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2015 Kia K900 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Kia K900 carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering headlights and control unit/module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Headlight flickering and unexpected shutoff.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #16V210000 · Dec 4, 2016

Issue: 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

Campaign #23V652000 · Sep 25, 2023

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Kia K900.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Headlight flickering and unexpected shutoff

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

13 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2026-07

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and taillights were flickering or turning off unexpectedly. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V210000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753948
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s and passenger side headlights intermittently flickered then turned off and turned on. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548206
“LIGHTS WENT OUT ALL OVER CAR AROUND 11:30 PM CAME BACK ON BLINKING,SCREEN GOES OUT,SOMETHING WRONG WITH RIGHT FRONT TIRE FEEL VIBRATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10747835

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brakes recall repair parts unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2024-04

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11584680
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS and the check engine warning lights were”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11581097
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561340

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel and wheel vibration while driving

STEERING, SUSPENSION

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2024-05

“Dealer sold me a car with two front rims that are dented causing steering complications. The steering wheel shakes and pulls to the right, there is a whine noice coming from the column”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590902
“WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP OR A UNEVEN SURFACE THE CAR JUST DON'T LIKE IT,IN FACT THE CAR EVEN MOVE THE STEERING WELL ONE SIDE TO ANOTHER WITH A SHAKING FILING TEETH FEELS LIKE THE WEELLS ARE LOOSE OR SOMETHING,AT THE SAME TIME THE STEERING WELL MOVE GIVING YOU A FEELING THAT YOU MAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10896676
“WHEN NEW, THE CAR VIBRATED AT HIGHER SPEEDS (60+) AND THE DEALER REPLACED 3 OF THE FOUR NEW HANKOOK TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE DEFECTIVE AT ABOUT 1,500 MILES ON THE CAR ODOMETER. AT ABOUT 22,000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED VIBRATING AGAIN. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, I TOOK THE CAR OVER TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11072500

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlamp aiming and leveling motor failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2020-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA K900. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AT NIGHT, THE HEADLAMPS WERE NOT ADEQUATELY ILLUMINATING THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER OBSERVING THE VEHICLE, THEY NOTICED THAT THE HEADLAMPS WERE FACING DOWNWARDS. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11344304
“AT SEPARATE TIMES, BOTH "ADAPTIVE" HEADLAMPS HAVE FAILED. AT SEPARATE TIMES, BOTH HEADLAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS COULD BE A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS, THE HEADLAMPS WILL BE POINTING IN OPPOSITE, AND AT LEAST HALF THE TIME, WRONG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10906375
“THE LED PROGRESSIVE LIGHTING SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE SHINE ONLY 10 TO 12 FEET IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS MAKES DRIVING DANGEROUS AT NIGHT. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. THEY ADJUST BUT IT NEVER GETS ANY BETTER. MY WIFE IS NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11082681

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard leather delamination over passenger airbag

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2024-12

“Dear Sir or Madam I am writing to inform you of a defective issue with my 2015 KIA K900. The top dash from driver to passenger side has warped and pull back tremendously. It is my concern and safety that this will create a problem for the airbags and interfere with the airbag”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500196
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact stated the leather dashboard was separating from the passenger side air bag deployment section. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed the failure when the vehicle was returned from the dealer, for the engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479398
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia K900. The contact stated that he noticed peeling and bubbling above the passenger’s side of the air bag housing. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480038

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and electrical shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2024-12

“Traveling at 35 MPH on local street --- Engine stalled without warning --- Steered to side of road --- Electric steering continued to offer assist until brought to stop --- Many amber warning lights --- Msg center instructed to shift to park and turn off ignition --- Vehicle set”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11541983
“IN DECEMBER, 2015, MY 6 MONTH OLD 2015 KIA K900 WITH NO MORE THAN 8,000 MILES REFUSED TO START. TWO AND HALF HOURS LATER, WITH TWO TOW TRUCKS ON THE SCENE, AIDED BY KIA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, THE CAR FINALLY RE-STARTED. LESS THAN A MONTH LATER ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 3RD, 2016 I LEFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851209
“The vehicle has lost electrical power at highway speeds and while idling at stop lights”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460364

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

5 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Kia K900 reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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