AI Damage2016 KIA K900: common problems
Owners of the 2016 KIA K900 filed 10 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and exterior lighting. The maker issued 46 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 10
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 46
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 30% of all complaints
- 2 Exterior lighting 20% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 20% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 20% of all complaints
- 5 Forward collision avoidance 10% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 10% of all complaints
- 7 Electronic stability control 10% of all complaints
- 8 Wheels 10% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (30% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 16.
- Exterior lighting: 2 complaints (20% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
- Engine: 2 complaints (20% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
- Air bags: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Forward collision avoidance: 1 complaints (10% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 5 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 10 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Seat belts | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Consumer writes in regards to front passenger airbag did not engage/activate - airbag light off with occupant seated. The consumer stated the dealer advised the airbag could not be fixed and would not deploy if heavy clothing was being worn.
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…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,486 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 29% least complained about).
On average one model year of the K900 has 2 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 10, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- 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…
- 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…
- 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…
- This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
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.
- 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…
- 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…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - 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…
- PITSTOP
FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
8AT (A8LR1-SBW) SOLENOID VALVE REPLACEMENT AND TCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace two (2) solenoid valves (35R and 4&OD) and improve the gear shift logic of the Transmission Control…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH REPLACEMENT (SC130) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the Multi-Function Switch (see below) in certain 2015~2016MY K900 (KH) Luxury V8 vehicles, equipped with LED Headlights, and…
- TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information…
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues…
- PITSTOP
CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - 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. When servicing…
NHTSA lists 46 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 KIA K900?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, exterior lighting, engine. Total complaints: 10. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: headlights and tail lights (20%), smoke, burning smell, fire (20%), airbag warning light (10%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 KIA K900?
NHTSA lists 46 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 KIA K900 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.