2025 Kia K5
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 19 of 51 complaints (37%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Engine include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 29 in 2024 to 51 in 2025.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | vs. 2025 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,000–2,300 | 2,000–2,300 | 2,100–2,300 | 2,100–2,300 | 2,100–2,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 27–31 | 27–31 | 27–30 | 27–30 | 27–30 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 24–27 / 32–37 | 24–27 / 32–37 | 23–26 / 33–37 | 23–26 / 33–37 | 23–26 / 33–37 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 293–332 | 293–332 | 298–331 | 298–331 | 296–333 | |
| Complaints filed | 106 | 29 | 51 | 11 | 0 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 17 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia K5 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2025 Kia K5?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 19 of 51 NHTSA complaints (37%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Kia K5 get?
EPA rates it 27–30 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2025 Kia K5?
EPA estimates $2,100–$2,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 24 mpg | 33 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | $2,300 (high) | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 25 mpg | 36 mpg | 29 mpg | $2,150 | 310 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 26 mpg (high) | 37 mpg (high) | 30 mpg (high) | $2,100 (low) | 298 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (AM-S8) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 23 mpg (low) | 33 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | $2,300 (high) | 331 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS; STRUCTURE:EXTERIOR TRIM · Campaign 25V493000 · Jul 29, 2025
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · Campaign 25V351000 · May 28, 2025
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.
