2014 Kia Cadenza engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

22 owners have reported engine problems with the 2014 Kia Cadenza, 29% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 98,625 mi.

Engine complaints
22
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
98,625 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine21
Engine and engine cooling1

Engine complaints across Kia Cadenza years

222014112015420161020174201822019
Engine complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k260k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed May 21, 2025177,000 miTXEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle independently went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that there was no oil in the engine. A…
    NHTSA complaint #11662295 · source
  2. Filed Apr 16, 2025MOEngine
    The engine started smoking and knocking really bad. Took it to the kia dealership and was told a piston o ring and gasket went bad because of heavy oil consumption that caused antifreeze to leak inside the motor while sitting still and this was causing the burning smell because the cylinder had gone bad because of this. The dealership states this was a known issue with all kias from this year and should be under recall. So I called kia because the car only has 80k miles and…
    NHTSA complaint #11654893 · source
  3. Filed Mar 22, 2024GADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine
    A few weeks ago we were driving into town and the car had a light turned on and the smoke was coming out of the front and it smelled burnt. Then the car completely stopped. We almost wrecked. I was pregnant at the time and shod know what could have happened if we wrecked because the car had completely stopped and turned off. I Had to tow the car to a mechanic. The mechanic has not looked at it. It’s just there parked. 1367 US Hwy 41 N, Calhoun, GA Proctor garage. I have been…
    NHTSA complaint #11578915 · source
  4. Filed Jan 25, 202456,002 miFLBrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal odor of smoke detected. The driver stopped, looked under the hood, and found evidence of a fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11567732 · source
  5. Filed Jan 23, 2024TXFireElectrical SystemEngine
    I was driving my 2014 Kia Cadenza and then I noticed the vehicle has lost power and all the electrical components shut off (Odometer , dash lights and radio ) , as I was cruising down the road waiting for vehicle to slow down I noticed vehicle steering was very heavy and didn't have any breaking power , I pull into a place away from road when i noticed that there was smoke coming from the car and the car was catching fire , in that moment I opened the hood and I did have a…
    NHTSA complaint #11567239 · source
  6. Filed Dec 28, 2023CAEngine
    The vehicle has been carefully maintained and received the 144,000-mileage thorough maintenance service which was performed at the KIA dealership in August 2023 three months prior to the incident. While driving in November 2023 the Malfunction Indicator Light came on. I took the vehicle to the same dealership. After 3 days in the service department, I was told the engine is burning oil. They found code P0021, but further diagnosis is required. The "Service Department" told…
    NHTSA complaint #11562317 · source
  7. Filed Dec 13, 2023136,000 miFL1 injuredEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle made abnormal sounds while starting. A burning odor was also detected while starting and driving the vehicle. The ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's left foot and left arm were burned by smoke and an unknown fluid coming from the air vents. Medical attention was not received. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11559919 · source
  8. Filed Oct 25, 2023OHEngine
    There is a clatter at startup of the engine. I researched the issue and KIA has a service bulletin about the issue and a resolution for the problem. I had the vehicle brought to the dealership for the windshield recall and asked them to please apply the service bulletin since the timing chain has the discussed rattle at startup. They will not fix the issue. even knowing that it is causing internal engine damage for a defective part. If these vehicles are not fixed properly,…
    NHTSA complaint #11551821 · source
  9. Filed Oct 8, 2023NCEngine
    I was driving my car at about 70 miles per hour then all of a sudden it went from 70 to like 40 and wouldn't pick up speed the engine light did come on I did get it to a mechanic to have my coils and spark plugs change but car was still knocking mechanic said it was the engine even before this it was always a knocking noise at start up even after oil changes everytime I call about this engine issue it's always cadenza not included but I see that most of the complaints is…
    NHTSA complaint #11548879 · source
  10. Filed Oct 2, 2023ILEngine
    There is carbon building up on the intake. Which causes the engine to lose power. Even at 70 mph engine will cut out causing the car to decelerate in traffic.
    NHTSA complaint #11547857 · source
  11. Filed Sep 9, 2023PAEngine
    The engine failed. There was no warning lamp or message of the problem prior to the engine blowing up. I now can’t use my car.
    NHTSA complaint #11543581 · source
  12. Filed Apr 14, 202398,625 miCAEngine
    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, she heard a ticking sound coming from an unknown location on the vehicle. The contact stated that while she proceeded to drive, she noticed a gray cloud of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11517115 · source

Other 2014 Kia Cadenza problem areas

  • Brakes (21)
  • Visibility & Wipers (14)
  • Electrical System (9)
  • Steering (9)
  • Other / Unknown (8)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Body & Structure (4)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Wheels & Tires (2)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (2)
  • Suspension (1)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (1)

Back to all 2014 Kia Cadenza problems →

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. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology