Kia Cadenza problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 159 owner complaints and 6 recalls on file for the Kia Cadenza (2014–2020). The 2014 Cadenza has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
159
Recalls
6
Model years
7
Worst year
2014

Complaints by model year

77201436201513201623201752018520192020
NHTSA complaints per Kia Cadenza model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Kia Cadenza years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2014 Kia Cadenza — 77 complaints, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
  2. 2015 Kia Cadenza — 36 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2020 (0 complaints).

Every Kia Cadenza model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2020 Cadenza00001—
2019 Cadenza50001Engine
2018 Cadenza50001Engine
2017 Cadenza230102Engine
2016 Cadenza130002Visibility & Wipers
2015 Cadenza361032Engine
2014 Cadenza770223Engine

Most common Kia Cadenza problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    53 complaints
  • Brakes
    31 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    26 complaints
  • Electrical System
    24 complaints
  • Steering
    15 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    5 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    5 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    5 complaints
  • Suspension
    5 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212023202420252026
Complaints about the Kia Cadenza received by NHTSA each month.

Kia Cadenza recalls

  • Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 22V158000Mar 15, 202230,362 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016

    Risk: A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 22V022000Jan 21, 2022451 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Rear power windows that operate unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V137000Mar 4, 2021379,931 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 17V190000Mar 16, 201747 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V289000May 30, 20143,107 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology