VehicleVerdict

2016 Kia K900 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Kia K900 carries two red flags at once: 14 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.0× the K900 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the K900 years to avoid.

14

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other K900 years?

K900 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted79 complaints2015: 79 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 0 complaints
K900 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K900 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Kia K900 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System429%
Airbags214%
Engine214%
Lighting214%
Other17%
Tires & Wheels17%
Driver Assistance17%
Brakes17%

Does the 2016 Kia K900 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

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.

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.

22V051000BrakesFebruary 2, 2022 · 126,747 units

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.

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.

16V210000LightingApril 12, 2016 · 3,099 units

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.

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 12, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 10, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 12, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 16, 2017

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 11, 2022

2016 Kia K900 — common questions

Is the 2016 Kia K900 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 14 complaints put the 2016 model at #2 of 6 K900 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the K900 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 K900 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), airbags (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Kia K900 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Kia K900. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Kia K900 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia K900 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K900 years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. The cleanest record among K900 years belongs to 2020.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.