Most common 2017 Kia Cadenza problems
Share of the 33 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 →
2017 Kia Cadenza recalls (2)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 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 2017 Kia Cadenza owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed that the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then drove to a nearby dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil gasket and the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle from the dealer, she noticed that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure and determined that the oil pressure safety switch needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The dealer ordered the part and informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. …
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit (ECU) had failed. The parts to replace were Part Number: 56340/F60, a genuine OEM Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in Manufacturer Recall Number: WTY039. …
Electrical system
Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no where. I used a fire extinguisher to put out, even moved some plastic from wheel well to completely put out. Tow truck driver (non mechanic) told kia that the plastic caused the fire. Was told no warranty or recall for kia to do anything for it, i have to pay out of picket for it.
The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed replacing , dealer put the car back together and told me we had to wrap up the work and return rental and get my car knowing it is a fire hazard I was in contact with warranty company for escalation who would not cover the recall part according to the dealer , I am still in escalations with Kia I have been left with no vehicle .engine repair was completed via dealer ,but they have reinstalled the broken harness and told me the car is ready for pick up. I am a disabled woman with small children and do not want to burn up in a fire was advised to report to dmv and nhtsa
Fuel & propulsion system
I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the buildup as the main issue isn't properly being addressed. The issue occurred about 300 miles ago where the dealership erased it. Then told the vehicle did not have any issues. Brought it back to the Kia dealership where they finally gave a proper diagnosis after being told nothing was wrong with car. …
Shortly after filling fuel tank a strong raw fuel odor emanated from the left side of the vehicle near the fuel door. The smell was most pronounced outside the vehicle. Initially I thought some fuel had spilled, but the smell lasted several days until the tank was depleted to 1/2 full, and immediately came back upon next fill up. No CEL or codes were thrown, and drivability was not affected. Dealer service department initially misdiagnosed problem as clogged fuel vent lines, but on the second visit they appear to have correctly identified the issue as a leaking seal around the high pressure fuel pump atop the vehicle's fuel tank. Dealer invoice notes the fuel pump gasket was "torn apart." (the invoice incorrectly notes the smell was apparent inside the vehicle, not the outside.)
2017 Kia Cadenza engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Kia Cadenza a good car?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Cadenza rates average: 21% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cadenza at the same age. 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 2017 Kia Cadenza?
The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (6) and fuel & propulsion system (5).
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Cadenza, the most recent from March 4, 2021 (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 2017 Kia Cadenza problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 17,000 miles; 85% 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.