Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Kia K900
The 2016 Kia K900 is a luxurious vehicle with some potential electrical gremlins and brake issues. Watch out for safety recalls related to the HECU, which can cause engine fires. Headlight flickering is another known problem due to switch resistance.
Known issues to inspect
HECU electrical short risk
How to check: Verify that recall repairs were completed for HECU.
Headlights flicker or turn off
How to check: Test headlights in AUTO mode for stability.
Potential brake system malfunctions
How to check: Check brake function and recall repair records.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from engine compartment.
Red flag: Smell of burning or smoke.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check the dashboard for any warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated engine or brake warnings.
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Ensure headlights function correctly in AUTO mode.
Red flag: Headlights flicker or turn off.
- 04
Braking test
What to check: Assess brake responsiveness and any noises.
Red flag: Unresponsive or noisy brakes.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for stable operation and power delivery.
Red flag: Hesitation or loss of power.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the HECU recall been completed?
- Any issues with headlight function recently?
- Have you experienced any brake system alerts?
- Do any warning lights appear regularly?
- How often is the vehicle serviced?
- Are there any current electrical issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion documents
- Service records
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty information
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/4/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2016 Kia K900.