RoadVitals

2016 Kia K900

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 23V652000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
10
Latest Nov 25, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Sep 25, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Kia K900, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and airbags categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 51 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical323.1%
  • Driver assistance215.4%
  • Airbags215.4%
  • Engine215.4%
  • Exterior lighting215.4%
  • Brakes17.7%
  • Other / unspecified17.7%

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

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
23V652000NHTSA advisory: park outside

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Sep 25, 2023
1,730,192 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Kia America, Inc.Manufacturer number SC284View on NHTSA.gov
22V051000NHTSA advisory: park outside

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Feb 2, 2022
126,747 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Kia Motors AmericaManufacturer number SC227View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Apr 12, 2016
3,099 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Loss of headlight illumination may reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Kia Motors AmericaManufacturer number SC130View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

AQ23002OpenAudit Query

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 25, 2023

There is a safety recall on my K900 Kia. That it could catch fire while driving or parked. I called the parts department of Kia and they said they do not have any remedy at this point. The recall notice states that if the repair is not going to be done in a timely manner that I have the right to put in the complaint with nhtsa which I am doing. My family and I are at risk while driving this car yet is a necessity that we have a vehicle. As well as the fact that it is a safety hazard even to be parked next to my house and I usually park it in the garage. Kia should be providing a rental car to me at no charge because I cannot have my car to drive or even near my home. As it may catch fire which is obviously extremely dangerous for our well-being.

NHTSA ID
11556779
Incident
Nov 25, 2023
Airbags
Filed May 26, 2023

My leather dash is rippling/tearing, I am afraid it is a risk of interrupting the passenger airbag deployment. I first noticed my leather dash rippling around the HUD area in April of 2022. In September of 22, it began rippling where the leather cover meets the hood. This April of 2023, it has begun rippling on the passenger airbag area. I have an appointment on 5/31/23 with Kalidy Kia to have them inspect my K900. There are no lights that appear for this issue unfortunately.

NHTSA ID
11523928
Incident
Apr 22, 2022
Engine
Filed Apr 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.

NHTSA ID
11517284
Incident
Jan 10, 2023
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 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.

NHTSA ID
11503675
Incident
Nov 12, 2021
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 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.

NHTSA ID
11498990
Incident
Dec 25, 2022
Mileage
38,250 mi
Filed Dec 2, 2022

My dashboard is bubbling up on my passenger and drivers side.

NHTSA ID
11495739
Incident
Nov 1, 2022
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 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 its self and would not release leaving the car stuck where it put on the epb. Yes by the dealership No No warnings

NHTSA ID
11460619
Incident
Apr 11, 2022
Airbags
Filed Mar 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

NHTSA ID
10994790
Incident
Mar 16, 2017

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PS797

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating distance based on the difference in signal transmission and reception times between the vehicle (ultrasonic sensor) and an object. The membrane film of the ultrasonic sensor is used for object detention and can be damaged by stone chips or foreign substances while driving. Damage to the cover of the ultrasonic sensor can also lead to damage to the internal circuit. As a result of this external damage, the PDW system may not receive the proper signal from the ultrasonic sensor. In some cases, the system may cause a false alarm, no alert, or phantom warnings by a “Warning Lamp’ to be displayed on the cluster. The ultrasonic sensor membrane film should be always inspected for external damage and if any part replacement should be treated as a general repair, not as a warranty claim repair for this concern. (Please note that this Pitstop only applies to models/trims that are equipped with the ultrasonic sensors.)

TSB_TRA046_R5

POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.

TSB_ELE378

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT MODEM RESET (SA611) - This bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025MY Kia vehicles listed on page 3 that are equipped with Kia Connect Services. The affected vehicles may encounter the following issues: remote Start/Climate Control function not working, vehicle Status on the Kia Access App not updating, connected routing not functioning properly.

TSB_TRA046_R4

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.

TSB_TRA046_R3

POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.

TSB_ENG219_R1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equipped with the Oil Life Management System (OLMS) feature not included in table on page 2.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Kia K900 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021000
2020010
2019210
2018021
2017221
2016Viewing103143.4
2015522149.6
2014000

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.