NHTSA Recall of Popular Kia Telluride and K5 Models

Kia Issues Major Recall Due TO Potential Defect That Can Cause Life-Threatening Accidents

Automakers have a duty to ensure their vehicles are safe before placing them on the road. When defects are discovered after release, recalls are meant to protect drivers, passengers, and the public from unnecessary risks. In 2025, Kia announced one of its most significant recalls to date. More than 300,000 vehicles, including the popular Kia Telluride SUV and the Kia K5 sedan, are being recalled after it was revealed that exterior side moldings could detach while driving.

This defect may sound minor at first glance, but the dangers are significant. A piece of trim flying off a moving vehicle has the potential to cause crashes, property damage, or serious injuries. The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under campaign number 25V494000, shines a spotlight on how seemingly small design or manufacturing errors can escalate into large-scale safety issues affecting hundreds of thousands of families across the United States.

What the Recall Covers and Why It Matters

Kia confirmed that 201,149 Telluride SUVs and 100,063 Kia K5 sedans manufactured between 2023 and 2025 are part of this recall. The issue involves the plastic exterior moldings that run along the vehicle’s doors and rear window frames. According to Kia, these components were not secured properly during production. As a result, the moldings may come loose and detach while the vehicle is in motion.

If this occurs, the consequences can be serious. Drivers behind a Kia vehicle risk being struck by flying debris at highway speeds, while Kia drivers themselves face distraction or sudden traffic events triggered by debris hitting nearby vehicles. While Kia reports no known crashes or injuries tied to this defect yet, the risk of severe accidents is clear and preventable, which is why the recall was initiated.

NHTSA’s Role and the Recall Process

The NHTSA oversees vehicle recalls in the United States. When defects are identified, manufacturers are legally required to notify the agency, launch a recall campaign, and provide free repairs to consumers. In this case, Kia submitted the recall under NHTSA ID 25V494000, confirming that inspection and replacement of defective parts will be handled at authorized Kia dealerships at no cost to vehicle owners.

Recall notices will be mailed to affected owners beginning September 26, 2025. Owners can also check the NHTSA website or call Kia’s customer service hotline at 1-800-333-4542 to determine if their vehicle is impacted. The repair process involves inspecting the exterior moldings, ensuring they are secure, and replacing faulty parts with redesigned components where necessary.

Why Detached Moldings Create a Serious Safety Hazard

Although a detached molding might not interfere with steering, braking, or engine operation, the dangers are far from minimal. A vehicle’s side or window trim detaching on the highway creates multiple safety concerns:

• Flying Debris: High-speed vehicles can project plastic moldings into traffic, creating dangerous obstacles for trailing vehicles.
• Driver Panic: Sudden debris can cause drivers to swerve, brake abruptly, or collide with other cars.
• Pedestrian Risks: In city driving, loose moldings can strike pedestrians or cyclists, leading to injuries.
• Cumulative Hazards: A widespread defect across more than 300,000 vehicles increases the likelihood of these events occurring.

The seriousness of this recall lies not in whether the defect has already caused injuries, but in the clear potential for catastrophic harm if unaddressed.

Kia’s History of Recalls Raises Concerns

This is not Kia’s first large-scale recall. Over the past decade, the automaker has faced repeated recalls for engine defects, electrical problems, and manufacturing oversights. More recently, Kia recalled units of its EV9 electric SUV due to faulty seat anchors.

Frequent recalls erode consumer trust, and patterns of repeated safety issues raise important questions about manufacturing quality and corporate accountability. Each recall, including this one, has real-world consequences for drivers, passengers, and other road users. For many families, the time lost scheduling dealership visits and the anxiety over safety defects cannot be overlooked.

What Owners of Kia Telluride and K5 Vehicles Should Do Now

If you own a 2023–2025 Kia Telluride or 2023–2025 Kia K5, you should take immediate steps to protect yourself and your family:

1. Check Recall Status: Use your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or call Kia’s hotline to confirm if your car is affected.
2. Schedule an Inspection: If included in the recall, schedule an appointment with your nearest Kia dealership as soon as possible.
3. Drive with Caution: Until your vehicle is repaired, be aware of the potential for trim detachment and drive carefully, especially at highway speeds.
4. Keep Documentation: Save all recall notices, repair receipts, and communications with Kia. These may be important if legal claims arise.

Although repairs are free, the inconvenience and potential risks highlight the importance of holding automakers accountable for design and manufacturing failures.

Potential Legal Rights and Lawsuits for Affected Drivers

Even though Kia initiated this recall as a preventive measure, legal liability may still exist for damages caused by defective vehicles. Drivers or pedestrians harmed by detached moldings could pursue lawsuits under product liability law. Potential claims include:

• Negligence in Design or Manufacturing: If Kia failed to ensure proper quality control, they may be responsible for resulting accidents.
• Failure to Warn: If consumers were not properly notified about known risks, Kia could face liability.
• Economic Damages: Even absent injuries, owners may claim compensation for repair costs, diminished resale value, or time lost dealing with the recall.
• Injury or Wrongful Death Claims: If the defect causes a crash resulting in injury or death, affected parties may pursue significant legal claims.

National personal injury law firms are already monitoring this recall closely, as the scale of affected vehicles makes it one of the largest safety issues of 2025.

Kia Telluride and K5 Recall Lawsuit FAQs

What vehicles are included in the recall?
The recall affects 201,149 Kia Telluride SUVs and 100,063 Kia K5 sedans manufactured between 2023 and 2025. These vehicles may have improperly secured exterior moldings that can detach while driving.

Why is this defect dangerous?
If moldings come loose at highway speeds, they can strike other vehicles, cause drivers to swerve or brake suddenly, or injure pedestrians and cyclists. These scenarios create a very real risk of accidents and injuries.

Has anyone been injured so far?
As of the recall announcement, Kia reported no confirmed accidents or injuries. However, the risk of harm is significant enough to warrant immediate action and free repairs through Kia dealerships.

What should I do if I own one of these vehicles?
Check your VIN on the NHTSA recall website or call Kia’s hotline at 1-800-333-4542. If your car is included, schedule a dealership appointment for inspection and free repairs starting September 26, 2025.

Can I sue Kia if I was injured because of this defect?
Yes. Victims of accidents caused by detached moldings may be eligible for lawsuits under product liability or negligence theories. A personal injury attorney can help evaluate your case and pursue compensation.

What compensation could I receive in a lawsuit?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones due to a defect-related crash.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was injured in an accident involving a recalled Kia Telluride or Kia K5, you may be entitled to compensation. The national law firm Parker Waichman LLP is investigating claims related to Kia’s defective vehicles and their safety risks.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys will review your situation, explain your rights, and fight to hold Kia accountable. Don’t wait—protect your rights and your family’s future by contacting Parker Waichman LLP now.