KIA K900 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used KIA K900 options? We analyzed 6 model years (2015–2020) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the KIA K900 has 66 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls across model years 2015–2020. The most reported issue area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 2015 drew the most complaints; 2018 drew the fewest.
- Make
- KIA
- Model
- K900
- Model years analyzed
- 2015–2020 (6 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 66
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2015 (52 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2018 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Reliability signal
- Average
By model year
KIA K900: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
AverageThe KIA K900 has 66 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 66 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 11 federal recall campaigns
- 1 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
11 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2020. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 66 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
66 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Number one vibration while driving when cold car has had 24 tires put on in 19,000 miles Michelin has now paid for somebody else’s tires to be put on the car number two Engine misfire dealer verified replaced coil pack same condition still exists no check engine light Number three excessive ticking noise when engine started cold in a.m. multiple electrical problems wipers going off intermittently trunk not opening intermittently safety features engaging randomly have requested Kia to either take the car back or extend the manufacturers warranty Kia has refused both options car has been out of service more than 180 days car purchased new 2/14/20
I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN NOV. '20. THE FIRST TIME THAT THE TEMP DROPPED BELOW 65, ON THE FIRST "AUTO STOP" OCCURENCE AFTER REACHING OPERATING TEMPERATURE, AFTER ABOUT A SECOND OF THE ENGINE TURNING OFF,A LOUD BEEP OCCURRED AND A MESSAGE POPPED UP SAYING THE SYSTEM HAS SHUT DOWN AND I NEEDED TO SHIFT INTO N OR P AND PRESS THE START BUTTON TO RESTART THE ENGINE. IT ACTUALLY REQUIRED PRESSING THE BUTTON TWICE WHILE THE LOUD BEEP CONTINUED, STUCK IN TRAFFIC. IT WILL DO THIS UP TO 4 TIMES IF IT'S BELOW ABOUT 65 AND THE VEHICLE HAS SAT FOR HOURS OUTSIDE.TO THIS DATE, THE MFG. HAS YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SHUT DOWN. A DTC WAS NEVER STORED. A CONTINUOUS MIL ILLUMINATION NEVER HAPPENED. IT'S BEEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. I CALLED KIA TWO DAYS AGO AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL THE DEALER AND HAVE THEM PUT PRESSURE ON KIA'S OWN TECH LINE. NO CALL HAS BEEN RECEIVED.I BELIEVE THAT A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER IN TRAFFIC REPRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND REGARDLESS OF THE ACTUAL MALFUNCATION CAUSING THE SHUT DOWN, THE SHUT DOWN FAILURE MODE OF THE SYSTEM, VERSUS JUST RESTARTING THE ENGINE WITH A MIL ILLUMINATION AND A STORED DTC IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND THAT HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP SHOULD BE MADE TO IDENTIFY ALL SUCH KIA, GENESIS, AND HYUNDAI MODELS WITH SUCH A SYSTEM AND BE MADE TO RECALL THEM AND REPROGRAM THEM TO NOT ALLOW A REMOVAL OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE BEING DRIVEN IN TRAFFIC, IN ADDITION TO ADDRESSING THE ACTUAL MALFUNCTION IN MY K900. OR IF THEY CAN'T, THEY NEED TO BE MADE TO DEACTIVATE THE SYSTEM PERMANENTLY, RESTATE FUEL ECONOMY ESTIMATES, AND REIMBURSE DRIVERS.
We were going about 5 miles an hour went to apply the brakes and the hell was rock hard and the car lunged forward at the swerve into the other lane avoid the car in front of us after this occurred all the warning lights on the dash lit up there is absolutely no indication that the brakes would fail
THE 2017 KIA K 900 HAS HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES OF CONCERN. THE 4 PASSENGER DOORS HAVE ALL RIPPLED AND SEPARATED FROM THE DOOR INTRUSION BAR.I HAVE BROUGHT THIS CONCERN TO THE ATTENTION OF KIA SERVICE CENTER AND KIA COOPERATE. IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO TWO COLLISION SHOPS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS.TO CORRECT THE SITUATION. RECOMMENDATION WAS TO HAVE KIA BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THAT THE INTRUSION BAR IN THE DOORS IS FLEXING WHICH COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. IF THE INTRUSION BAR IS NOT STABLE THEN HOW CAN IT BE EFFECTIVE IN AN ACCIDENT.? IN ADDITION THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE THAT HAS NOT BEEN CLEARED OR CORRECTED. EVO WARNING SYSTEM SENDS A CONSTANT ERROR CODE C 1604. IN ADDITION EVERY LIGHT LENS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CONDENSATION IN THE LENS. AFFECTS VISIBILITY. KIA CORPORATE HAS BEEN LESS THEN COOPERATIVE OR HELPFUL. *TR
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.
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.
Read 14 more owner reports
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.
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.
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.
My dashboard is bubbling up on my passenger and drivers side.
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
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
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 BEARING DOWN ON YOU AT 65MPH. FORTUNATELY, I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR POINTED DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ABLE TO GET AWAY FROM THE ONCOMING CARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. COMPLAINED TO KIA AND THEY SAY THAT IS HOW IT IS DESIGNED. THE HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES ARE RATED #41 OF 42 (TIRERACK.COM) TIRES FOR THIS CAR SO KIA HAS PUT THE WORST QUALITY TIRE THEY COULD FIND ON THEIR TOP LINE CAR! I ORDERED NEW TIRES WITH MORE WET / DRY TRACTION AND MY DEALER AGREED TO INSTALL THEM (NO HELP FROM KIA). I HAVE ALSO LEARNED TO TURN OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL WHEN I DRIVE. THAT AND THE NEW TIRES WILL HOPEFULLY SAVE ME FROM ANY MORE SCARY RIDES IN THIS CAR! BY THE WAY THIS SAME SCARY TC SYSTEM IS ON THE KIA OPTIMA AND HAS MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THIS SITE!
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the headlights flickered intermittently and turned off occasionally without warning. The headlights eventually resumed normal operation while the contact continued driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V210000 (Exterior Lighting). The dealer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as the manufacturer provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
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.
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.
Showing 20 of 66 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact KIA K900
These pages show model-year patterns across 6 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used KIA K900, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The KIA K900 has 66 complaints on record across 6 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The KIA K900 has 11 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the KIA K900's 66 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all KIA K900 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two KIA K900 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The KIA K900 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a KIA K900 by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used KIA K900.
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KIA K900 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the KIA K900 reliable?
Average. The KIA K900 has 66 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which KIA K900 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2015 (52 complaints), 2016 (10 complaints), 2017 (2 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common KIA K900 problems?
Top reported issues: EXTERIOR LIGHTING (21 complaints); AIR BAGS (16 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints).
Does the KIA K900 have recalls?
Yes — 11 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the KIA K900. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.