- Kia is recalling over 82,000 K5 sedans due to a lighting issue related to software.
- The cars have a turn signal logic that was developed for the Korean market.
- When the turn signal is activated, the parking light may not stay illuminated.
Kia is recalling tens of thousands of K5 sedans over a lighting issue, which can reduce visibility. This increases the risk of a crash, while also meaning the vehicle fails to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards.
The recall impacts 82,281 K5s from the 2025 model year and is being chalked up to a software issue. In particular, the software for the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) is faulty and can prevent the parking lights from staying illuminated.
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As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explained, “When the turn signal is activated while headlamps are activated in a steady burning state or while parking lamps are activated, the corresponding parking lamp does not illuminate in a steady burning manner.” While the vehicle would still have lights illuminated, the absence of parking lights runs afoul of FMVSS No. 108.
Kia North America first became aware of the issue on May 13, when their corporate overlords informed them that the turn signal operation logic for the Korean market may have accidently been applied to US-spec models. This sparked an investigation and an examination of a 2025 K5, which ultimately led to a recall.
Owner notification letters are slated to be sent out next month and it appears some customers will be able to address the issue with an over-the-air update. They can also take their car to a dealership to have the updated software installed.
