Over 100,000 Kia K5 Models Recalled Over Potential Window Trim Detachment
On July 29, 2025, Kia dealers were notified of a recall for Kia K5 models, specifically those manufactured between 2023 and 2025.
Though vehicle owner notifications are not set to go out until September of this year, there is already plenty of information current Kia owners can access to learn more about the recall.
According to the recall letter, 5%, or about 5,000, of the 100,063 recalled Kia K5 vehicles actually contain the defect. For more information about this developing Kia recall, continue reading below!
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What’s Causing the Window Trim to Detach on Kia K5s
According to the recall letter Kia received, there was a problem with the adhesive that connects the garnish face plate and the base of the vehicle’s molding.
This meant the window trim could detach while driving because the glue is not strong enough to hold the plate together.
Over time, especially in high wind environments, there is a risk that the face plate will detach along with the window trim.
Safety Implications of Detaching Window Trim
The clearest safety implication of a vehicle losing a part while on the road is that the part could hit another vehicle and cause them to crash, or the part could impact the vehicle it detaches from and cause them serious safety hazards.
For example, the detached part could get underneath the vehicle and cause damage to the undercarriage of the vehicle, where many important systems operate.
Specifically for window trim, the detached trim can be distracting if it is freely moving near the window.
Since drivers and other vehicle occupants use the windows to stay away from other vehicles on the road and safely operate the vehicle, this distraction could quickly become dangerous.
What is Kia’s Repair Plan?
Kia plans to outfit impacted vehicles with a new C pillar garnish assembly that not only has a better adhesive, but is also mechanically attached to the underlying vehicle base.
This means that the window trim is not just glued to the car, but actually attached to it in some structural way.
Ideally, this will result in a stronger part that is not susceptible to detaching or coming loose. Vehicle owners will receive mail that details their individual next steps in the repair plan; the letter to Kia indicates that owners who have already spent money on repairs for this issue will be reimbursed as part of the recall.
What Affected Kia K5 Owners Should Do Next
The best thing affected Kia K5 owners can do right now is wait for Kia to send them their recall notice letter, which should happen around September 2025.
If an owner is already being impacted by the defect and has noticed their window trim detaching, they should take steps to remedy the issue with an authorized dealer or avoid driving the vehicle in the meantime if the defect appears unsafe or dangerous.
Because the detached window trim can lead to the more severe issue of the faceplate falling off, addressing any issues as soon as they come up is likely the best and safest option for a consumer to take.
What to Do If the Trim Issue Persists After Repair
Even if this trim issue persists after Kia has attempted to repair it, there is a way for consumers to get help.
The lemon law process is designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that turn out to be defective and that have been subject to repeat warranty repairs for the same or similar issue.
If a car experiences recurring issues that substantially impair its use, safety, or value—and the manufacturer or authorized dealer is unable to resolve those issues after a reasonable number of repair attempts—the consumer may have grounds to pursue a lemon law claim.
The first step in the process typically involves documenting the vehicle’s problems thoroughly, including service visits, repair orders, and dates when the car was out of service.
This documentation forms the basis of any future claim and helps establish a pattern of failed repairs.
Once a defect is properly recorded and persists despite repair efforts, the consumer can formally notify the manufacturer of the ongoing issue.
Some states require that this notice be given before legal action can proceed. The manufacturer may offer additional repairs, a replacement vehicle, or a repurchase, depending on the situation.
However, offers aren’t always fair or adequate, which is why many consumers choose to work with a lemon law attorney.
An experienced attorney can help evaluate whether the defect qualifies under the law and push for full compensation, including a refund of the purchase price, registration fees, towing expenses, and in some cases, attorney’s fees and costs.
Legal proceedings may be avoided if a settlement is reached, but if the manufacturer refuses to resolve the matter satisfactorily, the case can proceed to arbitration or court.
Each step in the process requires careful attention to deadlines and legal requirements specific to the state where the vehicle was purchased or leased.
While lemon law cases can be stressful, they are meant to hold manufacturers accountable and ensure consumers are not stuck with defective products.
With proper legal guidance and strong documentation, vehicle owners have a real opportunity to recover what they’re owed and move forward with a reliable vehicle.
Seek Legal Help for Your Kia K5!
If you’re dealing with a vehicle that just won’t stay fixed, you don’t have to face the situation alone. The Lemon Law Experts are here to help.
Our team of experienced attorneys understands the ins and outs of lemon law and has successfully represented thousands of consumers just like you.
We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and fight to get you the compensation you deserve—whether that means a full refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
Contact the Lemon Law Experts today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting rid of your lemon.
Citations
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Part 573 Safety Recall Report, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V493-1196.pdf. Accessed August 4, 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia North America Letter of Acknowledgement, U.S. Department of Transportation. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCAK-25V493-9845.pdf. Accessed August 4, 2025.
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