Research · Large Cars

2016 Kia K900Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2016 Kia K900. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and engine (2). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18–20mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Sep 2023
Owner complaints
10
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideRemedy pending

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 25, 2023NHTSA 23V652000

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Feb 2, 2022NHTSA 22V051000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

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.

Exterior lightingReported Apr 12, 2016NHTSA 16V210000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2016 – Nov 2023
  1. Electrical system3
  2. Engine2
  3. Air bags2
  4. Exterior lighting2
  5. Service brakes1
  6. Forward collision avoidance1
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)1
  8. Wheels1
  9. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each K900 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201554
201610
20172
20192
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

3 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11556779

Engine

2 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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 16, 2023EngineODI 11517284

Air bags

2 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 26, 2023Air bagsODI 11523928
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl · 5.0L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
K900
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$3,200448
K900
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152218$3,550511
  • K900
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • K900
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 5.0 L
    15 city · 22 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Kia K900 as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 10710
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 K900 questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia K900 have?

3 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Kia K900 problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), engine (2), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Kia K900 get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Kia K900 at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026