The Kia K900 spans 2015–2020 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2015, 2016, 2019 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2018, 2020, 2017. It delivers up to 21 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Kia K900 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2015 to 2020 across multiple generations.
How to read a Kia K900 VIN — every digit explained
Every Kia K900 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Kia and the country it was built in (real Kia codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this K900.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA5NP · 5XX · 5XY · U5Y
- South KoreaKNA · KND · KNJ
- Mexico3KM · 3KP
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your K900, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Kia K900 have?
The Kia K900 has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2015–2020. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2020 Kia K900 recalls 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger:hoses/plumbing
What's wrong. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
Risk. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
Fix. Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.
2019 Kia K900 recalls 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger:hoses/plumbing
What's wrong. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
Risk. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
Fix. Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.
2018 Kia K900 recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2017 Kia K900 recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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 Kia K900 recalls 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
2015 Kia K900 recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Kia K900
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 6 tracked years, the worst years are 2015, 2016, 2019 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2018, 2020, 2017.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 K900 | Exterior Lighting | Avoid | |
| 2016 K900 | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2017 K900 | Service Brakes | Best | |
| 2018 K900 | — | Best | |
| 2019 K900 | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2020 K900 | — | Best |
What are the most common Kia K900 problems?
The most-reported Kia K900 problems are Seats (1 reports), Engine (9 reports) and Wheels (4 reports) — out of 65 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Kia K900 specifications & dimensions
The 2020 Kia K900. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Kia K900 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Kia K900 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the K900 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 110 cu ft of passenger volume and 16 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Kia K900 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Kia K900 get?
The Kia K900 returns up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2020 Kia K900 (3.3L 6-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 431 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 4/10, smog 3/10) — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 K900 | 18 | 25 | $3,650 | 431 | 3/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2019 K900 | 18 | 25 | $3,650 | 431 | 3/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2018 K900 | 17 | 25 | $3,100 | 448 | 3/10 | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 2017 K900 | 17 | 25 | $3,100 | 448 | 6/10 | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 2016 K900 | 17 | 25 | $3,100 | 448 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 2015 K900 | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 428 | 6/10 | 3.8L 6-cyl |
The 2018 Kia K900 (5L 8-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $4,300/yr to fuel, emitting 512 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 3/10, smog 3/10) — about $10,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 K900 | 15 | 23 | $4,300 | 512 | 3/10 | 5L 8-cyl | |
| 2017 K900 | 15 | 23 | $4,300 | 512 | 6/10 | 5L 8-cyl | |
| 2016 K900 | 15 | 22 | $3,450 | 511 | 6/10 | 5L 8-cyl | |
| 2015 K900 | 15 | 23 | $4,300 | 494 | 6/10 | 5L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the K900 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this K900's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Kia K900 have? Power & range
The Kia K900 is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.3L 6-cyl, 5L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.3L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | AWD | Premium |
| V8 | 5.0L · 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Kia K900 cost to own?
A Kia K900 depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this K900 loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $18,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the K900 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Kia K900 to insure?
A Kia K900 costs about $3,214 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 124% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (224, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the K900's HLDI loss index. See Kia insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Kia K900 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the K900 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Kia K900 last?
A well-maintained Kia K900 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Kia K900’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this K900’s VIN free →All Kia K900 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Kia K900 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 K900 | 1 recall | — | |
| 2019 K900 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2018 K900 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2017 K900 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2016 K900 | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2015 K900 | 2 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the K900?
By owner-complaint volume, 2015, 2016, 2019 drew the most reports. 2018, 2020, 2017 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the K900 have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2015–2020. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the K900 get?
Up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a K900 last?
A well-maintained K900 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the K900 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the K900 is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Kia K900 warranty?
New Kia models carry a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Kia dealer.
Where is the Kia K900 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your K900's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Kia may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the K900 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.