RoadVitals

2015 Kia K900 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
52
Latest Jul 31, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Kia K900, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags1419.2%
  • Brakes811.0%
  • Electrical79.6%
  • Engine68.2%
  • Interior & seats56.8%
  • Steering34.1%
  • Suspension34.1%
  • Other / unspecified34.1%
  • Driver assistance34.1%
  • Powertrain (other)11.4%
  • Body & structure11.4%
  • Visibility11.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and taillights were flickering or turning off unexpectedly. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V210000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ID 11753948 · filed Jul 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact stated that while the headlights were set to automatic mode while driving at night, the headlights unexpectedly turned off independently. However, while the headlights were manually turned to the on position, the headlights remained operational and without failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA ID 11731861 · filed Apr 17, 2026
All 18 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The dash is warping and the leather is rolling up across the passenger side airbag. The leather around the center channel speaker is rolling back as well and going to cover the daytime running lamp sensor if it shrinks much further.

NHTSA ID 11628824 · filed Dec 4, 2024

Leather dash defective and is shrinking potentially interfering with airbag deployment on the front passenger side

NHTSA ID 11622631 · filed Oct 29, 2024
All 14 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11584680 · filed Apr 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that a second notice would be mailed when parts were available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11583905 · filed Apr 18, 2024
All 8 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Around 9/25/23, KIA service technicians confirmed that my vehicle had an engine fire rendering it inoperable. The incident appears consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 23V652: several engine compartment components melted due to the fire.¶For approximately 16 months, I persistently sought a resolution with KIA. Despite my efforts, KIA refused any corrective action & instead presented me with a $66,749.72 invoice for a new engine. This was alarming given I had purchased the most comprehensive extended warranty when acquiring the vehicle from an authorized KIA dealer (I am the original owner).¶The extended warranty company denied coverage, citing a general exclusion for overheating incidents. They classified the engine fire as overheating, voiding the warranty I had purchased for added protection. This interpretation seems inconsistent with the warranty's intent & the nature of the incident.¶The fire risk aligns with the ABS module defect described in Recall 23V652 which states an electrical short can lead to significant overcurrent, increasing engine compartment fire risk.¶My vehicle had only accumulated about 40,000 miles. I had consistently followed a rigorous maintenance schedule & exercised meticulous care in vehicle upkeep throughout the entire lifespan of the vehicle.¶This situation has left me without transportation, imposed a severe financial burden & has harmed my professional career (I am founder & director of one of the world's most renowned quantum institutes).¶Most importantly, I am deeply concerned about the safety risks to other KIA owners.¶KIA's handling of serious recalls appears consistent with their unsatisfactory treatment of me. For recall #23V652, KIA delayed warning that nearly 1 million vehicles should be indefinitely parked & operated far away from ALL flammable materials. Reports indicate injuries, fatalities & property damage from this defect. Nevertheless, KIA has yet to provide an adequate solution to this critical safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11630676 · filed Dec 14, 2024

12/23/2023 my car started leaking oil. It took KIA 3 attempts to properly replace the valve cover gasket. Then my vehicle began having issues starting. They replaced my 1yr old battery, twice. The problem still occurred so they replaced crankshaft sensor. Since then, the vehicle has shut off on me completely 7 times. They have replaced the alternator now twice. The headlights flicker randomly, I lose power steering, and the vehicle will lose all power. I have to jump the car to get it started and it does not run like it did before. It lacks torque, it feels unsteady, and completely unsafe. Over the last few years the dash panel has completely melted off. I'm not a mechanic, but I believe there is either a short or and electrical issue caused by the heat of the dash. My car has been towed twice now, and is needing to be towed again for them to try to repair it, again.

NHTSA ID 11623539 · filed Nov 4, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Around 9/25/23, KIA service technicians confirmed that my vehicle had an engine fire rendering it inoperable. The incident appears consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 23V652: several engine compartment components melted due to the fire.¶For approximately 16 months, I persistently sought a resolution with KIA. Despite my efforts, KIA refused any corrective action & instead presented me with a $66,749.72 invoice for a new engine. This was alarming given I had purchased the most comprehensive extended warranty when acquiring the vehicle from an authorized KIA dealer (I am the original owner).¶The extended warranty company denied coverage, citing a general exclusion for overheating incidents. They classified the engine fire as overheating, voiding the warranty I had purchased for added protection. This interpretation seems inconsistent with the warranty's intent & the nature of the incident.¶The fire risk aligns with the ABS module defect described in Recall 23V652 which states an electrical short can lead to significant overcurrent, increasing engine compartment fire risk.¶My vehicle had only accumulated about 40,000 miles. I had consistently followed a rigorous maintenance schedule & exercised meticulous care in vehicle upkeep throughout the entire lifespan of the vehicle.¶This situation has left me without transportation, imposed a severe financial burden & has harmed my professional career (I am founder & director of one of the world's most renowned quantum institutes).¶Most importantly, I am deeply concerned about the safety risks to other KIA owners.¶KIA's handling of serious recalls appears consistent with their unsatisfactory treatment of me. For recall #23V652, KIA delayed warning that nearly 1 million vehicles should be indefinitely parked & operated far away from ALL flammable materials. Reports indicate injuries, fatalities & property damage from this defect. Nevertheless, KIA has yet to provide an adequate solution to this critical safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11630676 · filed Dec 14, 2024

12/23/2023 my car started leaking oil. It took KIA 3 attempts to properly replace the valve cover gasket. Then my vehicle began having issues starting. They replaced my 1yr old battery, twice. The problem still occurred so they replaced crankshaft sensor. Since then, the vehicle has shut off on me completely 7 times. They have replaced the alternator now twice. The headlights flicker randomly, I lose power steering, and the vehicle will lose all power. I have to jump the car to get it started and it does not run like it did before. It lacks torque, it feels unsteady, and completely unsafe. Over the last few years the dash panel has completely melted off. I'm not a mechanic, but I believe there is either a short or and electrical issue caused by the heat of the dash. My car has been towed twice now, and is needing to be towed again for them to try to repair it, again.

NHTSA ID 11623539 · filed Nov 4, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The front passenger seat belt light was not going away even when the passenger was in the seat with the belt on. The dealership kept the car for 8 days to fix these issues. They offered no loaner or rental for us to use during this time. The seatbelt light was coming on due to a failure of the airbag sensor. The dealership and Kia have advised the part needed for repairing this issue is back-ordered and no timetable is available for it to be delivered. Furthermore, both Kia Corporate and the dealership have acknowledged that this issue is a safety issue as the airbag(s) may not deploy. Even though this major safety issue exists Kia has offered nothing in the way of a solution. If the airbags fail to deploy in an accident I will hold Kia fully responsible for all the damages and injuries caused by the same. Sumit S. DateAttorney at Law

NHTSA ID 11534049 · filed Jul 24, 2023

Dear Sir or Madam I am writing to inform you of a defective issue with my 2015 KIA K900. The top dash from driver to passenger side has warped and pull back tremendously. It is my concern and safety that this will create a problem for the airbags and interfere with the airbag deployment on the passenger side and headlight sensor. This is a safety defective issue that can interfere or cause malfunction with or during an accident-causing serious injuries and possible death should an accident accrue. I drive on a daily basics transporting my family and others. Their safety as well as mines are foremost important. I ask that you take a look into this urgent matter. I and my family lives are in your hands. I can be contacted at my email and via phone to discuss this matter further. I await your reply soon. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID 11500196 · filed Jan 4, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR A UNEVEN SURFACE THE CAR JUST DON'T LIKE IT,IN FACT THE CAR EVEN MOVE THE STEERING WELL ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER WITH A SHAKING FILING TEETH FEELS LIKE THE WEELLS ARE LOOSE OR SOMETHING,AT THE SAME TIME THE STEERING WELL MOVE GIVING YOU A FEELING THAT YOU MAY NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR,VERY DISAPPOINT IT WITH KIA.THEY NEED TO FIX THIS.I CALL AND THEY SAY IS NORMAL FOR THE K900 TO DRIVE LIKE THAT .REALLY KIA I THINK YOU ARE WRONG.TRY NOT TO HIT A BUMP OR A LITTLE HOLE IN THE ROAD BECAUSE YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR CAR OR GET INTO A CRASH,YOU NEVER KNOW .

NHTSA ID 10896676 · filed Aug 17, 2016

IN DECEMBER, 2015, MY 6 MONTH OLD 2015 KIA K900 WITH NO MORE THAN 8,000 MILES REFUSED TO START. TWO AND HALF HOURS LATER, WITH TWO TOW TRUCKS ON THE SCENE, AIDED BY KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, THE CAR FINALLY RE-STARTED. LESS THAN A MONTH LATER ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 3RD, 2016 I LEFT THE DRIVEWAY HEADING WEST, AND ABOUT 4 HOUSES DOWN AT APPROX. 25 MILES PER HOUR THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO 'SHUT DOWN.' THERE WAS LOUD SCREECHING SOUND, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK, AND ALL THE ELECTRONICS WENT DEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE, AS THE STEERING, GAUGE CLUSTER, ELECTRONICS ALL SHUT DOWN. THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE ENGAGED OR THE CAR WENT INTO PARK, I'M NOT EVEN SURE, BUT THE CAR CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THROWING TWO OF US FORWARD WITH THE SAFETY RESTRAINTS ENGAGING. KIA ROADSIDE CAME OUT AGAIN AND AFTER A WHILE, THEY STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, BUT THERE WERE NO ELECTRONICS. I RETURNED THE CAR HOME. A TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED AND TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT 'HARD' STARTED, WITH NO ELECTRONICS. KIA'S HAD MY CAR SINCE JANUARY. KIA HAS DRIVEN THE CAR OVER 400 MILES, FOUND "NO CODES" BUT, DID REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I'VE LOST ALL FAITH IN THE CAR AND I BELIEVE IT IS A DANGER TO THE PUBLIC.

NHTSA ID 10851209 · filed Mar 23, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS VEHICLE WILL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING OUT INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC . THE CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE NEW, THE KIA REP HAS TOLD ME THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR AND THAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT EASY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC AND YOU CAN NOT USE ACCESS ACCELERATION AND MUST GIVE THE CAR TIME FOR THE TRACTION CONTROL TO KICK IN .THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE .I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND WILL NOT LET MY FAMILY DRIVE IT OR BE IN THIS VEHICLE .I WAS NEVER WARNED OF THIS DEFECT BEFORE I LEASED THIS CAR AND THE MANUFACTURE SHOULD WARN PEOPLE BEFORE THE BUY IT. I WOULD HAVE NEVER GOT THIS CAR IF I KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED OR HURT IF PEOPLE ARE NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS. YOUR HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

NHTSA ID 10927078 · filed Nov 19, 2016

WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR A UNEVEN SURFACE THE CAR JUST DON'T LIKE IT,IN FACT THE CAR EVEN MOVE THE STEERING WELL ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER WITH A SHAKING FILING TEETH FEELS LIKE THE WEELLS ARE LOOSE OR SOMETHING,AT THE SAME TIME THE STEERING WELL MOVE GIVING YOU A FEELING THAT YOU MAY NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR,VERY DISAPPOINT IT WITH KIA.THEY NEED TO FIX THIS.I CALL AND THEY SAY IS NORMAL FOR THE K900 TO DRIVE LIKE THAT .REALLY KIA I THINK YOU ARE WRONG.TRY NOT TO HIT A BUMP OR A LITTLE HOLE IN THE ROAD BECAUSE YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL YOUR CAR OR GET INTO A CRASH,YOU NEVER KNOW .

NHTSA ID 10896676 · filed Aug 17, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Dealer sold me a car with two front rims that are dented causing steering complications. The steering wheel shakes and pulls to the right, there is a whine noice coming from the column.

NHTSA ID 11590902 · filed May 27, 2024

WHEN NEW, THE CAR VIBRATED AT HIGHER SPEEDS (60+) AND THE DEALER REPLACED 3 OF THE FOUR NEW HANKOOK TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE DEFECTIVE AT ABOUT 1,500 MILES ON THE CAR ODOMETER. AT ABOUT 22,000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AGAIN. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, I TOOK THE CAR OVER TO DISCOUNT TIRES AND THEY POINTED OUT THE THE TREAD ON THE RIGHT/PASSENGER WAS SEPARATING, MAKING THIS 4 OUT OF 7 HANKOOK TIRES THAT HAVE BEEN PUT ON THIS CAR THAT ARE DEFECTIVE. SEARCHING 'KIA K900 VIBRATION' ON THE WEBSITE GENERATES NUMEROUS RESULTS OF OWNERS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS RELATED TO HANKOOK TIRES. THESE HANKOOK TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS, AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE SOLD UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. I'VE BEEN DRIVING ALMOST 45 YEARS AND NEVER HAD TREAD SEPARATION LIKE THIS, OR THIS MANY TIRE FAILURES.

NHTSA ID 11072500 · filed Feb 13, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Due to the poor quality/materials, the dashboard leather has warped to where the passenger side airbag will likely not deploy properly in the event of an accident. Additionally, the automatic cruise control switch has ceased to function. Cruise control can be turned on, but not set due to the switch failure.

NHTSA ID 11610266 · filed Aug 22, 2024

The leather from the dashboard has rolled back and it will block, at least partially, the passenger airbag deployment if I’m in a front end collision. The lane keeping assistant doesn’t work at all. When driving 43 mph the car starts to vibrate until I reach a speed of 61-63 mph

NHTSA ID 11483896 · filed Sep 11, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Traveling at 35 MPH on local street --- Engine stalled without warning --- Steered to side of road --- Electric steering continued to offer assist until brought to stop --- Many amber warning lights --- Msg center instructed to shift to park and turn off ignition --- Vehicle set Electric Parking Brake without operator input --- Phoned for assist from local towing company -- Vehicle could not be moved due to electric parking brake and electric shifter --- There are no Kia dealers in area -- Contacted Cowboy Kia of Conroe TX -- Told this shop does not service the Kia K900 --- Contacted Sterling Kia of Bryan/College Station TX --- Told this shop does not service the Kia K900 --- Contacted DeMontrond Kia of North Houston --- Told it would be 2 weeks before service --- Resorted to local independent service --- Advised failure of ECU p/n 39110-3FKN5.

NHTSA ID 11541983 · filed Aug 31, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Dear Sir or Madam I am writing to inform you of a defective issue with my 2015 KIA K900. The top dash from driver to passenger side has warped and pull back tremendously. It is my concern and safety that this will create a problem for the airbags and interfere with the airbag deployment on the passenger side and headlight sensor. This is a safety defective issue that can interfere or cause malfunction with or during an accident-causing serious injuries and possible death should an accident accrue. I drive on a daily basics transporting my family and others. Their safety as well as mines are foremost important. I ask that you take a look into this urgent matter. I and my family lives are in your hands. I can be contacted at my email and via phone to discuss this matter further. I await your reply soon. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID 11500196 · filed Jan 4, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE REAR GLASS HAS A GLARE ON IT. ANY HEADLIGHTS BEHIND YOU AND AIMED IN TO YOUR REAR GLASS ARE PICKED UP BY THE DEFROSTER LINES CREATING A DISTRACTING HAZARD. THIS CONDITION PRESENTS WHETHER THE GLASS IS STOCK OR HAS TINT ON IT APPLIED BY KIA. THE ATTACHED PHOTOS INCLUDED THE CONDITION WITH AND WITHOUT THE TINT. OVER A FOUR MONTH PROCESS, KIA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE BUT REFUSED TO MAKE ANY ATTEMPT TO FIX THE IT DESPITE THE VEHICLE BEING UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID 10903024 · filed Sep 1, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .