2018 Kia K900 — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan

2018 Kia K900

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $47,437–$58,023
Fuel Economy 17 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $3,088/yr
The 2018 Kia K900 scores 7.4/10 at Carivo, ranking #687 of 1310 sedans, with 2 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $3,088/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2018 Kia K900

Engine5.0L 8-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG15 / 23 MPG
Combined MPG18 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$4,150
CO₂ Emissions512 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$47,437–$58,023

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2018 Kia K900

With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2018 Kia K900 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.1/10, while Value at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.5/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.9/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.3/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.1/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.

Priced from $47,437–$58,023, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Kia K900 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Kia K900, but it needs the right buyer. Its value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2018 Kia K900 ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $47,437 starting price is about 71% above the segment's median of $27,664.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $50k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2018 Kia K900

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$15,440 ($3,088/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which K900 Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2015 Kia K900 scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.4 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2020 7.5/10$50,908 Read review →
2019 7.5/10$49,172 Read review →
2018 (this review) 7.4/10$47,437
2017 7.5/10$45,701 Read review →
2016 7.4/10$43,966 Read review →
2015 7.3/10$42,230 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2018 Kia K900

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Fuel economy at 17 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Kia K900 (2 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.

Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module
02/02/2022 · 22V051000
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, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module
25/09/2023 · 23V652000
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…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Own a 2018 Kia K900 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2018 Kia K900

Is the 2018 Kia K900 reliable?

We rate the 2018 Kia K900's reliability 7.5/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia K900 have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2018 Kia K900 worth buying?

It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #687 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 48% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2018 Kia K900 cost?

The 2018 Kia K900 starts at $47,437 and ranges up to $58,023 across trims (MSRP when new). At 17 MPG, expect roughly $3,088/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which K900 years should you avoid?

No standout weak years: across the 6 K900 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.5/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.

What problems does the 2018 Kia K900 have?

The documented issues for the 2018 Kia K900 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Service brakes, hydraulic (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Kia K900

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

Get the Monthly Reliability Report

Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

More Kia Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.