MotorDeets

Kia Cadenza problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Cadenza from 2014 to 2020: 216 owner complaints and 12 recalls across 7 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (110), 2015 (48), 2017 (32). Best fuel economy: 23 mpg combined (2020).

Kia Cadenza
Photo: Kontinent Media · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine63
Electrical33
Other / unknown33
Visibility (wipers, glass)25
Brakes (hydraulic)24
Steering18
Body & structure12
Brakes11

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2014311022
201524822
201621422
201723223
20181723
20191523
20201023

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Kia Cadenza.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Kia Cadenza?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (110), 2015 (48), 2017 (32).

How many recalls has the Kia Cadenza had?

Across 2014–2020, NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).