Post
Research the Car Logo

2020 Kia K900

Posted
By Research the Car 3 min read

The 2020 Kia K900 is a full-size luxury sedan that aims to offer a premium experience at a competitive price point. It comes standard with a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the K900’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and long list of standard features. However, some criticisms include the less-than-stellar fuel economy, somewhat anonymous styling, and the fact that it doesn’t hold its value as well as some competitors.

Engine

3.3L Twin-Turbo V6

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, timing cover, or oil pan. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the vehicle, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Identify and replace the leaking gasket or seal. Retorqueing bolts might temporarily alleviate minor leaks, but replacement is usually necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location and severity.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the turbochargers, including failure, whistling noises, or reduced power. This can be due to oil starvation, overboost, or general wear and tear.
    • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician to determine the cause of the turbocharger issue. Replacement or rebuild of the turbocharger(s) is often required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+ depending on the severity and if one or both turbos need work.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Reports of rough or delayed shifting, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. Some owners experience a noticeable “clunk” when shifting between gears.
    • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush using the correct fluid specified by Kia. If the issue persists, further diagnosis may be required, including checking for software updates, valve body issues, or internal damage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300 for a fluid flush. Valve body replacement can range from $800-$2000. A full transmission replacement could be $3000-$6000+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system, if equipped, can experience issues like air leaks, compressor failure, or ride height sensor malfunctions. This can result in a sagging vehicle, uneven ride height, or a warning light on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Diagnose the source of the leak or failure. Replace the faulty air spring, compressor, or ride height sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per component depending on the severity and location.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Glitches
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience issues such as freezing, crashing, or unresponsiveness. Connectivity problems with Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are also reported.
    • Solution: Try a system reset. Check for software updates and install if available. If the problem persists, the head unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates may be free or low cost. Head unit replacement can cost $500 - $1500+.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors throughout the vehicle (e.g., blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, etc.) can fail. This can result in warning lights, disabled features, or inaccurate readings.
    • Solution: Diagnose the specific sensor that has failed and replace it.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+ per sensor depending on the type and location.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • No Issues Found

Interior

  • Navigation System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported problems with the navigation system, including incorrect routing, outdated maps, or system freezing.
    • Solution: Ensure the navigation system software is up to date. Consider using a smartphone-based navigation app via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if the issue persists.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0-$300 depending on software updates or replacing the navigation SD card.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Kia K900, while generally reliable, can experience a few common issues. The most prevalent problems seem to stem from oil leaks in the engine and potential for turbocharger issues. Transmission problems are also reported but are less common. Electrical gremlins with the infotainment system and sensor failures are also a potential concern. Suspension issues with the air suspension (if equipped) can arise. The severity and cost of these repairs vary depending on the specific issue, but potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems when considering a used 2020 Kia K900.

Kia, K900
Kia K900 2020
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.