NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Kia K5 Safety Ratings
The 2025 Kia K5 scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 44 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Kia K5 AWD sedan earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Its 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, coupled with the inclusion of all three crash-avoidance technologies as standard, presents a solid safety profile. Buyers should note, however, two active recall campaigns that temper this assessment.
The 2025 Kia K5 AWD sedan received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, based on 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 K5 ranks 71 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 44 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 71 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia K5?
The 2025 Kia K5 AWD represents a measurable step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed three points to 86/100 from the 2024 model's 83/100, both within the Strong band, but the 2025 year's gain is driven by a near-maximum crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect-record sub-score of 14.5 out of 20 is the component that keeps this year from reaching elite territory, a direct consequence of two open recall campaigns. The PDC software recall is specific to 2025 K5 vehicles, making it a year-defining issue rather than a carryover concern. The rear trim recall, by contrast, spans three model years, meaning 2025 buyers share exposure with earlier owners. With 44 reported complaints logged, including 4 alleged crash-related reports and 6 alleged injuries, the complaint picture deserves attention even though these allegations are unverified. The overall crash-test performance, anchored by a 5-star overall and 5-star side rating, remains the clearest strength of this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Kia K5 perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Kia K5 AWD achieved the federal government's highest overall safety rating, 5 out of 5 stars, with its robust side protection contributing to this outcome. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The K5 AWD also earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover protection, with an 11 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20720
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia K5 have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first involves a software error in the Power-net Domain Controller that may disable parking lights, a concern for nighttime visibility. The second, shared with 2023 and 2024 K5 models, involves rear window trim pieces that may loosen and detach. Neither campaign carries a do-not-drive designation, but both warrant VIN verification.
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS25V493000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2025-07-28
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE25V351000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2025-05-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia K5?
Forty-four owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Tires with 10 reports, Electrical System with 9, and Power Train with 6. Wheels and Exterior Lighting each account for 5 alleged reports.
44 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia K5?
The 2025 Kia K5 carries a significant safety advisory: Shoppers of this model year should verify the completion of two recalls. One addresses PDC software; the other, rear window trim. Before purchase, buyers should confirm in writing that these remedies have been applied.
- The 2025 model year carries a year-specific PDC software recall that may disable parking lights, an issue not present in prior K5 model years.
- The Safety Index rose three points to 86/100 versus the 2024 K5's 83/100, with the improvement concentrated in the crash-protection and avoidance-tech sub-scores.
- NHTSA recorded 44 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with Tires, Electrical System, and Power Train as the three most frequently alleged problem areas.
- The rear window trim recall covers 2023 through 2025 K5 vehicles, so used buyers should verify remedy status regardless of which prior owner took delivery.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Kia K5 places
The 2025 Kia K5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Kia K5 safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia K5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Kia K5, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 K5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Kia K5 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia K5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Kia K5. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia K5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 44 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Kia K5. 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 K5 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 20720), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia K5 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 71 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.