TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Kia K900 lighting problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 16 lighting complaints filed for the 2015 Kia K900, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Lighting accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH REPLACEMENT (SC130) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH (SEE BELOW) IN CERTAIN 2015~2016MY K900 (KH) LUXURY V8 VEHICLES,EQUIPPED WITH LED HEADLIGHTS, AND PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 18, 2013 THROUGH JANUARY 11, 2016. USE OF THE HEADLIGHTS IN AUTO MODE OVER TIME MAY RESULT IN INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THE CONTACT POINTS, WHICH IN TURN MAY AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT LOCATED INSIDE THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. IF THIS OCCURS, THE HEADLIGHTS MAY FLICKER AND/OR INTERMITTENTLY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS BULLETIN. BEFORE CONDUCTING THE PROCEDURE, VER
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 K900's lighting system has two main trouble spots. The first is headlights that flicker and shut off while you're driving at night—especially in automatic mode. It happens without warning, at various speeds, and the lights either come back on by themselves or need to be manually cycled. Owners report this is intermittent and hard to catch in the shop, so dealers either can't find the problem or refuse to diagnose it. One owner said a $159 diagnosis fee was quoted. A recall (NHTSA Campaign 16V210000 for exterior lighting) exists, but multiple owners report their VINs don't qualify even though they have identical symptoms.
The second issue involves the automatic headlight aiming system. The motor that controls aim fails, leaving lights pointing downward or sideways instead of forward. One owner's adaptive headlamps pointed opposite directions. Another reports the LED progressive lights only throw 10–12 feet of light instead of proper distance. One dealer diagnosed a motor needing replacement but never did the work. Another dealer won't issue repair orders, just sends someone to "adjust" the headlamps repeatedly with no fix.
A third, less common complaint describes headlights shutting off when the turn signal is engaged, plus flickering while driving straight.
Failure modes owners describe
Headlight on/off flickering and dropout in auto mode
LED headlights flicker intermittently then turn off while driving, especially in automatic mode. Lights may resume operation after several seconds or remain off until manually cycled. Occurs at various speeds with no warning. Owners report this happens repeatedly and unpredictably, forcing them to stop driving at night or avoid darkness entirely.
When: Between 42,000 and 112,000 miles; one owner reports issue starting in 2017
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flicker and turn off automatically while driving; Loss of road visibility at night; Lights turn on again after brief period or resume when manually cycled; Intermittent failures difficult to replicate during dealer service; Issue occurs especially in auto mode
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report dealers cannot identify fault and refuse to repair; one owner quoted $159 for diagnosis. Light switch was replaced in 2016 on one vehicle due to recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 16V210000 (Exterior Lighting) exists but multiple owners' VINs confirmed not included in recall despite identical symptoms. Kia engineers reviewed one complaint involving dash cover and dismissed headlight concerns without investigation.
Headlight aiming failure in auto-leveling system
Motor controlling automatic headlight aiming fails, causing lights to point downward or in wrong direction (sideways instead of forward). One owner reports adaptive headlamps pointing in opposite directions at least half the time, providing minimal coverage. Another owner states LED progressive lighting only illuminates 10-12 feet ahead rather than proper distance.
When: Approximately 61,000 miles on one vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights pointing downward and not illuminating roadway adequately; Adaptive headlamps pointing in opposite directions; Minimal light coverage on road; Cannot see down the road properly; LED progressive lights only illuminate 10-12 feet ahead; Inadequate illumination at night speeds around 60 mph
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed motor failure requiring replacement; vehicle not repaired. Another owner visited dealer three times for adjustments but repairs never completed; dealer calls technician to adjust headlamps rather than issuing repair order.
Headlights turning off when turn signal activated
Headlights shut off completely when turn signal is engaged while driving. Also flickers or flashes when driving straight. Creates dangerous situation especially when turning.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights turn off completely when turn signal is activated; Headlights flicker and flash when driving straight; Occurs in auto mode while driving and especially when turning
Dash cover adhesive failure causing sensor obstruction
Dashboard cover adhesive and securement loosens, allowing cover material to slip and obstruct dash-mounted sensors including headlight control circuits. Multiple sensors may be affected. Same defect reported affecting Hyundai Equus and possibly other Kia models like Forte.
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic headlights flash on and off with small changes in ambient light; Obstruction of dash-mounted sensors; Leather and hard plastic cover material blocks air bag opening and sensor function
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia goodwill warranty repairs exist for this defect on some vehicles. One owner's goodwill request was declined; Kia engineers determined leather or plastic covering air bag opening not a safety issue. Second-level customer service representative initially declined claim before reviewing evidence.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The lights malfunctioned, by flickering and finally going out. Putting me and others at risk by not having my lights working properly. There were NO warnings, prior to the incident. It has happened numerous times, scaring me to death. I am 86 years old and wasn't prepared to have my lights go out and not be able to see where I was going, or if others could see me. It started in 2017 and has…
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 dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V210000 (Exterior Lighting). The…
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 direction. You could turn left, the headlamp will point right and there will be minimal light coverage on the road. You…
Had lighting trouble with your 2015 Kia K900?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2015 Kia K900?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 14,250 and 50,900 miles, with the median around 22,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,250; a quarter make it past 50,900. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Kia/K900.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.