2016 Kia K900 problems

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The Kia K9, marketed as the Kia K900 in the United States and Canada and as the Kia Quoris in other export markets, is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by Kia, now in its second generation.

The K9 was launched in South Korea in May 2012, with export sales beginning in late 2012. As of June 2013, it was sold in South Korea, the Middle East, Colombia, Chile, Guatemala, Peru, Russia, the United States, and Canada. There are plans to release it in China, although Kia will not use the Quoris nameplate after it lost a legal battle. The K900 was discontinued in Canada by 2018, and the United States in January 2021.

The second generation K9 was launched in 2018.

2016 Kia K900

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Common 2016 Kia K900 problems

The Kia K900, introduced in 2015, is a luxury sedan designed to compete with established brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus. While the K900 has been praised for its spacious interior, quiet cabin, and soft, old-school-luxury ride quality, it has also faced criticism for certain issues.

One common problem reported by Kia K900 owners is a finicky control-knob interface for the infotainment system. This issue can lead to frustration and difficulty operating the system, which is a significant drawback in a luxury vehicle.

Another concern is the lack of all-wheel drive availability. All-wheel drive is a popular feature in luxury sedans, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions. The absence of this option in the K900 may deter some potential buyers.

Additionally, the K900's braking performance has been criticized. In Edmunds brake testing, a V8-powered K900 came to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet, which is longer than average for a large luxury sedan. This could be a safety concern for some buyers.

The 2015 Kia K900, in particular, has received more complaints than any other model year, making it a year to avoid.

Despite these problems, the Kia K900 has been recognized for its overall reliability, especially in more recent model years. The 2018, 2019, and 2020 Kia K900 models are considered the most reliable, with Kia addressing earlier complaints and concerns.

In summary, while the Kia K900 has faced some criticism, particularly in its early years, it has also shown improvement in reliability in later models. Potential buyers should weigh these factors when considering the K900 as a luxury sedan option.

2016 Kia K900 engine

Is the Kia K900 reliable?

There's no overwhelming evidence pointing to reliability issues with the 2019 K900. Three complaints about the engine are as bad as it gets. As of this writing, there are no recalls, either.

Why was the K900 discontinued?

Marketing and sales

Sales dropped to roughly 100-130 units in July and August 2014, and then to 56 in September and up to 62 October. The K900 was discontinued in 2018 in Canada, and in 2021 in the United States. Kia cited the market transition from large cars to crossovers and SUVs.

Is the Kia K900 fast?

The version we tested hustled from zero to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and its powertrain helped moved this bougie barge with quiet authority around town and on the highway.

Does the K900 have air suspension?

Underpinning the K900 is an independent suspension setup with a subframe for the front coil-and-shock setup--and one for the rear and its five-link design. Thats all.

2016 Kia K900 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia K900 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Engine problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Kia K900 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2016 Kia K900 complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Kia K900.

2023-11-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-11-25
  • VIN: KNALU4D33G6
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
2023-05-26

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-04-22
  • VIN: KNALW4D44G6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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.
2023-04-16

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-01-10
  • VIN: KNALU4D3XG6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
2023-01-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-12
  • VIN: KNALT4D31G6
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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.
2022-12-27

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-12-25
  • VIN: KNALU4D36G6
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: 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.
2022-12-02

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-11-01
  • VIN: Knalt4d39g6
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: My dashboard is bubbling up on my passenger and drivers side.
2022-04-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-04-11
  • VIN: Knalw4d4xg6
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: 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
2018-03-29

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-03-16
  • VIN: KNALU4D32G6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: 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
2016-06-22

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-06-02
  • VIN: KNALW4D40G6
  • Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: 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!
2016-06-22

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-05-19
  • VIN: KNALW4D40G6
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: 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.

2016 Kia K900 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2016 Kia K900.

2023-09-25
  • Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
2022-02-02
  • Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
2016-04-12
  • Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: 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.

Negative 2016 Kia K900 car reviews

  1. Karl Rau 2024-06-11

    I recently purchased a used 2015 VIP package model with 18k miles and overall, I found it to be a comfortable and luxurious ride. The V8 engine was particularly smooth and enjoyable. However, I did experience some recurring suspension issues and tire wear, which required multiple strut replacements, tie-rod replacements, and alignments. If you're considering purchasing this model, I would recommend taking it for a test drive on the freeway with a few passengers to assess the suspension's overall health. Unfortunately, the suspension design is inherently weak, which can cause back-end wobbling and excessive yaw in the front-end, indicating the need for strut replacements. Despite these issues, I still appreciated the power and comfort that this model had to offer. I eventually sold it at 48k miles due to the continued cost of suspension repairs, lack of enthusiasm from the Kia dealership, and the unavailability of suitable aftermarket suspension upgrades.

  2. Hadley Hermann 2024-03-21

    Despite my initial love for the car, I have been disappointed by the handling of an electrical issue with the radio. It took 8 months for a Kia engineer to identify the problem, which still remains unresolved after 10 months. This experience has led me to question the competence of Kia's engineers and dealerships. As a result, I have lowered my rating from 5 to 2 stars and have decided not to purchase another Kia. I would advise others to carefully consider their dealership options before making a purchase.

  3. Marquis Rolfson 2024-03-01

    Before committing to a Kia, it's important to thoroughly test drive the car on different roads and in different places. This will help you identify any potential issues such as vibration, cracking noise, brake problems, suspension problems, and sensor problems. It's also worth noting that Kia's warranty may not be as reliable as advertised. It's important to consider all options and find the right car for you.

  4. Isadore O'Connell 2024-02-22

    I had the fuel injection system replaced within a month of purchasing the car. However, the gas mileage is not up to my expectations and the V8 engine does not provide the desired pick up. In my opinion, this car is not worth buying. Thank you for considering my feedback.

Positive 2016 Kia K900 car reviews

  1. Rashad Rempel 2024-11-23

    I purchased this car back in 2017 with 35,000 miles on it. Now, in 2020 with 65,000 miles on it, I am living in San Diego. The only issue I have had with it was a rattling headrest on bumpy roads, but I took it to the dealer and they fixed it with no problem. In the past, I have owned an MB C230, BMW 540i (V8), and 740i (V8), but I have decided that I will never own a German car again due to their high cost. However, the K900 is fantastic and I enjoy not having to take it to the mechanic often. The handling is a minor issue as it can be a bit floaty and doesn't handle corners as well as BMWs do. Additionally, the auto cruise feature is programmed in reverse, which can be a bit frustrating, but I have found a way to work around it. Despite these minor issues, I have never hit another car in LA traffic, which is a testament to the car's safety features. Overall, it's a super car! As of July 2021, with 72,000 miles on it, I had to replace the shocks and struts, which was a bit pricey due to the lack of aftermarket parts. The engine has always had a noise when cold, which I initially thought was a squeaky belt, but it turns out to be a known internal issue. Unfortunately, as the second owner of the car, the repair is not covered. Despite this setback, I still think it's a good car. The brakes have held up well since I bought it at 35,000 miles, and they are long-lasting, so I plan to stick with the stock brakes.

  2. Alvah Padberg 2024-08-22

    I purchased this car despite the negative reviews and opinions from so-called experts. I opted for the top-of-the-line model at 60K and have been very satisfied with my purchase. The car's softness makes it perfect for long distance driving and highway cruising, which is my primary use. I have had no major issues with the car so far, and any minor problems have been covered under warranty. The only issue I have encountered was a blown self-levelling headlight, which could be expensive if it happened after the warranty period. Additionally, there was one airbag sensor fault. However, compared to my previous Audi A8 and BMW 7 series, this car has had significantly fewer problems by year five, which is a relief.

  3. Joshua Erdman 2024-07-18

    This vehicle is such a joy to drive! It has every bell and whistle, and its beautiful lines and design make it a real head-turner. Plus, it has all the options of a 7 series BMW or S550, but without the maintenance worries. It's a bulletproof car, and I'm very proud to show off the KIA label on this beauty.

  4. Erin Stanton 2024-07-14

    Briefly, I owned a 2015 K900 VIP and it was a great vehicle in every way. After some life events 7 years later, I needed to find another vehicle and saw a rare K900 in a dealership lot. I bought it and it had all the options I wanted, including adaptive cruise, AC/heated seats x 4, soft close doors, and German quality in build and interior/tech/touch. Well done Kia! The newest version is another masterpiece.

  5. Darrel Block 2024-06-10

    This car is an excellent choice for those seeking a full-size sedan with a comfortable ride and powerful engine, without the high cost and unreliability of German cars. While the suspension is soft, it still provides a lot of grip thanks to the 245 front and 275 rear tires, which also give it a great stance. The design is beautiful, with a glass roof and stunning rear end, and the front has grown on me too. It's also extremely reliable, with only regular fluid changes needed in the 30k-80k miles I've owned it. It has never let me down, except for one flat tire, but the nice spare made up for it. The parts are sturdier than your average Kia, more like an early 2000s Benz, and the car has clearly been designed with thought and detail as a flagship vehicle for Kia/Hyundai. The carpets are plush, there's plenty of leather, and the leather/vinyl dash is very nice. The back seats are huge, making it perfect for road trips, and the big trunk can easily accommodate four adults. The auto trunk, backup camera, sensors, sunshades, and other features are all nice to have, and the entertainment system is decent. Overall, it's been a very inexpensive vehicle to run, and it has held its value well since I bought it.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Kia K900 problems:

2016 Kia K900 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2016 Kia K900 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/kia/k900/2016/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2016 Kia K900? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

How reliable is the K900 - Kia K900 Forum
How reliable is the K900 - Kia K900 Forum
https://www.k900forum.com/forum/new-2013-k900-general-discussion-forum-9/how-reliable-k900-4947/

Aug 13, 2018 ... The other problem lies with a motor that controls the anlge of the lights automatically. That motor may break from wear and tear or from minor ...

Wanted to give a warning to my fellow K900 Owners : r/kia
Wanted to give a warning to my fellow K900 Owners : r/kia
https://www.reddit.com/r/kia/comments/yxw588/wanted_to_give_a_warning_to_my_fellow_k900_owners/

Nov 17, 2022 ... I did some research on the FB K900 page and apparently it's a very common problem and everyone said they got quoted for the same amount. And ...

The Kia K900 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
The Kia K900 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/kia-k900-years-to-avoid/

Aug 1, 2023 ... There's no overwhelming evidence pointing to reliability issues with the 2019 K900. Three complaints about the engine are as bad as it gets. As ...

Kia K900 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Kia K900 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/kia/k900

Get Kia K900 repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more ... Kia K900 vehicles have 4 known recalls. ... 2016 Kia K900 · 2017 Kia K900 · 2019 ...

Other years of Kia K900

kia k900 2017 photo
K900 2017
Kia

2

2

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia k900 2019 photo
K900 2019
Kia

2

1

3

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia k900 2015 photo
K900 2015
Kia

45

2

10

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia k900 2016 photo
K900 2016
Kia

10

3

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2016 Kia K900 photo