Most common 2016 Kia Cadenza problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Cadenza complaints by model year
Best Cadenza years: 2019, 2018, 2016. Years to avoid: 2014. Compare all years →
2016 Kia Cadenza recalls (2)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Kia Cadenza:
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2016 Kia Cadenza owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the front windshield was cracked and declined to perform the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted again and informed the contact that the cracked windshield nullified the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The Windshield is a defect on the cadenzas, as the seals break on them. It lifts up while driving or even shutting my doors, which I see as a safety hazard. It causes water to leak into the car by where my feet are and from the top of the windshield as well. I believe this is causing my car and other cadenzas to also have electric issues since i've had, 7 speakers blew, back up camera glitched and stopped working, sunroof stopped working and i've had signals / sounds stop working as well a shot throttle all before 24,000 miles.. Kia has been giving me a run a round with trying to fix my windshield and still has yet to do so. I see this as a huge safety issue. What happens if I hit a bump and it falls off when I'm driving? It could cause a huge accident and or killing myself and others. At first, I thought this was my fault.. …
Engine & cooling
My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN [redacted] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the problem, did not escalate to Techline, and did not check or apply Kia Service Action WTY039, which was active. They returned the vehicle to me still overheating, forcing me into multiple out-of-pocket repairs for coolant, radiator, radiator fan, and water pump replacement. None resolved the issue, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive due to rising temperature and smoke. A second dealer, Mesquite Kia, performed a proper diagnosis. …
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, a loud rattling sound was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed however, the mechanic stated there was nothing to repair or replace. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,674.
2016 Kia Cadenza engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Kia Cadenza a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Cadenza rates better than average: 67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cadenza at the same age. It is one of the best Cadenza years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Kia Cadenza?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 6 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Cadenza have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2016 Kia Cadenza, the most recent from September 25, 2023 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Cadenza?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2018 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014. See the full Kia Cadenza years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Cadenza problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.