The Kia K5 modified the earlier Kia Optima nameplate as a result of the larger, midsize sedan from the South Korean automaker. The model new K5, which debuted once more in 2021, has helped maintain its section afloat throughout the US with common product sales and an in depth trim lineup of decisions. Now, extra moderen model years of the K5, from 2023 on up, face a model new recall regarding exterior trim objects which will come off whereas the automotive is in motion. Over 100,000 are affected, which clearly creates a hazard to totally different motorists.
How Many Vehicles Acquired Recalled?
The model new recall for 2023, 2024, and 2025 model-year Kia K5 sedans covers 100,063 cars manufactured between October 3, 2022, by means of July 24, 2024, in step with NHTSA paperwork. It’s estimated that 5% of that decide bear the reported defect of exterior objects falling off. Consistent with the recall uncover, the issue is that “the C-pillar garnish faceplate may progressively delaminate and grow to be unfastened from the underside of the molding.”
Supplier Blamed
The uncover cites a supplier top quality downside, which could indicate it isn’t primarily a producing defect on Kia’s half: “Insufficient software program of the adhesive layer between the garnish faceplate and base of the molding by the supplier.” The report names the supplier as Keumgang Chemical in South Korea, though the final word K5 assembly happens throughout the US. That may moreover make clear why the impacted C-pillar panel seemingly has nothing to do with any of the K5’s design updates over time, so it isn’t as a consequence of any present changes. The latest K5 began manufacturing for the 2025 model yr with solely minimal changes.
Kia Already Has A Restore In Retailer
Whereas the exact downside won’t be lined beneath Kia’s current assure offers, it’s going to trade the panels on any car that’s accessible in for the remedy free of price. The model new panel will reportedly have a mechanical attachment together with improved adhesive. 2025 model yr K5s constructed after July 25, 2024, already have the updated connection for the panel. Homeowners will probably be notified by mail and directed to a dealership for repairs, seemingly by the tip of September. Homeowners will probably be able to search for his or her explicit VIN for his or her automotive after Kia gives the information to NHTSA by August 11.
Timeline Of The Topic
Consistent with the chronology report provided by NHTSA, Kia was acutely aware of a potential downside with the C-pillar panels on the K5 approach again to November 7, 2023, when it first issued a related service movement. In May 2025, NHTSA alerted Kia of 4 complaints related to the potential downside, and Kia responded with proof that proved there was minimal risk to anyone if the piece falls off.
“Evaluation identifies that if the faceplate detaches from the C-pillar garnish assembly, it falls shortly to the underside, does not bounce, and lays flat. Kia NA Safety Office critiques and determines this downside does not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety due to the burden, dimension, and habits of the faceplate if it falls,” the report states.
However, by July, Kia grew to change into acutely aware of the standard observe for recalling unfastened or falling exterior objects, which is to recall and trade the piece, and a deeper investigation was carried out. Kia ended up discovering 4,082 distinctive opinions of most likely missing C-pillar garnish faceplates on the K5, and the selection to downside a recall acquired right here on July 21. Kia is unaware of any related crashes or accidents due to the disadvantage.
Provide: Nationwide Freeway Website guests Safety Administration