The vehicle dossier US · 2025
2025 Kia
K5Problems & recalls
51 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 32 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 51 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 3 years with reports.
4,358 miles is the median among 5 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 2,500–7,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
2 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIMCampaign 25V493000
Reported concern
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC346
Read campaign 25V493000 at NHTSAEXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARECampaign 25V351000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC341
Read campaign 25V351000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
27 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
OTA_ELE413_NOTES_R2RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413 Revision 2) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 - 2026MY Carnival, EV…NHTSA ID 11033980
RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413 Revision 2) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 - 2026MY Carnival, EV9, K5 and Sorento vehicles. This update is designed to improve the vehicle’s network communication performance.
Campaign / software reference: ELE413
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11033980 at NHTSATSB_ELE419TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BATTERY WIRING HARNESS COVERING INSPECTION / REPLACEMENT (SA645) - This bulletin provides information for inspecting the 12V battery wiring harness on certain 2025-2026 MY K5 (DL3) ve…NHTSA ID 11033992
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BATTERY WIRING HARNESS COVERING INSPECTION / REPLACEMENT (SA645) - This bulletin provides information for inspecting the 12V battery wiring harness on certain 2025-2026 MY K5 (DL3) vehicles equipped with the Theta III 2.5L GDI engine, produced from February 20, 2024, through March 13, 2026. The subject vehicles may exhibit an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) along with a low engine oil warning light and/or battery warning light displayed on the instrument cluster, caused by abrasion of the wiring harness over time. One or more of the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) listed on page 2 may be stored.
Campaign / software reference: SA645
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11033992 at NHTSATSB_ELE422TECHNICAL 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 Nav…NHTSA ID 11033217
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).
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11033217 at NHTSAOTA_ELE413_NOTES_R1RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413 Revision 1) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 - 2026MY Carnival, 20…NHTSA ID 11031940
RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413 Revision 1) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 - 2026MY Carnival, 2025 - 2026MY K5 and 2025 - 2026MY Sorento vehicles. This update is designed to improve the vehicle’s network communication performance.
Campaign / software reference: ELE413
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11031940 at NHTSASC363_TSBTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OIL LEVEL PLUG (OLP) INSPECTION, AND OLP GASKET AND/OR ATF FILLER BOLT REPLACEMENT OR A/T REPLACEMENT (SC363) - This bulletin provides information to inspect the oil level…NHTSA ID 11031890
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OIL LEVEL PLUG (OLP) INSPECTION, AND OLP GASKET AND/OR ATF FILLER BOLT REPLACEMENT OR A/T REPLACEMENT (SC363) - This bulletin provides information to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs of leakage and, if necessary, replace the oil level plug gasket and/or ATF filler bolt, or the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) assembly on certain 2025-2026 Kia model vehicles listed in the table below. Also, dealers are to ensure the oil level plug is tightened to Kia’s factory specifications upon the completion of the inspection and necessary repair. The oil level plug in the subject vehicles may not have been installed properly during assembly. The oil level plug may be loose or detached from the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) which may result in leaking automatic transmission fluid (ATF). A transaxle which is operated with excessively low ATF may become damaged over time.
Campaign / software reference: SC363
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11031890 at NHTSASC363_OWNR_DL3VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC363) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2025-2026 MY K5 vehicles to inspect the oil level plug and…NHTSA ID 11031876
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC363) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2025-2026 MY K5 vehicles to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs of leakage and, if necessary, replace the oil level plug gasket and ATF filler bolt and ensure the oil level plug is tightened to Kia’s factory specifications. If necessary, the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) may require replacement based on the inspection results.
Campaign / software reference: SC363
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11031876 at NHTSASC363_DPSMVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC363) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect the …NHTSA ID 11031856
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC363) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs of leakage and, if necessary, replace the oil level plug gasket and ATF filler bolt and ensure the oil level plug is tightened to Kia’s factory specifications. Depending on the results of the inspection, the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) may require replacement in 12 units of 2025-2026 MY K5 vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2025 through October 1, 2025, 5 units of 2026 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from June 11, 2025 through August 19, 2025, and 184 units of 2025-2026 MY Carnival vehicles manufactured from February 20, 2025 through September 17, 2025.
Campaign / software reference: SC363
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11031856 at NHTSASC363_DPVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC363) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect the oil level plug and automatic tra…NHTSA ID 11031855
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC363) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs of leakage and, if necessary, replace the oil level plug gasket and ATF filler bolt and ensure the oil level plug is tightened to Kia’s factory specifications. Depending on the results of the inspection, the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) may require replacement in 12 units of 2025-2026 MY K5 vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2025 through October 1, 2025, 5 units of 2026 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from June 11, 2025 through August 19, 2025, and 184 units of 2025-2026 MY Carnival vehicles manufactured from February 20, 2025 through September 17, 2025.
Campaign / software reference: SC363
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11031855 at NHTSATSB_ELE417TECHNICAL 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.…NHTSA ID 11031906
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.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11031906 at NHTSASC363_QAVOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC363) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC363.NHTSA ID 11031889
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC363) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC363.
Campaign / software reference: SC363
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11031889 at NHTSATSB_ENG264TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER ACTION: ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P2B59F0 (CA2516) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software on certain 2024–2025MY vehicles equipped with 2.…NHTSA ID 11030379
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER ACTION: ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR DTC P2B59F0 (CA2516) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software on certain 2024–2025MY vehicles equipped with 2.5 GDI or 2.5 T-GDI Theta III engines listed in the table below. Affected vehicles may experience an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) accompanied with DTC P2B59F0 which can set while driving. There are no drivability issues related to this DTC.
Campaign / software reference: CA2516
Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11030379 at NHTSAOTA_ELE413RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 K5 and 2025 Sorento vehicles. Thi…NHTSA ID 11030341
RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SOFWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY (ELE413) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2025 K5 and 2025 Sorento vehicles. This update is designed to improve the vehicle’s network communication performance. Additional information: This OTA will be rolled-out to all eligible K5 and Sorento vehicles with an active Kia Connect account.
Campaign / software reference: ELE413
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11030341 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Your next step
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Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.