Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | −73% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2018 | 7 | −71% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2017 | 33 | −21% | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2016 | 14 | −67% | 2 | Window & Wiper | Good |
| 2015 | 48 | 1.3× | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2014 | 111 | 2.1× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Cadenza year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Cadenza problems
Latest Kia Cadenza recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Visibility › Windshield
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Wheels
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadenza vehicles manufactured February 1, 2013, through August 27, 2013, and equipped with 19" non-chrome aluminum wheels. The wheels on the affected vehicles may fracture from impacts such as large, deep potholes.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with new wheels, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Cadenza should you avoid?
2014 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Cadenza years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2014.
What is the best year for the Kia Cadenza?
2019 has the fewest complaints compared with other Cadenza years at the same age, followed by 2018 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Cadenza problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (65), brakes (35) and electrical system (33). Engine complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Cadenza had?
5 recalls across 2014–2019. The model year with the most is 2014. See all Kia Cadenza recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.