Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | — | 1 | Steering | Limited data |
| 2025 | 47 | — | 2 | Collision Avoidance | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median K4 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia K4 problems
Latest Kia K4 recalls
Seat belts › Rear/other › Anchorage
Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Kia K4 vehicles. The rear center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2026 K4 and the third-row center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2027 Telluride may not latch properly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the anchor buckle assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 5, 2026. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Critical fasteners
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia K4 should you avoid?
None of the Kia K4 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What are the most common Kia K4 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the driver assistance (20), electrical system (16) and engine & cooling (10). Collision Avoidance complaints peak in the 2025 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia K4 had?
3 recalls across 2025–2026. The model year with the most is 2025. See all Kia K4 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.