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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2014–2020

Kia Cadenza recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 216 owner complaints for the Kia Cadenza, covering model years 2014 to 2020. The 2014 model year drew the most complaints (110), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Kia Cadenza VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 6 recall campaigns on file
  • 216 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 7 model years with data (2014–2020)
  • most complaints: 2014 (110 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (63 complaints)
  • latest recall 23V652000 (reported Sep 25, 2023)
  • 8 complaints reporting a crash (3.7%)
  • 6 complaints reporting a fire (2.8%)
  • 8 complaints reporting an injury (3.7%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Kia Cadenza complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2014 model year has the most complaints: 110 of 216, or 50.9%. Next come 2015 (48) and 2017 (32). The fewest are for 2019, with 5 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Kia Cadenza owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2014–2019Column chart of 216 complaints across 6 model years. The highest is 2014 with 110. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2014: 110 complaints11020142015: 48 complaints4820152016: 14 complaints1420162017: 32 complaints3220172018: 7 complaints720182019: 5 complaints52019
Kia Cadenza complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Kia Cadenza complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
20141103360
2015481210
2016140000
2017324110
201870000
201950000
All model years2168680

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Kia Cadenza components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 63 complaints (29.2% of all 216), followed by Electrical System (33) and Visibility (25).

Components named most often in Kia Cadenza complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Kia Cadenza complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine6329.2%
Electrical System3315.3%
Unknown or Other3315.3%
Visibility2511.6%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2411.1%
Steering188.3%
Structure125.6%
Service Brakes115.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System104.6%
Exterior Lighting83.7%
Wheels83.7%
Air Bags73.2%
Power Train73.2%
Suspension62.8%
Vehicle Speed Control41.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Kia Cadenza recalls

6 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Cadenza, newest first. The 6 campaigns cover model years 2014 to 2020. The 2014 model year appears in the most campaigns (3).

  • 6 recall campaigns
  • 2 “Park Outside” advisories
Kia Cadenza recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2014: 3 campaigns2015: 2 campaigns2016: 2 campaigns2017: 2 campaigns2018: 1 campaign2019: 1 campaign
2020: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 23V652000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model years 2014–2016

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    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.

    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    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. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V158000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield

    Model years 2014–2016

    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.

    Consequence:
    A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
    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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC232.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 22V022000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model year 2020

    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."

    Consequence:
    Rear power windows that operate unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the Driver Door Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC225.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 21V137000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model years 2017–2019

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    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.

    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
    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. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 17V190000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model year 2017

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

    Consequence:
    Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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. Kia's number for this recall is SC146.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 14V289000

    Reported

    Wheels

    Model year 2014

    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.

    Consequence:
    A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with new wheels, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC107.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Kia Cadenza questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Kia Cadenza have?

NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recall campaigns for the Kia Cadenza, covering model years 2014 to 2020. The most recent, 23V652000, was reported on September 25, 2023 and is filed under “Service brakes, hydraulic”. The 2014 model year is covered by the most campaigns (3).

Which Kia Cadenza model year has the most complaints?

The 2014 model year, with 110 of the 216 complaints in NHTSA’s file (50.9%). The next are 2015 (48) and 2017 (32). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Kia Cadenza complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 63 complaints, or 29.2% of all 216. Electrical System (33) and Visibility (25) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Kia Cadenza?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Kia dealer.

How many Kia Cadenza complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 216 complaints, 8 report a crash, 6 a fire, 8 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Kia models

8 models · most complaints first

The Kia models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Kia VIN decoder with every Kia model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Kia Sorento 2003–2026 · 40 recalls · 10,159 complaints
  • Kia Optima 2001–2020 · 22 recalls · 7,499 complaints
  • Kia Soul 2010–2025 · 15 recalls · 5,532 complaints
  • Kia Sportage 1995–2026 · 36 recalls · 4,687 complaints
  • Kia Forte 2009–2024 · 18 recalls · 2,539 complaints
  • Kia Sedona 2002–2021 · 23 recalls · 2,406 complaints
  • Kia Telluride 2020–2027 · 19 recalls · 2,009 complaints
  • Kia Sephia 1995–2003 · 7 recalls · 1,687 complaints

All Kia models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.