2019 Kia Cadenza Problems & Complaints

Better than average73% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cadenza at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2019 Kia Cadenza with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 73% fewer than a typical Cadenza model year at the same age, making the 2019 one of the better Cadenza years. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (2 complaints, typically around 74,000 miles). One recall covers this model year, including one with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

5complaints
1recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2019 Kia Cadenza problems

  • Engine & cooling~74,000 miles
    240%
  • Brakes
    120%
  • Steering
    120%
  • Lights
    120%
  • Driver assistance
    120%
  • Wheels & tires~74,000 miles
    120%
  • Other / not specified
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Kia Cadenza complaints by model year

20142015201620172018201911148143375
Owner complaints per model year, Kia Cadenza. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Cadenza years: 2019, 2018, 2016. Years to avoid: 2014. Compare all years →

2019 Kia Cadenza recalls (1)

Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

NHTSA recall 21V-137 · Mar 4, 2021 · 379,931 vehiclesPark outside

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2019 Kia Cadenza:

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

NHTSA investigation AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023 · open

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.

2019 Kia Cadenza engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.3L 6-cyl8-speed automaticFWD20 / 27 / 23

EPA ratings. Class: Large car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Kia Cadenza a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Cadenza rates better than average: 73% 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 2019 Kia Cadenza?

The engine & cooling — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (1) and steering (1).

How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Cadenza have?

There is 1 recall for the 2019 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 2019 Kia Cadenza problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 0% 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.