Recalls, Specs & Safety Report
The 2025 KIA K4 exhibits a concerning reliability profile, primarily due to the recall and multiple complaints focused on the engine system. The low average failure mileage indicates that issues may arise early in the vehicle's lifecycle, necessitating caution for prospective owners.
The recall pertaining to the engine's critical fasteners raises significant concerns regarding the potential loss of drive power. Such a defect could compromise overall vehicle safety and functionality, making it essential for both current owners and prospective buyers to remain vigilant. Furthermore, multiple complaints underline ongoing issues related to engine performance, which send a clear signal about the reliability expectations for vehicles in this segment.
Year-over-year analysis of KIA's safety trends shows an uptick in issues associated with the engine system within newer models like the K4. This trend is less favorable when juxtaposed against industry standards, indicating potential long-term reliability risks that should not be overlooked.
Key specifications for the 2025 KIA K4
Breakdown of 16 consumer complaints by severity level.
With peak failure occurrences reported within the first 20,000 miles and an average failure at just 717 miles, current owners should be particularly attentive during this early phase of ownership. This suggests that any underlying problems may manifest quickly after purchase, making timely inspections critical.
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
Issue: Connecting rod bolts may be improperly tightened, leading to loss of drive power.
Schedule a service appointment immediately to verify engine bolt integrity.
Inquire about any corrective actions taken under recall before purchasing.
NHTSA Campaign Number: UnknownKia 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.
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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.
No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2025 K4.
Bought car in Nov 24. Noticed a popping sound as if a rock was hitting windshield. Nothing hit windshield. The popping sound was intermittent but went on for months. Finally in August 2025, I noticed a crack in upper side of drivers windshield. Next day crack got bigger. Called safelite to replace. Had to park car with cover over windshield since I couldn’t get an appointment right away. Had to rent a car. Windshield replaced. Popping continues, less frequently but it still pops. Took it to Burlington Kia and explained my issue. They could not replicate the popping sound.
The contact's daughter owns a 2025 Kia K4. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. Additionally, the contact stated that while his daughter was driving to the dealer, the speedometer displayed 70 MPH; however, the driver was pulled over by the Police and informed the driver that the vehicle was driving 90 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the body domain controller was replaced. The contact stated that while the owner was driving, a week later, the instrument panel and the infotainment system screen turned off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the owner was informed that the vehicle was test-driven every other day to determine the cause of the failure. The owner was provided with vehicle rental assistance. The contact stated that the dealer contacted the owner after 6 weeks and advised that the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the owner was able to verify through the Mobile App that the dealer had only driven the vehicle twice, and the vehicle failed to exceed 38 MPH while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted for buy-back assistance, but the request was denied. The contact stated that a local Kia sales advisor stated that a consumer who owned the same vehicle had experienced a similar failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.
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
Every time I drive my car randomly something sounds like a big pebble hits my windshield. My car is available for inspection upon request. My safety is put at risk cause it scares me(makes me jerk). This can cause me to accidently jerk my steering wheel and cause me to leave my lane & possible hit another vehicle. I have an appointment with the dealership repair center on Nov 9, 2025. I can get it inspected by possibly the police or my insurance agency. There are no warning lamps or messages prior to the sound of a rock hitting my windshield. This sound happens everytime I drive the car since I bought it.
KIA K4 WITH 500 MILES ON IT. EXPERIENCED POPPING NOISE FROM THE WINDSHIELD AS IF A STONE HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHEN CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION. SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE AC IS ON AND THE SUN IS HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE AT LEAST 8 SMALL CHIPS IN THE WINDSHIELD AS A RESULT. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN ANYWHERE THAT HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF ROCKS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. IT'S HAPPENED TWICE AT THE SAME EXACT RED LIGHT AT THE SAME TIME OF DAY. I DID REPORT TO KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ASSIGNED A CASE #25559045. THE INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE IT TO MY DEALER SERVICE DEPT SO THEY CAN SEE THE ISSUES AND HEAR THE NOISE.
While driving on the freeway in the left lane on a two-lane highway, the lane departure and steer ahead feature incorrectly adjusted steering and pulled vehicle into the right lane. Is incorrect adjustment due to lane departure has happened numerous times. Each time this occurred I was not using copilot features. The lane departure cannot be turned off.
I had a diagnostic appointment on 9/8/25 for my 2025 Kia K4 due to a popping noise on the windshield that happens when the weather is hot/sun on windshield. Once the diagnostic was complete, the recommendation from the dealer was to replace the windshield since it was not factory. The dealer did hear the noise during the diagnostic. I purchased the vehicle Jan 2025 and I start hearing the popping noise in June 2025 (factory windshield #1). In August 2025, the windshield was replaced by a company due to what I assumed was a rock hitting my windshield that cause a crack that grew rapidly (windshield #2). The noise continued. My diagnostic results recommended replacing the windshield again. The windshield was replaced again in Sep 2025 (windshield #3). The windshield is still making the same popping noise when out in the sun. From what I've read, this is an ongoing issue with the 2025 Kia K4 vehicles regarding a possible plastic dashboard trim contracting and expanding in the new K4 vehicles.
THIS SAME INCIDENT HAD HAPPENED 6 TIMES PRIOR TO MY BEING ABLE TO TAKE A PICTURE OF MY DASHBOARD. THE CRUISE CONTROL CHANGES ON ITS OWN TO 90 OR 110 MPH AND THE ACCELERATION BEGINS ON ITS OWN VERY AGGRESIVELY. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SPEED LIMIT AS YOU WILL SEE ON THE PICTURE, THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 AND I HAD ALREADY STEPPED ON MY BRAKE TO WHERE MY SPEED WAS THEN 59. I HAVE TAKEN IT FOR SERVICE AT ED MORSE KIA IN SIERRA VISTA, AZ AND THE PROBLEM COULDN'T BE DUPLICATED OR FIXED. I HAVE TOLD THE SALES MGR. AND SERVICE MGR. ABOUT THIS AND LEFT MESSAGES FOR CALL BACK AND HAVE NOT BEEN ACCOMODATED. I AM NOT SAFE IN THIS SITUATION. THEY ARE AWARE THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR OTHER KIA VEHICLES AND THERE IS A GOOGLE SEARCH THAT SHOWS THE SAME CONCERNS (WHICH I HAVE A PICTURE OF AS WELL). AN ADDITIONAL PROBLEM (NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE INITIAL SAFETY ISSUE, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT ON MY DASHBOARD HAS CHANGED TO 90 WHEN THE ACTUAL LIMIT IS 45 ETC. MY MAIN CONCERN OF COURSE IS THE SELF ACCELERATION.
Sluggish acceleration, after I got an oil change a few weeks ago. No warning lights whatsoever, I’m thinking it’s the transmission , taking awhile to speed up especially on highway
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. Yes we have a police report stating that the airbags didn't go off. I am sure budget had their people go look at the car. No warning lights present.
The most frequently reported issues involve concerns related to the engine system; specifically, there is a recall addressing potential misalignment or improper tightening of connecting rod bolts. This defect could lead to significant performance problems if not addressed promptly.
This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.