Recall 25V548 affects 30 2025 Kia K4 and Sorento vehicles for improperly tightened engine connecting rod bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 30 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles under recall 25V548 because the engine connecting rod bolts were not tightened correctly. That defect can cause a loss of drive power, which increases the risk of a crash, and Kia dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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 connecting rod bolts in the 2025 Kia K4 and Sorento engine are critical fasteners inside the engine. Each connecting rod links a piston to the crankshaft, turning combustion force into rotating power that moves the vehicle. The bolts hold that rod tightly in place while the engine is running under heat, speed, and pressure.
On the affected vehicles, the engine supplier did not tighten one or more connecting rod bolts to the required torque. Torque is the measured tightening force that keeps the bolt clamped correctly. When that clamp load is wrong, the rod can move in a way the engine was not designed to handle. That movement can damage the engine assembly and cause a loss of drive power.
An owner can hear an engine knocking noise before the failure. That sound is the warning sign Kia identified for this recall, especially if the knock changes with engine speed.
Who's affected?
Both model lines are tied to the same critical-fastener recall component.
| 2025 Kia K4 | Critical fasteners |
|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Sorento | Critical fasteners |
| Units affected | 30 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of drive power raises the risk of a crash because the vehicle can stop responding while you are in traffic. Engine knocking noise is the warning sign named for this recall. If you hear it, stop driving when safe and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 Kia K4 or Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free sub engine assembly replacement that fixes the improperly tightened connecting rod bolts.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V548 and Kia recall SC349 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the vehicle loses drive power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the sub engine assembly covered by recall 25V548. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Kia used its general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign, so owners who already paid for the same engine repair should ask Kia customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for review. Bring repair orders and proof of payment if Kia asks for them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 25, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 26, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| August 26, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 9, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 12, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V548?
Recall 25V548 covers 30 2025 Kia K4 and Sorento vehicles with engine connecting rod bolts that were improperly tightened. The defect can cause a loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. Kia dealers will replace the sub engine assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2025 Kia K4 or Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 2025 Kia K4 or Sorento is included in recall 25V548. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the sub engine assembly replacement. Reference recall SC349 or 25V548 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. Kia will replace the sub engine assembly free of charge at a franchised Kia dealer, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk in recall 25V548?
The safety risk is loss of drive power. In recall 25V548, improperly tightened connecting rod bolts can cause the engine to lose drive power, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Kia dealer repair.
When did Kia notify owners about recall 25V548?
Kia owner notification letters were expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. A mailed letter is helpful, but your VIN decides whether recall 25V548 applies to your 2025 Kia K4 or Sorento.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V548000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V548 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V548000 |
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 →