NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Kia K4 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Kia K4 scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 37 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Kia K4 achieved a "Strong" rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 83 out of 100. This places it well within the upper echelon of vehicles reviewed. Its overall crash-test performance, as published by NHTSA, is impressive. However, the presence of two active recall campaigns and 37 unverified owner complaints necessitates caution. Prospective buyers should confirm the resolution of both recalls prior to acquisition.
The 2025 Kia K4 earned an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Kia K4 ranks 77 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 37 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 77 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia K4?
The defining safety narrative for the 2025 Kia K4 centers on its critical-fastener engine recall, a significant concern for this debut model year. This recall, one of two issued, contributes to a defect-record sub-score of 12.5 out of 20. The vehicle also accumulated 37 unverified owner complaints covering the electrical system, powertrain, and active-safety features. Despite these issues, the K4 achieves an overall Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash-protection sub-score stands at a robust 65 out of 70, reflecting a strong structural performance. This is underscored by a full 5-star overall NHTSA rating, with perfect scores in both side-impact and rollover resistance. The avoidance-technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 indicates a partial suite of features. While electronic stability control and lane departure warning are standard, forward collision warning is listed as both standard and optional depending on trim, revealing gaps in its active safety configuration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Kia K4 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Kia K4 achieved a strong safety performance, earning an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover protection ratings were both perfect, scoring 5 stars in each category. The K4 demonstrated a rollover risk of only 10 percent, with its dynamic tip test showing no tip. Frontal protection was the single area where the K4 did not achieve a top score, receiving 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20718
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia K4 have any recalls?
Yes, the 2025 Kia K4 carries two recall campaigns. The first targets the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster and panel. The second, and more urgent, addresses engine connecting rod bolts that may have been improperly torqued, a critical-fastener defect that warrants close attention. Neither campaign has been flagged as a do-not-drive order in the data on file, but the engine fastener issue should be treated as a priority remedy.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V046000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:CRITICAL FASTENERS25V548000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-08-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia K4?
Owners have filed 37 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are the electrical system and an unknown or other category, each cited 9 times, followed by powertrain at 7 alleged reports, engine at 6, and notably, both lane departure and forward collision avoidance systems at 6 alleged reports each.
37 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia K4?
The 2025 Kia K4 carries two significant recalls that buyers must confirm have been remedied. Prospective owners should use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to verify the status of both the instrument cluster recall and the engine connecting rod bolt recall. Do not assume any dealer has completed these essential safety campaigns.
- The 2025 Kia K4 carries an engine recall for potentially improperly torqued connecting rod bolts, a critical-fastener defect unique to this model year that should be the first item verified by VIN.
- A second recall covering the instrument cluster and electrical panel was also issued for this model year, making it the only K4 year in the NHTSA database with two active campaigns.
- Owner-reported allegations to NHTSA include 6 complaints each targeting the lane departure and forward collision avoidance systems, notable for a vehicle whose avoidance-tech sub-score already sits at only 5 out of 10.
- The 2025 K4 is the inaugural model year for this nameplate, so there is no prior-year Safety Index to benchmark against, meaning this year's 83 out of 100 Strong rating stands as the sole historical data point.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Kia K4 places
The 2025 Kia K4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Kia K4 safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia K4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Kia K4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Kia K4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Kia K4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia K4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Kia K4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia K4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 37 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Kia K4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other K4 years
Rivals in Sedan (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20718), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia K4 2025.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 77 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.