Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 KIA K900
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
321.4%
Lights
214.3%
Median failure at 38,250 miles
Airbags
214.3%
Engine & Cooling
214.3%
Other & Unspecified
17.1%
Stability & Traction Control
17.1%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
17.1%
Wheels
17.1%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Brakes
17.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2016peak 3Nov 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 KIA K900
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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,...
Recalls on the 2016 KIA K900
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202204413,571 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the ABS multi-fuse. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors, and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 201616645 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain V8 Elite model vehicles equipped with LED headlamps, the use of the auto headlights mode may result in an increased electrical resistance of the contact points in the multi-function switch. Over time, this could cause the headlights to flicker and/or intermittently turn off while driving. An interruption in headlight function could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the multi-function switch with a switch containing redesigned contacts.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Zephyrhills, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11556779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhills, FL
ENGINE
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 complaint #11556779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norman, OK
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11523928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CA
ENGINE
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 complaint #11517284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Villages, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 complaint #11503675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Villages, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11503675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,250 milesAvon Park, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 complaint #11498990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longwood, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My dashboard is bubbling up on my passenger and drivers side.
NHTSA complaint #11495739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broken Arrow, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11460619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broken Arrow, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11460619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11460619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermosa Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10994790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesFort Meade, FL
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10875927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesFort Meade, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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!
NHTSA complaint #10875812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.