Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Some of the most common problems with the 2025 Kia K5 include transmission issues, tire problems, and electrical system problems.
Kia has also issued two recalls for this vehicle, one for detaching rear window trim pieces and one for flickering parking lights.
In this article, we discuss the problems consumers have reported experiencing with the 2025 Kia K5. We also discuss the ongoing recalls for this vehicle.
Top Three 2025 Kia K5 Problems
- Transmission Issues: Hard shifting, shifting jolts vehicle, car not shifting at all, total loss of motive power
- Tire Problems: Tire bubble developments, tire blow out
- Electrical System Problems: Warning lights not illuminating properly, exterior and interior lighting suddenly going on, car battery dying continuously
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2025 Kia K5 Transmission Issues
Transmission issues generally appear as problems with the vehicle’s driving power or problems with the gears, like hard shifting or jerkiness while shifting gears.
These types of issues are often easy for consumers to notice because they are loud or dramatically impact the driving experience; unfortunately, this is partially because transmission problems can have dangerous impacts on the driving experience.
Specifically for the 2025 Kia K5, consumers reported experiencing hard shifting, shifting jolting their vehicle, the car not shifting at all, and total losses in motive power.
If you are experiencing transmission problems with your vehicle, taking the vehicle in for inspection is the safest and smartest option available to you.
2025 Kia K5 Electrical System Problems
Electrical systems problems encompass a wide variety of issues that a vehicle can experience, from exterior lighting problems to internal malfunctions like software issues.
In the 2025 Kia K5, consumers mentioned experiencing their warning lights not working properly, exterior and interior lighting suddenly going on, and the car battery dying continuously.
It is also possible that other problems reported by consumers are actually electrical system problems, since they can be so far reaching and impact so many aspects of a vehicle.
Electrical system problems can be dangerous since they often impair the driver’s access to important information, like warning lights not illuminating or other dashboard signals being absent
2025 Kia K5 Flickering Parking Lights Recall
Kia has issued a recall related to the electrical system in the 2025 K5 concerning flickering parking lights.
This is caused by a software error that results in flickering lights, which does not comply with federal rules regarding vehicle lighting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall Campaign Number for this recall, which was issued in May 2025, is 25V351000. Kia will fix this problem by updating the software controlling these lights.
2025 Kia K5 Rear Window Trim Detaching Recall
Beyond the flickering lights recall, Kia has also issued a recall for a structural problem concerning the rear window trim.
This trim can detach and create a physical hazard on the road for other drivers, which can be dangerous.
The recall was issued in July 2025, and Kia will remedy this problem by replacing the C-pillar assemblies. The NHTSA Recall Campaign Number is 25V493000.
What K5 Owners Note
“Tire pressure light did not illuminate. Tire was apparently low, and tire blew out at stop. Inside sidewall of tire had large gash once tire was removed and spare installed.”
“I had plenty of time to pull onto a perpendicular street. While accelerating the car would not shift to next gear. It hit about 4.2 rpm and still did not shift. I was almost hit!!!! After pulIing over to safety, I ensured it was not in manual mode. Started driving again and It wouldn’t go more than like 20 mph. I pulled over a second time and shut it off. Started it up again and it worked fine. 603 miles on this car. Kia is not interested in quality it seems.”
“Car bought at Kia dealership as well as serviced at a Kia dealership. And needed tires an alignment before it hit 30,000 miles or even a year old. Same dealership took car back due to noise on front end when deaccelerating. Dealership wants to do a diagnostic for $125 to find the problem and bumper to bumper warranty does not cover the issues do not recommend this car to anyone.”
The Path to Lemon Law Compensation
When a consumer buys or leases a new vehicle, they expect it to function properly and safely. Unfortunately, some cars come with defects that remain unresolved even after several repair attempts.
This is where lemon laws come into play, offering protection to drivers who find themselves stuck with a defective vehicle.
The process usually begins once a recurring issue becomes apparent, such as engine stalling, transmission failures, or electrical malfunctions, that significantly affects the vehicle’s safety, use, or overall value.
At that point, the owner must bring the car back to the authorized dealership or service center and give the manufacturer a fair opportunity to correct the problem.
Each state defines what qualifies as a “reasonable number” of repair attempts, but generally, if the issue continues after multiple visits or if the car spends an excessive number of days in the shop, it may meet the legal criteria of a lemon.
To move forward, the consumer typically needs to provide official notice to the manufacturer. This usually involves sending a written demand letter that explains the defect, details the repair history, and references the ongoing failures.
Keeping thorough documentation is crucial during this stage. Service invoices, work orders, and any correspondence with the dealership become vital evidence to prove that the defect exists and has not been fixed despite repeated attempts.
Without clear records, it can be difficult to show that the vehicle qualifies for lemon law protections.
Once the manufacturer has been notified, they may choose to negotiate directly, sometimes offering a replacement vehicle, a buyback of the defective car, or cash compensation.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the consumer has the option of pursuing arbitration or filing a lawsuit under the state’s lemon law.
Arbitration can provide a faster resolution, but it may not always yield the best result for the vehicle owner since the process is often managed by the manufacturer.
Filing a lawsuit can take longer, but it gives the consumer access to the courts and allows them to fight the manufacturer on a potentially more level playing field.
As the prevailing party, the auto manufacturer is typically responsible to pay for the consumer’s attorneys fees and costs which makes pursuing a lemon law claim the right and easy financial decision.
Resolve Your Vehicle Issues with Expert Help
If your car has been in and out of the shop for the same problem and the dealer still can’t get it right, you may not have to live with the frustration any longer.
Lemon laws were written to protect you, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case can be. Let us, the Lemon Law Experts, help you bring your case and get compensation for your lemon vehicle.
Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a form on our website. We hope to help you get back on the road soon!
