YearToAvoid

2016 Kia K900 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

80/100

#2 most-complained of 6 K900 years

The 2016 Kia K900 ranks 2nd-worst out of 6 model years, with a Complaint Index of 80 and 3 recalls covering brakes and electrical systems. Owners most often reported Electrical System problems (40% of complaints), making this year a relative Avoid compared to other K900 years.

Complaints
10
Recalls
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19
16 city / 23.5 hwy

Top 2016 Kia K900 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System4 (40%)
  2. Airbags2 (20%)
  3. Brakes2 (20%)
  4. Engine2 (20%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (10%)
  6. Other1 (10%)
  7. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (10%)

What owners report

  • Traction control combined with poor-grip tires caused the rear end to break loose in wet conditions during turns, at 1,000 miles.
  • Headlights stopped working while driving at night, tied to an unresolved recall for the multi-function switch, reported at 38,250 miles.
  • Headlights flickered or shut off intermittently in auto mode, a problem owners linked to the same recall campaign.
  • The electronic parking brake activated on its own and would not release, leaving the vehicle stuck and requiring a tow.
  • The front passenger airbag failed to activate with a seated occupant, and the dealer said it could not be repaired.
  • Owners reported an unresolved recall involving a possible fire risk that had not been remedied despite requests to the dealer.
2016 Kia K900 complaints: complaints filed per month3Jun 2016Mar 2018Apr 2022Dec 2022Jan 2023Apr 2023May 2023Nov 2023
13 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2016 to Nov 2023; peak Apr 2022 (3).

2016 Kia K900 recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 22V051000Feb 2, 2022Brakes126,747 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  3. NHTSA 16V210000Apr 12, 2016Electrical System3,099 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:headlights

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2016 Kia K900 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16 MPG
Highway
23.5 MPG
Combined
19 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,425
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other K900 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Avoid10054219.5
2016Avoid8010319
2017No verdict402219
2018No verdict00219

All Kia K900 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Kia K900 reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 K900 has a Complaint Index of 80 and ranks 2nd-worst of 6 model years, making it a relative Avoid year for this model.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia K900?
Electrical System issues make up 40% of complaints, followed by Airbags, Brakes, and Engine issues each at 20%. Suspension and camera-related complaints appear less often.
Does the 2016 Kia K900 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 K900, covering a brake hydraulic control unit that could short and cause a fire, a wiring/exterior lighting switch issue, and a related brake campaign affecting multiple Kia models.
How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 K900?
NHTSA lists 10 complaints for the 2016 K900, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Kia K900?
EPA rates the 2016 K900 at 19 mpg combined (16 city / 23.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,425.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.