U.S. public vehicle records

2015 Kia CADENZA problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

48 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

45,559 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2015 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 14 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 13 of 48 complaints (27.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	6	12.5%
Braking behavior	4	8.3%
Steering behavior	4	8.3%
Engine operation	2	4.2%
Transmission and shifting	1	2.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Engine

Unknown Or Other

Exterior Lighting

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Steering

Visibility:Windshield

Structure:Body

Electrical System: 13; Engine: 13; Unknown Or Other: 9; Exterior Lighting: 4; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 3; Steering: 3; Visibility:Windshield: 3; Structure:Body: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 34 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2014

2016

2018

2019

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2014: 1; 2016: 3; 2018: 3; 2019: 5; 2021: 2; 2022: 8; 2023: 12; 2024: 11; 2025: 1; 2026: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 11287179 · 2019-12-05 (December 5, 2019)

MY KIA K900 WOULD NOT START WITH LESS THAN 2 YEARS ON THE BATTERY, I WAS TOLD IT'S NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR SO I PAID NEARLY $700 TO REPLACE IT. I HAVE A HAD A HOST OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES OVER THE YEARS AND MOST RECENTLY, MY CARD WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER HA I ALSO NEEDED A NEW BATTERY WITH IT BEING LESS THAN 2 YEARS REPLACED. THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR OVER 2 WEEKS, THEY REFUSE TO RETURN MY CALL.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11287179 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11501155 · 2023-01-10 (January 10, 2023)

The vehicle steering wheel became hard to turn while driving. This could have caused serious accident and injury. The car also died on me while driving and impossible to turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. I then noticed a flashing light. This happened all at the same time and without notice. This could have been a major accident and I believe a serious defect as I saw too many KIA and Hyundai vehicles with the same complaints. Can this please be looked into? The vehicle next day refused to start. I paid $209.00 to g…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11501155 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11417572 · 2021-05-18 (May 18, 2021)

2015 Kia Cadenza. Consumer writes in regard to illuminated ABS and ESC warning lights and broken coil springs. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11417572 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11557740 · 2023-11-30 (November 30, 2023)

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11557740 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11066923 · 2018-02-05 (February 5, 2018)

WHEN I AM DRIVING HOME JUST A MILE AWAY FROM HOME I HEARD A POP NOISE SIMILAR TO A BALLOON AND MY KIDS WITH ME AND I ASKED THEM DID THEY HAVE ANY BALLOONS WITH YOU ALL . THEY SAY NO AND HEARD THE SAME NOISE AND I WAS THINKING MAY BE THE TIRE POPPED BUT I DIDN'T FEEL ANYTHING IN MY STEERING WHEEL . THEN I STARTED HEARING WIND NOISE COMING INTO THE CAR. THEN I REALIZED THE SUNROOF MUST HAVE EXPLODED. I GOT TO MY HOUSE AND GOT OUT CHECK IT OUT FIND ITS STARTING CRACK ALL OVER THE FRONT MOON ROOF. I COULD HEAR IT'S SLOWLY CRACKING WITH SUEAKY NOIS…

Owner-reported narrative. 37,105 miles reported. Look up ODI 11066923 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11558826 · 2023-12-06 (December 6, 2023)

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the heat was activated, and the contact became aware that the temperature gauge was inoperable. The contact stated there was no heat blowing out of the vents and the radio volume on the steering wheel was also inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…

Owner-reported narrative. 113,925 miles reported. Look up ODI 11558826 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11561800 · 2023-12-26 (December 26, 2023)

The same engine in these 2015 - 2016 Kia Cadenzas is the same engine present in the Kia Sorentos which have been being investigated for early failure, My kia cadenza stalled at 63 miles per hour on route 73 in new jersey and ever since I've been terrified of it, the dealer (Burlington Kia of South Jersey) told me this is common, and they have stingers and most cars with this same 3.3 engine in for the same failure and it just boggles my mind, I was driving and stalled at 68 while cars are flying by me all because of a known failure? Something t…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11561800 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11616271 · 2024-09-24 (September 24, 2024)

At startup I experienced a knock in the engine which seemed to have gone away. I notified the KIA dealership of the issue. The service advisor told me to drive the vehicle in for service. While attempting to drive the vehicle in for service the vehicle TURNED OFF while going 55MPH without any warning at all. KIA diagnosed the vehicle with a failed crank bearing and that it can happen to high mileage vehicles despite imbecile maintenance records. I have read hundreds of complaints regarding the HYUNDAI/KIA 3.3L Lambda II class engines and f…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11616271 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

48 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

29.2%Usable mileage14 / 48 records

100.0%Valid incident date48 / 48 records

100.0%Valid filing date48 / 48 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates48 / 48 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
Engine	2825.5% ODI 10663249 ON SATURDAY - NOVEMBER 22, 2014 AROUND 6:30 PM THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED AND CAR ROLLED FOR FEW FEET AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. ALSO STEERING JAMMED AND DIDN'T MOVE. IT WAS STOPPED AND DIDN'T START BACK ON AND STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO CRANK IT. THE BATTERY WAS RUNNING FINE. DUE TO ELECTRICAL AND/OR MECHANICAL FAILURE WE WERE EXPOSED TO THE UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE NOT ON THE BUSY STREET/FREEWAY OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE BEEN ENDED UP IN MAJOR SAFETY INCIDENT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, WE COULDN'T MANEUVER THE STEERING RES… Look up ODI 10663249 at NHTSA ↗	1327.1% ODI 10661857 · 5 mi UPON PRESSING ENGINE PUSH BUTTON START A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FILLED THE CABIN COMPARTMENT DURING IDLING WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK. THE ENGINE STARTED AS NORMAL WITH NO INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION. AS CAR WAS PUT INTO DRIVE AND DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE LESS THAN 500 FEET FROM MY STARTING POINT THE GASOLINE ODOR WAS OVERPOWERING IN THE CABIN COMPARTMENT AND THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB A SMALL INCLINE IN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE SPEED OVER 5 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR AROUND AND RETURN HOME. THE CAR WAS THEN DRIPPING G… Look up ODI 10661857 at NHTSA ↗	428.6% ODI 11417823 · 42,674 mi THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA CADENZA. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD RATTLING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS NOTHING TO REPAIR OR REPLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,674. Look up ODI 11417823 at NHTSA ↗	1134.4% ODI 11110901 · 3,000 mi OUTSIDE AIR TEMP SENSOR HAS DEFECT. IT READS 32 DEGREES F. WHEN TEMPS ARE OVER 80 F OUTSIDE. WON'T ALLOW AUTO AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK. THE ENGINE EMISSION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. HAVE HAD IN THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY GAS CAP IS NOT SEALING. IT'S RESET AND IT COMES BACK ON AGAIN. Look up ODI 11110901 at NHTSA ↗	571.4% ODI 11208151 · 9,500 mi I PURCHASED A NEW 2018 KIA CADENZA WITH 11 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD THE CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AND IT RANDOMLY STALLS WHILE IN DRIVE MODE IN MOTION AND SOMETIMES WHILE SITTING IDLE. IT HAS STALLED ON THE FREEWAY, NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS, DRIVE-WAY AND ON FEEDER ROADS. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 5 TIMES. KIA MOTORS CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY PLACED A TRACKER IN THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE CRANK SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THEY REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR, I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP AND LESS THAN 24 H… Look up ODI 11208151 at NHTSA ↗	240.0% ODI 11742797 · 74,000 mi The contact owns a 2019 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle later, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the contact was informed that the diagnostic trouble code was associated with a tire sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. … Look up ODI 11742797 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	1311.8% ODI 10560512 · 8,613 mi THE "SMART KEY" FOR THIS VEHICLE IS A NEW DESIGN, RELEASED FOR THE 2013 KDM KIA K7, AND HAS A RELEASE BUTTON WHERE THE PLASTIC KEY/REMOTE PART MAY BE REMOVED TO EXPOSE A METAL CENTER-CUT KEY THAT CAN BE USED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR, TRUNK, OR GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE RELEASE WILL DETACH THE KEY WELL BEFORE THE BUTTON IS FLUSH WITH THE PLASTIC BODY, ALLOWING MANY DIFFERENT NORMAL MOTIONS TO RELEASE THE KEY. ON MANY OCCASIONS, JUST REGULAR MOVEMENT HAS RELEASED THE KEY AND IT HAS FALLEN OFF IN MY POCKET. ON ONE OCCASION, THE SMART KEY CAME OFF AS I RE… Look up ODI 10560512 at NHTSA ↗	1327.1% ODI 10877062 · 13,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA CADENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER NOTICED SMOKE AND A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMAT… Look up ODI 10877062 at NHTSA ↗	17.1% ODI 11684923 I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) and Kia’s repeated failure to properly diagnose or repair a serious overheating/safety defect despite this being a well-documented and known issue affecting these engines. Vehicle and Service Information •Vehicle: 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) •Mileage: ~129,608 •Dealer Involved: Central Kia of Plano (Plano, TX) •Repair Order #: [XXX] •Dates: [XXX] Issues 1.Overheating / Known Engine Defect •My vehicle overheats, especially with the A/C on or at idle. •Kia has already … Look up ODI 11684923 at NHTSA ↗	618.8% ODI 11110901 · 3,000 mi OUTSIDE AIR TEMP SENSOR HAS DEFECT. IT READS 32 DEGREES F. WHEN TEMPS ARE OVER 80 F OUTSIDE. WON'T ALLOW AUTO AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK. THE ENGINE EMISSION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. HAVE HAD IN THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY GAS CAP IS NOT SEALING. IT'S RESET AND IT COMES BACK ON AGAIN. Look up ODI 11110901 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	1311.8% ODI 10778840 · 24,000 mi ENGINE WAS MAKING A NOISE AND FOWL ODOR FROM VENTS TOOK TO KIA DEALER AFTER A WK THEY DIDN'T KNOW THE PROBLEM SAID IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE BACK TO LAS VEGAS FROM CALIF ONCE WE ARRIVED WE CALLED LOCAL DEALER THEY REPLACED ENGINE SO THEY SAID. THEN 2 WKS LATER WE GET IT BACK I BEGAN HAVING SITE THROAT COUGH AND SEVERE HEADACHES AND LATER TOLD MY HUSBAND I THOUGHT IT WAS GAS I WAS SMELLING IN THE CAR WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT WAS FINE SO WE LEAVE TO CALIF AND THE FOLLOWING DAY I WENT TO START THE CAR AND WE HEARD A LOUD N… Look up ODI 10778840 at NHTSA ↗	918.8% ODI 10839935 · 15,000 mi WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT PATH ON AN INTERSTATE AT ROUGHLY 70 MPH, THE SUNROOF OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED WITH A SOUND LIKE A BOMB GOING OFF. THE DEALER IS CLAIMING THE EXPLOSION WAS CAUSED BY A DIMPLE IN THE ROOF OF THE CAR CAUSED BY A ROCK OR AN OBJECT THAT HIT THE CAR AT SOME POINT. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP - AND ONLINE RESEARCH - SHOWS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF SUNROOFS EXPLODING IN THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR OF KIAS BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN REGISTERED AS YET. Look up ODI 10839935 at NHTSA ↗	214.3% ODI 11649124 While driving down the highway, I heard a loud boom and my sunroof exploded sending glass everywhere all through the car with my kids in the backseat. Driving straight on the highway at 60 miles per hour and nothing to hit the glass, Something is definitely wrong with the pano sunroof on these cars. Look up ODI 11649124 at NHTSA ↗	618.8% ODI 11252659 · 13,888 mi PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD RAPIDLY. FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN THIS OCCURRED. Look up ODI 11252659 at NHTSA ↗	228.6% ODI 11140136 · 1,750 mi WE BECAME MORE CONCERNED AFTER SEEING A REPORT ABOUT FIRES INVOLVING KIAS THIS MORNING. OUR NEW 2018 KIA CADENZA HAD ABOUT 1,750 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ON OCTOBER 11, 2018, WHEN THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED: WE WERE ON A CITY STREET, STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, WHEN WE SAW SOME SMALL, LIGHT STRANDS OF SMOKE THAT SEEMED TO BE RISING JUST OUTSIDE THE RIGHT, FRONT FENDER. WE PULLED INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT & CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WAS A SMELL. IT SEEMED LIKE SOMETHING HOT OR SCORCHED (RUBBER OR OIL RELATED??), BUT NO SMOKE OR LEAKS WERE NOTICEABL… Look up ODI 11140136 at NHTSA ↗	120.0% ODI 11744719 I picked up my Cadenza from the repair shop. They were repairing the sunroof controls because the sunroof was not operating properly. I was 24 miles away from the shop headed home from Temple, TX to Waxahachie, TX on [XXX]. It sounded like a shotgun was fired right above my head and scared me. I am surprised I didn't crash. I pulled over and the sunroof had a 2 foot hole in it. The shade was in the shut position so no glass made into the cab. No rock or any debris hit the vehicle. My mom was driving behind me and she said she saw a huge chunk o… Look up ODI 11744719 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1614.5% ODI 11555977 The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11555977 at NHTSA ↗	36.3% ODI 11557740 The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11557740 at NHTSA ↗	214.3% ODI 11561041 The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Look up ODI 11561041 at NHTSA ↗	26.3% ODI 11418007 The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Look up ODI 11418007 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11416147 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA CADENZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AIRPORT KIA NAPLES (3325 WESTVIEW DR, NAPLES, FL 34104) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST 8, 2021. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO GET… Look up ODI 11416147 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	1110.0% ODI 10663249 ON SATURDAY - NOVEMBER 22, 2014 AROUND 6:30 PM THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED AND CAR ROLLED FOR FEW FEET AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. ALSO STEERING JAMMED AND DIDN'T MOVE. IT WAS STOPPED AND DIDN'T START BACK ON AND STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO CRANK IT. THE BATTERY WAS RUNNING FINE. DUE TO ELECTRICAL AND/OR MECHANICAL FAILURE WE WERE EXPOSED TO THE UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE NOT ON THE BUSY STREET/FREEWAY OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE BEEN ENDED UP IN MAJOR SAFETY INCIDENT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, WE COULDN'T MANEUVER THE STEERING RES… Look up ODI 10663249 at NHTSA ↗	36.3% ODI 11501155 The vehicle steering wheel became hard to turn while driving. This could have caused serious accident and injury. The car also died on me while driving and impossible to turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. I then noticed a flashing light. This happened all at the same time and without notice. This could have been a major accident and I believe a serious defect as I saw too many KIA and Hyundai vehicles with the same complaints. Can this please be looked into? The vehicle next day refused to start. I paid $209.00 to g… Look up ODI 11501155 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.3% ODI 11387674 · 37,000 mi BOUGHT A LEFT OVER 2017 KIA CADENZA IN JULY OF 18,WITHIN FIRST 10,000 MILES CAR STARTED SOUNDING LIKE A HELICOPTER,TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP,THEY DROVE IT,THOUGHT MAYBE A WHEEL BEARING,REPLACED THAT,ROTATED TIRES TOLD ME TO DRIVE FOR AWHILE AND SEE IF THAT CHANGED IT,WENT BACK 3 WEEKS LATER SAYING NEED TO ROTATE TIRES THEN WENT BACK AGAIN AT 17500 MILES WITH SAME ISSUE,SERVICE ADVISOR ASKED ME HARSHLY 'WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN DRIVING THIS THING', I TELL ON THE HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK AND DAILY DRIVING,HE TELLS ME YOU KNOW YOU CAN TAKE THIS TO ANY OTH… Look up ODI 11387674 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11481339 Hello, I wasn't notified of the recall on my vehicle. The steering wheel is extremely hard to turn and all of the system lights are on. Look up ODI 11481339 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Visibility	87.3% ODI 11465483 The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Look up ODI 11465483 at NHTSA ↗	24.2% ODI 11461288 · 52,304 mi The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, he became aware that the windshield was not properly secured. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) as a possible solution to the failure. The failure mileage was 52,304. Look up ODI 11461288 at NHTSA ↗	321.4% ODI 11523845 The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Look up ODI 11523845 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes	87.3% ODI 10876999 · 45,860 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA CADENZA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH DOWNHILL, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL UNTIL IT REACHED A FLAT SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY FAILED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAI… Look up ODI 10876999 at NHTSA ↗	12.1% ODI 11561800 The same engine in these 2015 - 2016 Kia Cadenzas is the same engine present in the Kia Sorentos which have been being investigated for early failure, My kia cadenza stalled at 63 miles per hour on route 73 in new jersey and ever since I've been terrified of it, the dealer (Burlington Kia of South Jersey) told me this is common, and they have stingers and most cars with this same 3.3 engine in for the same failure and it just boggles my mind, I was driving and stalled at 68 while cars are flying by me all because of a known failure? Something t… Look up ODI 11561800 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	26.3% ODI 11105339 · 14,000 mi BRAKE ISSUE: I HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO A BRAKE FAILURE ON THIS CAR. I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY GOING DOWNHILL (SPEEDS 0 TO 10 MPH) IN A LINE OF CARS STOPPING AND GOING, STOPPING AND GOING MANY TIMES. AT FIRST THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT NORMAL AS PRESSURE WAS APPLIED THE CAR SLOWED THEN PETAL RESISTANCE WOULD DROP AND THE CAR WOULD SPEED UP DUE TO THE DOWNHILL GRADE. I APPLIED FOOT PRESSURE TO PETAL AGAIN AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I SLOWLY RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME MANY TIMES AS… Look up ODI 11105339 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	43.6% ODI 10595211 · 3,300 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA CADENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IPS FILTER FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10595211 at NHTSA ↗	12.1% ODI 10661857 · 5 mi UPON PRESSING ENGINE PUSH BUTTON START A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FILLED THE CABIN COMPARTMENT DURING IDLING WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK. THE ENGINE STARTED AS NORMAL WITH NO INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION. AS CAR WAS PUT INTO DRIVE AND DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE LESS THAN 500 FEET FROM MY STARTING POINT THE GASOLINE ODOR WAS OVERPOWERING IN THE CABIN COMPARTMENT AND THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB A SMALL INCLINE IN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE SPEED OVER 5 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR AROUND AND RETURN HOME. THE CAR WAS THEN DRIPPING G… Look up ODI 10661857 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	515.6% ODI 11047835 · 3,100 mi 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 T… Look up ODI 11047835 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	66,975 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10877062 · 13,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA CADENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER NOTICED SMOKE AND A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMAT… Look up ODI 10877062 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11207099 · 55,950 mi WHILE DRIVING HOME MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND LEAVE FUMES WITHIN THE CAR. I PULLED THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO INSPECT TO FIND THAT MY KICKPLATE WAS ON FIRE FROM BELOW THE KICKPLATE. I PULLED THE PANEL OFF AND DOUSED OUT THE FLAME. NOW WITH THE VEHICLE HOME I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE KNOWING SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS EVEN REMOTELY POSSIBLE. Look up ODI 11207099 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11222347 · 78,000 mi I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK TUESDAY EVENING, THEN I NOTICED MY HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER TWICE. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT THEN THEY SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. I FLIPPED THE SWITCH BACK AND FORTH UNTIL IT TURNED ON. THEN 5 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE THEY COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THEY NEVER CAME BACK ON. I HAD TO DRIVE 10 MINUTES TO MY HOUSE WITH MY HAZARDS. I GOT PULLED OVER BUT LUCKILY MY BROTHER IS A COP AND I WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE HIS GOLD CARD AND GOT A PASS FROM A TICKET. THE NEXT DAY I CHECKED ALL THE RELAYS AND FUSES IN THE CAR HOPING ONE HAD B… Look up ODI 11222347 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	19,503 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10661857 · 5 mi UPON PRESSING ENGINE PUSH BUTTON START A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FILLED THE CABIN COMPARTMENT DURING IDLING WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK. THE ENGINE STARTED AS NORMAL WITH NO INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION. AS CAR WAS PUT INTO DRIVE AND DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE LESS THAN 500 FEET FROM MY STARTING POINT THE GASOLINE ODOR WAS OVERPOWERING IN THE CABIN COMPARTMENT AND THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB A SMALL INCLINE IN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE SPEED OVER 5 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR AROUND AND RETURN HOME. THE CAR WAS THEN DRIPPING G… Look up ODI 10661857 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11279908 · 39,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA CADENZA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESTART. THE CONTACT WAITED APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RICK CASE KIA (14500 W SUNRISE BLVD, SUNRISE, FL 33323, [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 39,000… Look up ODI 11279908 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	36,200 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10839935 · 15,000 mi WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT PATH ON AN INTERSTATE AT ROUGHLY 70 MPH, THE SUNROOF OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED WITH A SOUND LIKE A BOMB GOING OFF. THE DEALER IS CLAIMING THE EXPLOSION WAS CAUSED BY A DIMPLE IN THE ROOF OF THE CAR CAUSED BY A ROCK OR AN OBJECT THAT HIT THE CAR AT SOME POINT. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP - AND ONLINE RESEARCH - SHOWS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF SUNROOFS EXPLODING IN THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR OF KIAS BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN REGISTERED AS YET. Look up ODI 10839935 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11114680 · 40,118 mi WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY LOCAL ROAD WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE, I HEARD A LOUND EXPLOSION. I LOOKED AT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR THINKING SOMETHING HAD CRASHED INTO THE BACK WINDSHIELD, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING. I GOT OUT TO CHECK THE CAR AND NOTICED A HUGE HOLE IN MY SUNROOF. THE GLASS HAD SHATTERED AND PIECES WERE EVERYWHERE. I CALLED KIA TO SEE IF IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY'VE NEVER COME ACROSS SOMETHING LIKE THIS. I EVEN SHOWED THEM MANY SOURCES ONLINE OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AND THEY STILL FAIL… Look up ODI 11114680 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11279519 · 36,200 mi 2015 KIA CADENZA PANORAMIC SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. SOUNDED LIKE A BOMB EXPLODED IN THE CAR AND THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL OBJECT INVOLVED. Look up ODI 11279519 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	78,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11222347 · 78,000 mi I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK TUESDAY EVENING, THEN I NOTICED MY HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER TWICE. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT THEN THEY SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. I FLIPPED THE SWITCH BACK AND FORTH UNTIL IT TURNED ON. THEN 5 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE THEY COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THEY NEVER CAME BACK ON. I HAD TO DRIVE 10 MINUTES TO MY HOUSE WITH MY HAZARDS. I GOT PULLED OVER BUT LUCKILY MY BROTHER IS A COP AND I WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE HIS GOLD CARD AND GOT A PASS FROM A TICKET. THE NEXT DAY I CHECKED ALL THE RELAYS AND FUSES IN THE CAR HOPING ONE HAD B… Look up ODI 11222347 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	113,925 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11558826 · 113,925 mi The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the heat was activated, and the contact became aware that the temperature gauge was inoperable. The contact stated there was no heat blowing out of the vents and the radio volume on the steering wheel was also inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of… Look up ODI 11558826 at NHTSA ↗
Visibility:Windshield	Too few reports for a range	90,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 11433323 · 51,000 mi The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the front windshield was loose and could be pushed out. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but, vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. Look up ODI 11433323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11461682 · 130,000 mi The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that upon cleaning the interior side of the windshield, she noticed that the windshield was unsteady. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) as the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Look up ODI 11461682 at NHTSA ↗
Structure:Body	Too few reports for a range	37,105 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11066923 · 37,105 mi WHEN I AM DRIVING HOME JUST A MILE AWAY FROM HOME I HEARD A POP NOISE SIMILAR TO A BALLOON AND MY KIDS WITH ME AND I ASKED THEM DID THEY HAVE ANY BALLOONS WITH YOU ALL . THEY SAY NO AND HEARD THE SAME NOISE AND I WAS THINKING MAY BE THE TIRE POPPED BUT I DIDN'T FEEL ANYTHING IN MY STEERING WHEEL . THEN I STARTED HEARING WIND NOISE COMING INTO THE CAR. THEN I REALIZED THE SUNROOF MUST HAVE EXPLODED. I GOT TO MY HOUSE AND GOT OUT CHECK IT OUT FIND ITS STARTING CRACK ALL OVER THE FRONT MOON ROOF. I COULD HEAR IT'S SLOWLY CRACKING WITH SUEAKY NOIS… Look up ODI 11066923 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	3	None	ODI 11617609 PLEASE OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO HYUNDAI/KIA LAMBDA II CLASS OF ENGINES! THEY ARE LEAVING HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES STRANDED! NHTSA NEEDS TO DO BETTER! STAND UP TO KIA MAKE THEM FIX THESE ENGINES! ITS UNFAIR TO THE LITTLE PEOPLE AKA THE CONSUMER! STOP PROTECTING THE GIANT COMPANIES! Look up ODI 11617609 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11617737 There are thousands of vejicles with a variant of the 3.3L V6 Lambda II GDI Hyundai/KIA class of engines on the road. There are hundreds if not thousands of complaints regarding different variants of this engine throught Hyundai/KIAs line up. All of them with seized engines. There are class action lawsuits in other countries regarding this engine. They have known since before 2015 that these engines were defective! Just like with the Theta class of engines these engines also have bad engine components. The metal that is used is subpar. Th… Look up ODI 11617737 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11617971 Engine seized. 3.3L Lambda II GDI. This is the 2nd Hyundai/KIA product that the engine has seized on me. Both with bearing failure. Neither on the list of recalled engines. You need to do a more thorough investigation into Hyundai/KIAs engines. The brands share the same power trains across the entire line up for a number of years. This class of engines has been produced for YEARS along with the Theta class of engines that you already forced Hyundai/KIA to recall. This seizure has cost me THOUSANDS and additional THOUSANDS that I am unab… Look up ODI 11617971 at NHTSA ↗
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	1	None	ODI 11639095 The bulbs had originally been replaced in 2021 at the dealer. We took the car to the dealer November 26, 2024 having noticed how dim they were around May 2024. The dealer states no problem was found, lights appear to be working normally. These are HID lights. The DS1 bulb color is white, and the composite lens color is clear. The dealer has no idea what the problem could be. Called the xenon bulb manufacturer. They believe that with the bulbs only being 4 years old and the light being bright and even white(they're rated 5K) the problem … Look up ODI 11639095 at NHTSA ↗
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	1	None	ODI 11714783 My entire Dash went Black. I could not see speed, gas level, milage. This is an extreme Hazard! I brought the car into "Crown KIA" in Clearwater to run a Diagnostic Check for 0.5 hour at $150 and they could not find the problem. I had no money to pay for additional time! I did research on this and found that this is a common problem with KIA's no matter what year!! Just because my particular VIN # is not on the recall should not absolve KIA from their duty to provide a safe reliable car! Look up ODI 11714783 at NHTSA ↗
2026-03	1	None	ODI 11726927 Vehicle: 2015 Kia Cadenza Issue: Open HECU Safety Recall , Fire Risk I am the owner of a 2015 Kia Cadenza with an open HECU recall related to a known fire risk. I have been experiencing a burning smell inside the cabin of the vehicle, consistent with the recall defect. Upon contacting Kia Consumer Assistance, I was advised not to drive the vehicle due to the fire risk and to have it towed to a dealer. However, after calling multiple Kia dealers in the Pittsburgh, PA area, the earliest available appointment is over one week away. Kia Consumer As… Look up ODI 11726927 at NHTSA ↗
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2019: 1 complaints · 2020: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2019	0	0	1
2020	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2019	5	0	0
2020	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Engine	Unknown Or Other	Exterior Lighting	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Steering	Visibility:Windshield	Structure:Body
Electrical System	—	1 ODI 11561995 There’s something drawing the battery AMPS down. This has been an ongoing problem for the last 6 months. Per Kia techs, it was my battery and grounds needed cleaning. Battery changed, techs cleaned all the grounds the problem still exists. I was informed that it was the alternator, new alternator installed. Problem still remains. A new starter installed, problem still exists. Look up ODI 11561995 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11579621 I received a recall letter dated [XXX] with NHTSA Recall #: [XXX] for 2015 Kia Cadenza Vin# [XXX] . I contacted Kia's customer care number on or around January 17, 2024 as I had started having more and more electrical problems associated with this recall. My compass direction on my rear view mirror has not worked for well over a year and a half. I cannot lock my car with my key fob going on a year now. If I do lock it with the key fob, my car alarm randomly goes off multiple multiple times. Now my interior lights are not properly going of… Look up ODI 11579621 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 11222347 · 78,000 mi I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK TUESDAY EVENING, THEN I NOTICED MY HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER TWICE. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT THEN THEY SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. I FLIPPED THE SWITCH BACK AND FORTH UNTIL IT TURNED ON. THEN 5 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE THEY COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THEY NEVER CAME BACK ON. I HAD TO DRIVE 10 MINUTES TO MY HOUSE WITH MY HAZARDS. I GOT PULLED OVER BUT LUCKILY MY BROTHER IS A COP AND I WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE HIS GOLD CARD AND GOT A PASS FROM A TICKET. THE NEXT DAY I CHECKED ALL THE RELAYS AND FUSES IN THE CAR HOPING ONE HAD B… Look up ODI 11222347 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11579621 I received a recall letter dated [XXX] with NHTSA Recall #: [XXX] for 2015 Kia Cadenza Vin# [XXX] . I contacted Kia's customer care number on or around January 17, 2024 as I had started having more and more electrical problems associated with this recall. My compass direction on my rear view mirror has not worked for well over a year and a half. I cannot lock my car with my key fob going on a year now. If I do lock it with the key fob, my car alarm randomly goes off multiple multiple times. Now my interior lights are not properly going of… Look up ODI 11579621 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11714783 My entire Dash went Black. I could not see speed, gas level, milage. This is an extreme Hazard! I brought the car into "Crown KIA" in Clearwater to run a Diagnostic Check for 0.5 hour at $150 and they could not find the problem. I had no money to pay for additional time! I did research on this and found that this is a common problem with KIA's no matter what year!! Just because my particular VIN # is not on the recall should not absolve KIA from their duty to provide a safe reliable car! Look up ODI 11714783 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11558826 · 113,925 mi The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the heat was activated, and the contact became aware that the temperature gauge was inoperable. The contact stated there was no heat blowing out of the vents and the radio volume on the steering wheel was also inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of… Look up ODI 11558826 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11501155 The vehicle steering wheel became hard to turn while driving. This could have caused serious accident and injury. The car also died on me while driving and impossible to turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. I then noticed a flashing light. This happened all at the same time and without notice. This could have been a major accident and I believe a serious defect as I saw too many KIA and Hyundai vehicles with the same complaints. Can this please be looked into? The vehicle next day refused to start. I paid $209.00 to g… Look up ODI 11501155 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Engine	1 ODI 11561995 There’s something drawing the battery AMPS down. This has been an ongoing problem for the last 6 months. Per Kia techs, it was my battery and grounds needed cleaning. Battery changed, techs cleaned all the grounds the problem still exists. I was informed that it was the alternator, new alternator installed. Problem still remains. A new starter installed, problem still exists. Look up ODI 11561995 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 11566794 To date comma manufacturer has failed to address the n h t s a recall number 23 v 652. Received interim recall notice in approximately September October of 2023, to date. There has been no action or contact from manufacturer as to when this vehicle should be brought in for service. Look up ODI 11566794 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 11561800 The same engine in these 2015 - 2016 Kia Cadenzas is the same engine present in the Kia Sorentos which have been being investigated for early failure, My kia cadenza stalled at 63 miles per hour on route 73 in new jersey and ever since I've been terrified of it, the dealer (Burlington Kia of South Jersey) told me this is common, and they have stingers and most cars with this same 3.3 engine in for the same failure and it just boggles my mind, I was driving and stalled at 68 while cars are flying by me all because of a known failure? Something t… Look up ODI 11561800 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Unknown Or Other	1 ODI 11579621 I received a recall letter dated [XXX] with NHTSA Recall #: [XXX] for 2015 Kia Cadenza Vin# [XXX] . I contacted Kia's customer care number on or around January 17, 2024 as I had started having more and more electrical problems associated with this recall. My compass direction on my rear view mirror has not worked for well over a year and a half. I cannot lock my car with my key fob going on a year now. If I do lock it with the key fob, my car alarm randomly goes off multiple multiple times. Now my interior lights are not properly going of… Look up ODI 11579621 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11566794 To date comma manufacturer has failed to address the n h t s a recall number 23 v 652. Received interim recall notice in approximately September October of 2023, to date. There has been no action or contact from manufacturer as to when this vehicle should be brought in for service. Look up ODI 11566794 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 11579621 I received a recall letter dated [XXX] with NHTSA Recall #: [XXX] for 2015 Kia Cadenza Vin# [XXX] . I contacted Kia's customer care number on or around January 17, 2024 as I had started having more and more electrical problems associated with this recall. My compass direction on my rear view mirror has not worked for well over a year and a half. I cannot lock my car with my key fob going on a year now. If I do lock it with the key fob, my car alarm randomly goes off multiple multiple times. Now my interior lights are not properly going of… Look up ODI 11579621 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Exterior Lighting	3 ODI 11222347 · 78,000 mi I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK TUESDAY EVENING, THEN I NOTICED MY HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER TWICE. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT THEN THEY SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. I FLIPPED THE SWITCH BACK AND FORTH UNTIL IT TURNED ON. THEN 5 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE THEY COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AGAIN BUT THIS TIME THEY NEVER CAME BACK ON. I HAD TO DRIVE 10 MINUTES TO MY HOUSE WITH MY HAZARDS. I GOT PULLED OVER BUT LUCKILY MY BROTHER IS A COP AND I WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE HIS GOLD CARD AND GOT A PASS FROM A TICKET. THE NEXT DAY I CHECKED ALL THE RELAYS AND FUSES IN THE CAR HOPING ONE HAD B… Look up ODI 11222347 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11579621 I received a recall letter dated [XXX] with NHTSA Recall #: [XXX] for 2015 Kia Cadenza Vin# [XXX] . I contacted Kia's customer care number on or around January 17, 2024 as I had started having more and more electrical problems associated with this recall. My compass direction on my rear view mirror has not worked for well over a year and a half. I cannot lock my car with my key fob going on a year now. If I do lock it with the key fob, my car alarm randomly goes off multiple multiple times. Now my interior lights are not properly going of… Look up ODI 11579621 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11714783 My entire Dash went Black. I could not see speed, gas level, milage. This is an extreme Hazard! I brought the car into "Crown KIA" in Clearwater to run a Diagnostic Check for 0.5 hour at $150 and they could not find the problem. I had no money to pay for additional time! I did research on this and found that this is a common problem with KIA's no matter what year!! Just because my particular VIN # is not on the recall should not absolve KIA from their duty to provide a safe reliable car! Look up ODI 11714783 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11579621 I received a recall letter dated [XXX] with NHTSA Recall #: [XXX] for 2015 Kia Cadenza Vin# [XXX] . I contacted Kia's customer care number on or around January 17, 2024 as I had started having more and more electrical problems associated with this recall. My compass direction on my rear view mirror has not worked for well over a year and a half. I cannot lock my car with my key fob going on a year now. If I do lock it with the key fob, my car alarm randomly goes off multiple multiple times. Now my interior lights are not properly going of… Look up ODI 11579621 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1 ODI 11558826 · 113,925 mi The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the heat was activated, and the contact became aware that the temperature gauge was inoperable. The contact stated there was no heat blowing out of the vents and the radio volume on the steering wheel was also inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of… Look up ODI 11558826 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Steering	1 ODI 11501155 The vehicle steering wheel became hard to turn while driving. This could have caused serious accident and injury. The car also died on me while driving and impossible to turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. I then noticed a flashing light. This happened all at the same time and without notice. This could have been a major accident and I believe a serious defect as I saw too many KIA and Hyundai vehicles with the same complaints. Can this please be looked into? The vehicle next day refused to start. I paid $209.00 to g… Look up ODI 11501155 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11561800 The same engine in these 2015 - 2016 Kia Cadenzas is the same engine present in the Kia Sorentos which have been being investigated for early failure, My kia cadenza stalled at 63 miles per hour on route 73 in new jersey and ever since I've been terrified of it, the dealer (Burlington Kia of South Jersey) told me this is common, and they have stingers and most cars with this same 3.3 engine in for the same failure and it just boggles my mind, I was driving and stalled at 68 while cars are flying by me all because of a known failure? Something t… Look up ODI 11561800 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0
Visibility:Windshield	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Structure:Body	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 113,925 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11558826 · 113,925 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the heat was activated, and the contact became aware that the temperature gauge was inoperable. The contact stated there was no heat blowing out of the vents and the radio volume on the steering wheel was also inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…

Look up ODI 11558826 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11561800

Look up ODI 11561800 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11417572

2015 Kia Cadenza. Consumer writes in regard to illuminated ABS and ESC warning lights and broken coil springs. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.

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ODI 11566792

Soft engine block issues causing headboats to pull out and head gasket to fail. Slight movement in temperature gauge and check engine light begin to flash. Sometimes sometime later after stopping at light check engine light came on flashing, Turn car off and restart engine., Car would not move, Turn vehicle off and then back on again. Finally able to get it removed off the highway. Service manager at dealership indicated that this was beginning to be a known issue with this V6 engine and. Occurring with engines over a hundred and fifty thousa…

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Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11287179

Look up ODI 11287179 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 5 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10661857 · 5 mi

UPON PRESSING ENGINE PUSH BUTTON START A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FILLED THE CABIN COMPARTMENT DURING IDLING WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK. THE ENGINE STARTED AS NORMAL WITH NO INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION. AS CAR WAS PUT INTO DRIVE AND DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE LESS THAN 500 FEET FROM MY STARTING POINT THE GASOLINE ODOR WAS OVERPOWERING IN THE CABIN COMPARTMENT AND THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB A SMALL INCLINE IN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE SPEED OVER 5 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR AROUND AND RETURN HOME. THE CAR WAS THEN DRIPPING G…

Look up ODI 10661857 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11501155

Look up ODI 11501155 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b