Head-to-head reliability
KIA K900 vs Toyota Camry
How the KIA K900 and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA K900 vs Toyota Camry: The K900 averages 11.3 complaints per year over 6 years, while the Camry averages 205.6 per year over 10 years. The K900 has 11 recalls and 1 crash; the Camry has 31 recalls and 171 crashes. Both show brake and electrical issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA K900 or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA K900
The KIA K900 is a low-volume luxury sedan, averaging about 11 complaints per year over six years. Owners report issues with exterior lighting, air bags, electrical system, brakes, and engine. The pattern suggests a car that can be pleasant but may require attention to headlights, seatbelt sensors, and brake recalls. With only one crash and one injury reported, it's not a high-crash vehicle, but the electrical and brake complaints are worth noting.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan, averaging about 206 complaints per year over ten years. The most common complaints involve the power train, engine, brakes, and electrical system. Owners describe issues like hesitation, shuddering, key stuck in ignition, and brake noises. With 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, it's important to check for open recalls and test-drive carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA K900 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 68 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 11.3 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA K900
- 01EXTERIOR LIGHTING21
- 02AIR BAGS16
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
- 04SERVICE BRAKES10
- 05ENGINE9
Owners report automatic headlights that flash on and off with small changes in ambient light, causing distractions to oncoming drivers and reducing the driver's view at night. This is a safety concern because it can impair visibility and confuse other motorists.
Complaints mention the passenger front air bag may be blocked from opening correctly in a front-end collision, and the seatbelt light stays on even when the passenger is belted. These issues could affect occupant protection and are worth checking for recalls.
Owners describe a no-start condition with a 'Check Brake Fuse' warning, and one report of an engine fire that melted components. Electrical gremlins can be frustrating and expensive to diagnose, so a pre-purchase inspection should include a battery and charging system check.
Reports include ABS and check engine lights after a recall notice, and an electronic parking brake that would not release, leaving the car immobile. Brake problems can be dangerous, so verify that all brake-related recalls have been performed.
“The PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG will be blocked from opening correctly in the event of a front end collision. The AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS lights flash on and off with small changes in ambient light causing distractions to oncoming vehicles and also inhibiting driver…”
“My Kia Consumer Care Case #[XXX] assigned May 2024. For Lights/Headlights/Illumination Safety hazards. My complaint purpose is to explain & show docs. of my Interrupted Illumination Headlights/Loss of Viewing while using the headlights during the night. See a…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and not releasing even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving with the check engine light on. These issues can leave you stranded or cause expensive repairs.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be a safety risk when merging or crossing traffic, and may indicate a sensor or software problem.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area that is attributed to the ABS system. Brake issues should be addressed promptly for safety.
One owner reported multiple systems malfunctioning at once, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping. Electrical faults can be intermittent and hard to trace, so a thorough diagnostic scan is wise.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA K900 — 11 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
The risk: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is S…
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 fix: 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…
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…
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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…
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 fix: 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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
KIA K900 or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The KIA K900 has far fewer complaints per year (about 11) than the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Camry is far more common on the road. In practice, the K900's lower volume means fewer reported issues overall, but the Camry's higher count reflects its much larger sales. Both have brake and electrical complaints, so neither is trouble-free.
Key differences
- The KIA K900 averages about 11 complaints per year, while the Toyota Camry averages about 206 per year, but the Camry sells in much higher numbers.
- KIA K900 owners frequently report exterior lighting and air bag concerns, while Camry owners more often report power train and engine issues like hesitation and stuck keys.
- Both have brake complaints: K900 owners mention electronic parking brake failure and ABS lights; Camry owners report EPB not disengaging and ABS noise.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries reported, compared to 1 crash and 1 injury for the K900, though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Check that the automatic headlights do not flicker or flash unexpectedly, as owners report this can distract other drivers and reduce night visibility.
- Verify that the passenger air bag and seatbelt warning system work correctly; complaints mention the air bag may be blocked and the seatbelt light stays on.
- Test the ignition key removal to ensure it does not get stuck when the car is in Park, a problem reported by multiple owners.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check that the electronic parking brake releases properly, as owners report EPB failures and ABS noise.
Before you buy
- Run a VIN check for open recalls on both the KIA K900 and Toyota Camry, especially for brake and air bag recalls.
- Take a long test drive at night to check headlight operation on the K900 and to feel for hesitation or shuddering on the Camry.
- Ask for service records to see if brake and electrical issues have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, including the electronic parking brake, on both vehicles.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key removal and check for any warning lights on the dashboard.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA K900 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 2 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 2 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA K900 or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA K900 vs Toyota Camry
- KIA K900 total complaints
- 68
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- KIA K900 total recalls
- 11
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA K900 avg complaints/year
- 11.3
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- KIA K900
- KIA K900 top complaint area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN