on some 2025–2026MY vehicles listed in the table below. Kia has identified that Connected Car Services (CCS) functionality may intermittently fail due to temporary DCU communication issues. This condition can impact convenience and connectivity features by causing the Remote Start and Remote Climate functions to become inoperative, prevent vehicle status updates in the Kia Access app, and interrupt connected navigation routing services.

PS797

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating distance based on the difference in signal transmission and reception times between the vehicle (ultrasonic sensor) and an object. The membrane film of the ultrasonic sensor is used for object detention and can be damaged by stone chips or foreign substances while driving. Damage to the cover of the ultrasonic sensor can also lead to damage to the internal circuit. As a result of this external damage, the PDW system may not receive the proper signal from the ultrasonic sensor. In some cases, the system may cause a false alarm, no alert, or phantom warnings by a “Warning Lamp’ to be displayed on the cluster. The ultrasonic sensor membrane film should be always inspected for external damage and if any part replacement should be treated as a general repair, not as a warranty claim repair for this concern. (Please note that this Pitstop only applies to models/trims that are equipped with the ultrasonic sensors.)

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Kia K4 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026710—
2025Viewing442065.8

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.