Kia K900 research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The K900 is Kia's big luxury sedan, with a smooth ride, a spacious rear seat and a long list of features. 2015-2018 models are rear-wheel drive with a 311-hp V6 or 420-hp V8; the redesigned 2019-2020 model has a 365-hp twin-turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive. Steep depreciation makes used K900s a lot of car for the money, but few were sold, so check service support and records carefully.
Model years covered: 2015–2020. The K900 was sold in the U.S. for the 2015-2020 model years only; Kia discontinued it after 2020 and there are no 2021 or later U.S. K900s.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Large comfortable cabin
- Generous luxury features
- Smooth V6 and V8 power
- Standard AWD 2019 2020
- Strong used value due to depreciation
- Quiet highway ride
Things to know before you buy
- Very low sales volume
- Limited dealer service familiarity
- Higher parts and repair costs than mainstream kias
- Low fuel economy especially V8
- Premium fuel recommended for V8 and twin turbo V6
- 2019 is a full redesign
- Discontinued after 2020
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2015–2018)
Kia's first U.S. rear-wheel-drive car, the K900 (KH), launched for 2015 with a 311-hp 3.8L V6 or a 420-hp 5.0L V8, an 8-speed automatic and lavish equipment. It was sold through select Kia dealers and continued largely unchanged through 2018.
Buyer takeaway: Choose the V6 for lower running costs or the V8 for effortless power; insist on complete service records and test every feature.
Generation 2 (2019–2020)
The redesigned 2019 K900 (RJ) dropped the 3.8L V6 and V8 for a 365-hp 3.3L twin-turbo V6 with an 8-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, with a more modern cabin and expanded driver-assistance features. Kia ended U.S. sales after 2020.
Buyer takeaway: The 2019-2020 K900 is the most modern and capable version, with AWD for all-weather driving; confirm local Kia dealer support before buying.
Kia K900 by model year
2020 Kia K900
The 2020 K900 carries over the 365-hp twin-turbo V6, 8-speed automatic and standard AWD (about 18/25 mpg, premium fuel). It is the last K900 sold in the U.S.; Kia stopped selling it after very low sales (305 in calendar 2020). It is a lot of luxury for the price used, but confirm parts and service support with a Kia dealer.
- Engines: 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 365 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2019
- Final US model year
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Complete service records from kia dealer; Twin turbo V6 boost and cold start behavior; AWD operation and matching tires; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Electronics infotainment and driver displays; Power seats and comfort features; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Brakes and tires for a heavy sedan; Suspension and steering; Maintenance history.
2019 Kia K900
The redesigned 2019 K900 is sleeker and more modern inside, with a 365-hp 3.3L twin-turbo V6, an 8-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, rated about 18/25 mpg on premium fuel. It comes very well equipped, with a long list of luxury and driver-assistance features. Low sales mean few are available, so check service records carefully.
- Engines: 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 365 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- All new second generation design
- New 365 hp 3.3 liter twin turbo V6
- All wheel drive standard
- V6 3.8 liter and V8 dropped
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Complete service records from kia dealer; Twin turbo V6 boost and cold start behavior; AWD operation and matching tires; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Electronics infotainment and driver displays; Power seats and comfort features; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Brakes and tires for a heavy sedan; Suspension and steering; Maintenance history.
2018 Kia K900
The 2018 K900 is the last of the first generation and the last with the 420-hp V8 (about 15/23 mpg) or 311-hp 3.8L V6 (about 17/25 mpg), both rear-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic. The redesigned 2019 model switched to a twin-turbo V6 with all-wheel drive, so a 2018 V8 is the choice for buyers who want a big V8 sedan.
- Engines: 3.8 liter gdi V6 311 hp 293 lb ft; 5.0 liter gdi V8 420 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Last year of the first generation
- Last year of the V8
- Last rear wheel drive k900
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Complete service records from kia dealer; 8 speed automatic shift quality; V6 or V8 oil leaks and oil change records; Check engine light and codes; Electronics infotainment and driver displays; Power seats and comfort features; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Brakes and tires for a heavy sedan; Suspension and steering; Maintenance history.
2017 Kia K900
The 2017 K900 carries over the 311-hp 3.8L V6 (about 17/25 mpg) and 420-hp 5.0L V8 (about 15/23 mpg) with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. Low sales mean few are on the market; because parts and repairs can cost more than on mainstream Kias, a pre-purchase inspection and complete service records matter.
- Engines: 3.8 liter gdi V6 311 hp 293 lb ft; 5.0 liter gdi V8 420 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Largely carryover
- V6 and V8 continue
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Complete service records from kia dealer; 8 speed automatic shift quality; V6 or V8 oil leaks and oil change records; Check engine light and codes; Electronics infotainment and driver displays; Power seats and comfort features; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Brakes and tires for a heavy sedan; Suspension and steering; Maintenance history.
2016 Kia K900
The 2016 K900 continues with the 311-hp 3.8L V6 (about 17/25 mpg) or the 420-hp 5.0L V8 (about 15/22 mpg), each with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. A used K900 delivers a lot of luxury for the money; choose one with complete Kia dealer service records and test every comfort and electronic feature.
- Engines: 3.8 liter gdi V6 311 hp 293 lb ft; 5.0 liter gdi V8 420 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2015
- V6 and V8 continue
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Complete service records from kia dealer; 8 speed automatic shift quality; V6 or V8 oil leaks and oil change records; Check engine light and codes; Electronics infotainment and driver displays; Power seats and comfort features; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Brakes and tires for a heavy sedan; Suspension and steering; Maintenance history.
2015 Kia K900
The 2015 K900 was Kia's first rear-wheel-drive luxury flagship in the U.S., a large sedan with a 311-hp 3.8L V6 (about 18/26 mpg) or a 420-hp 5.0L V8 (about 15/23 mpg), both with an 8-speed automatic. It offers big-car comfort and features for far less than a German rival, but depreciation was steep and only select Kia dealers sold and serviced it.
- Engines: 3.8 liter gdi V6 311 hp 293 lb ft; 5.0 liter gdi V8 420 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Kia first rear drive luxury flagship in the US
- 3.8 liter V6 and 5.0 liter V8 with 8 speed automatic
- Sold through select kia dealers
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Complete service records from kia dealer; 8 speed automatic shift quality; V6 or V8 oil leaks and oil change records; Check engine light and codes; Electronics infotainment and driver displays; Power seats and comfort features; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Brakes and tires for a heavy sedan; Suspension and steering; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- Low-Volume Flagship: Parts, Service and Repair Costs (2015–2020)
The K900 sold in very small numbers and only through select Kia dealers. Body, trim and luxury-feature parts can take longer to get and cost more than for mainstream Kias, and not every Kia dealer is familiar with it.
What to do: Ask a nearby Kia dealer about K900 service support and get a pre-purchase inspection. - Luxury Electronics and Comfort Features (2015–2020)
The K900 is packed with features such as power-adjustable and ventilated seats, a large infotainment system, digital displays and driver-assistance cameras and sensors. Repairs to these systems can be costly, so test them all.
What to do: Spend extra time testing electronics and comfort features before buying. - 5.0L V8 Running Costs (2015-2018) (2015–2018)
The 420-hp V8 is smooth and strong but rated only about 18 mpg combined and labeled for premium fuel in most years. Like other direct-injected engines it benefits from on-time oil changes.
What to do: Budget for fuel and look for regular oil-change records on a V8. - Twin-Turbo V6 and AWD Check (2019-2020) (2019–2020)
The 2019-2020 K900's 3.3L twin-turbo V6 and standard all-wheel drive need on-time oil changes and four matching tires to stay healthy.
What to do: Look for documented oil changes and matching tires. - Brakes, Tires and Suspension on a Heavy Sedan (2015–2020)
The K900 is a large, heavy sedan, so brakes, tires and suspension parts wear faster than on smaller cars and can be costly to replace.
What to do: Factor brake and tire condition into the price. - K900 Generation and Engine Disambiguation (2015–2020)
2015-2018 K900s are rear-wheel drive with a 311-hp 3.8L V6 or 420-hp 5.0L V8; 2019-2020 K900s are a new design with a 365-hp 3.3L twin-turbo V6 and standard AWD. The K900 is sold as the K9 in other markets.
What to do: Confirm the year, engine and drivetrain before comparing prices.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls, service campaigns, and completed remedies.
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Questions this guide answers
- What generation is this Kia K900?
- Does this K900 have the V6, V8 or twin-turbo V6?
- Is the K900 all-wheel drive?
- What fuel economy does the K900 get?
- Can any Kia dealer service a K900?
- Why is a used K900 so inexpensive?
- Why did Kia stop selling the K900?
- What should I inspect on a used K900?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar luxury sedans should I consider?