Recall 25V493 affects 100,063 2023-2025 Kia K5 vehicles because rear window trim pieces can detach. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 100,063 2023-2025 K5 vehicles because the left and right rear window trim pieces can loosen and detach. Detached trim can create a road hazard for other vehicles and increase crash risk, and Kia dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The C-pillar garnish assembly on the 2023-2025 Kia K5 is the exterior trim piece at the rear roof pillar, beside the rear window. It gives the pillar and window edge a finished surface and is built with a face plate attached to a base molding on both the left and right sides.
On affected K5 vehicles, the supplier did not apply enough adhesive between the garnish face plate and the base of the molding. That weak bond lets the face plate loosen from the base instead of staying secured to the body trim. Kia's remedy uses a replacement C-pillar garnish assembly with mechanical retention added to the adhesive layer, so the face plate is held in place by more than glue.
Owners can see or hear the problem before the trim detaches. Watch for rear window trim that looks loose, rattles while driving, or creates wind noise around the rear pillar area.
Who's affected?
VINs became searchable on August 11, 2025.
| 2023 Kia K5 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2023 Kia K5 | body or structural component |
| 2025 Kia K5 | body structure |
| 2024 Kia K5 | body structure |
| 2025 Kia K5 | body or structural component |
| 2024 Kia K5 | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 100,063 |
The year and model narrow the list, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose C-pillar trim can detach and leave debris in the roadway, creating a hazard for other vehicles and increasing crash risk. If the trim looks loose, rattles, or makes wind noise, drive cautiously and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2025 Kia K5 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free C-pillar trim inspection and replacement that secures the rear window trim pieces.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V493 and Kia recall SC346 when you call.
- Watch for loose or missing rear window trim until the repair is complete, and keep the dealer appointment if you see trim lifting.
- Call Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 with questions about the recall or dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the left and right C-pillar trim assemblies and replaces any loose or affected assemblies. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. Kia used its general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. Owners who already paid out of pocket for related C-pillar trim repairs should bring repair orders, receipts, and payment records to the service desk or contact Kia customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 28, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 29, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| July 29, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 11, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 26, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 21, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V493?
Recall 25V493 covers 100,063 2023-2025 Kia K5 vehicles with rear window trim pieces that can loosen and detach. Detached trim creates a road hazard for other drivers and increases crash risk. Kia dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2025 Kia K5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific K5 is included in recall 25V493. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the C-pillar trim inspection and replacement. Reference Kia recall SC346 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the Kia K5 recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies free of charge.
What is the safety risk with this Kia K5 recall?
The safety risk is a detached trim piece creating a road hazard for other vehicles. Kia's filing says that hazard increases the risk of a crash. The repair path is to have a Kia dealer inspect and replace the affected C-pillar trim.
When were owners notified about recall 25V493?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on November 19, 2025. If you bought the K5 used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a Kia dealer with recall number SC346.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V493000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V493 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V493000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →