2016 Kia K900: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
10 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
1,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 10 complaints (30.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 20.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Electrical System: 3; Air Bags: 2; Engine: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 1; Service Brakes: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 7 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 |
2016: 2; 2018: 1; 2022: 3; 2023: 4
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10875812 · 2016-06-22 (June 22, 2016)
THETRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (V8 ENGINE) IN COMBINATION WITH VERY POOR TRACTION TIRES (HANKOOK OPTIMO H426) MAY GET YOU KILLED. WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURNS ONTO WET HIGHWAY THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BREAKS LOOSE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL TRIES TO STOP THE WHEEL SPIN BY APPLYING THE LEFT REAR BRAKE WHICH BREAKS THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL LOOSE AND THEN IT'S BRAKE GETS APPLIED. AFTER A FEW OF THESE BACK AND FORTHS THE TRACTION CONTROL CUTS POWER TO THE ENGINE TRYING TO GET CONTROL OF THE REAR WHEEL SPIN. SO THERE YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH CARS…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10875812 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10875927 · 2016-06-22 (June 22, 2016)
THE TIRES BREAK LOOSE IN WET WEATHER. THE HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES, STANDARD ON THIS CAR ARE RATED #41 OF 42 AVAILABLE TIRES FOR THIS CAR (SEE TIRERACK.COM TESTS). KIA HAS PUT THE WORST TIRES AVAILABLE ON THEIR TOP LINE CAR! THEY HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO GRIP IN WET WEATHER. THEY MAY WORK WITH THE 6 CYL ENGINE BUT ARE WORTHLESS WITH THE V8 ENGINE. I HAVE HAD THEM BREAK LOOSE ONCE IN STRAIGHT LINE ACCELERATION AND TWICE WHILE TURNING CORNERS IN THE FIRST 1500 MILES. KIA WAS NO HELP SO I HAVE ORDERED HIGH QUALITY REPLACEMENT TIRES ON MY OWN.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10875927 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10994790 · 2018-03-29 (March 29, 2018)
2016 KIA K-900. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT ENGAGE/ACTIVATE - AIRBAG LIGHT OFF WITH OCCUPANT SEATED. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE AIRBAG COULD NOT BE FIXED AND WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF HEAVY CLOTHING WAS BEING WORN. THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO A HANDICAP THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE SAFELY DRIVEN WITHOUT THE USE OF A 1.5 INCH SEAT CUSHION, NEEDED FOR MEDICAL REASONS. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE VEHICLE BE BOUGHT BACK. *JS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10994790 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11460619 · 2022-04-13 (April 13, 2022)
I drove to an appointment when I got ready to leave the car was fine then the epb light came on I put it into drive because I know that will release it, per the car manual instructions. It did not release the brakes and the car would not move. Had to call a tow truck the car was stuck in place. Per manual it states the epb will come on by itself at any time, I’m lucky it didn’t come on and not turn off at a stop sign or traffic light. Electronic parking brake mode yes available for inspection upon request Electronic parking brake turn on i…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11460619 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11495739 · 2022-12-02 (December 2, 2022)
My dashboard is bubbling up on my passenger and drivers side.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11495739 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11498990 · 2022-12-27 (December 27, 2022)
The contact owns a 2016 Kia K900. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights ceased to operate as needed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V210000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 38,250.
Owner-reported narrative. 38,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 11498990 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11503675 · 2023-01-25 (January 25, 2023)
While driving with the lights in auto mode, the light flicker and sometime go off. I took the car to the dealer to have it repaired. I was charged over $700 for the repair. I have since found out that this is an issue as noted in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V210000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included in the recall.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11503675 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11517284 · 2023-04-16 (April 16, 2023)
I want to make a formal complaint against High Desert Kia in Victorville California that they haven't taken the necessary steps to get this recall that's against my Kia K900 remedied quickly and this recall can cause a fire. A recall was sent to me in February 2022 and this recall still has not been complete so please I need your assistance to get this taken care of ASAP.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11517284 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
16V210000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Reported: 2016-04-12 (April 12, 2016)
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 K900 vehicles manufactured December 18, 2013 to January 11, 2016 and equipped with LED headlights. In the affected vehicles, when using the multi-function light switch in "AUTO" mode, electrical resistance may build in the switch and result in the headlights flickering or turning off when driving.
Consequence: Loss of headlight illumination may reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the multi-function switch, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC130.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V051000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Reported: 2022-02-02 (February 2, 2022)
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Reported: 2023-09-25 (September 25, 2023)
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
NHTSA campaign record ↗