2014-2020 Kia Cadenza Reliability Score: 6.2 out of 10

215 NHTSA Complaints

6 Recalls

6 Fire Reports

8 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

6.2 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar full-size sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 66 powertrain complaints. A typical full-size sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 47.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Complaints have risen since 2023.

Breakdown

Complaints overall66 complaints against about 47 for similar vehicles

6.2

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year

20146.0
20156.3
2016n/a
20176.7
2018n/a
2019n/a
2020n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

V6 GDI LAMBDA II

3.3L 6-cyl / 290 hp

207 complaints 54.3 per year Gasoline

6 fire reports

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

other

brakes

electrical

steering

Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data

These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Kia Cadenza Unidentified Engine

8 complaints 2.7 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

other

body

brakes

engine

fuel system

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Kia Cadenza, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Engine: 64 owner complaints

Brakes: 35 owner complaints

Electrical System: 32 owner complaints

Steering: 18 owner complaints

Safety Systems: 12 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza

On a used 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (64), the brakes (35) and the electrical system (32). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza about the engine.
On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 35 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza about the brakes.
Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza about the electrical system.
Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza about the steering.
Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza about the airbags and driver-assist systems.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza

Recalls (6)

23V652000Sep 25, 2023serious

Service Brakes

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. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

22V158000Mar 15, 2022serious

Visibility

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.

22V022000Jan 21, 2022serious

Electrical System

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Cadenza vehicles. The rear power windows can be operated by the driver's power window main switch after the ignition has been turned off and a front door is opened. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

21V137000Mar 4, 2021serious

Service Brakes

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.

17V190000Mar 16, 2017serious

Service Brakes

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.

Show 1 older recall

14V289000May 30, 2014serious

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.

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Lexus

2001-2006

9.7/10

5 engines / 194 complaints

3 engines / 215 complaints

4 engines / 388 complaints

3 engines / 28 complaints

4 engines / 134 complaints

6 engines / 1,015 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza complaints?

Owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza. The systems they name most often are the engine, the brakes and the electrical system.

Is the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza have?

NHTSA has 215 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza?

NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Kia Cadenza?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the brakes and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the Cadenza have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2014-2020 Kia Cadenza. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 215 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.