Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2016 Kia CADENZA problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

14 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

42,674 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2016 model year. Data updated: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 14 complaints (28.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation214.3%
Braking behavior214.3%
Electrical and battery issues17.1%

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.

Engine
4
Visibility
3
Visibility:Windshield
3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Electrical System
1
Structure:Body
1
Suspension
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine4
Visibility3
Visibility:Windshield3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Unknown Or Other2
Electrical System1
Structure:Body1
Suspension1

Engine: 4; Visibility: 3; Visibility:Windshield: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Electrical System: 1; Structure:Body: 1; Suspension: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9991
150,000 and above0

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

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 11 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.

2016
1
2021
2
2022
2
2023
3
2024
2
2025
4
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20161
20212
20222
20233
20242
20254

2016: 1; 2021: 2; 2022: 2; 2023: 3; 2024: 2; 2025: 4

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 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 11684923 · 2025-09-04 (September 4, 2025)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11684923 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11702878 · 2025-12-03 (December 3, 2025)

My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the problem, did not escalate to Techline, and did not check or apply Kia Service Action WTY039, which was active. They returned the vehicle to me still overheating, forcing me into multiple out-of-pocket repairs for coolant, radiator,…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11702878 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11561041 · 2023-12-20 (December 20, 2023)

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.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11561041 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11585916 · 2024-04-29 (April 29, 2024)

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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms pa…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11585916 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11432257 · 2021-09-09 (September 9, 2021)

The Windshield is a defect on the cadenzas, as the seals break on them. It lifts up while driving or even shutting my doors, which I see as a safety hazard. It causes water to leak into the car by where my feet are and from the top of the windshield as well. I believe this is causing my car and other cadenzas to also have electric issues since i’ve had, 7 speakers blew, back up camera glitched and stopped working, sunroof stopped working and i’ve had signals / sounds stop working as well a shot throttle all before 24,000 miles.. Kia has been gi…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11432257 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

21.4%Usable mileage3 / 14 records
100.0%Valid incident date14 / 14 records
100.0%Valid filing date14 / 14 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates14 / 14 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2014201520162017201820192020
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…

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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…

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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…

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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. …

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
EngineToo few reports for a range42,674 mi1 (sparse)
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.

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VisibilityToo few reports for a range140,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11548019 · 140,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the front windshield was cracked and declined to p…

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Visibility:WindshieldToo few reports for a range140,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11548019 · 140,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the front windshield was cracked and declined to p…

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Structure:BodyToo few reports for a range10,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10934856 · 10,000 mi

ON DECEMBER 6, 2016 MY SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. THE EXPLOSION WAS SO LOUD AND VIOLENT I THOUGHT I WAS SHOT. SHARDS OF GLASS RAINED DOWN ON MY HEAD. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A VEHICLE COLLISION, BUT WAS VERY SHAKEN UP ABOUT THE ORDEAL. MY RIGHT EAR FELT DEAF AND I NOTICEABLE HAVE LESS HEARING AS A RESULT OF THE EXPLOSION. *TR

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Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-031None
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.

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2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-051None
ODI 11660507

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water and air leaking through the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility); however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the repair was not necessary. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, a significant amount of water leaked through the windshield, causing the contact to be soaked. The contact stated that upon attempting to wipe the in…

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2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-091None
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 …

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2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-121None
ODI 11702878

My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the problem, did not escalate to Techline, and did not check or apply Kia Service Action WTY039, which was active. They returned the vehicle to me still overheating, forcing me into multiple out-of-pocket repairs for coolant, radiator,…

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2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2019: 1 complaints · 2020: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2019001
2020000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2019500
2020000

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
ComponentEngineVisibilityVisibility:WindshieldService Brakes, HydraulicUnknown Or OtherElectrical SystemStructure:BodySuspension
Engine—000
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 …

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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 …

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00
Visibility0—
1
ODI 11548019 · 140,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the front windshield was cracked and declined to p…

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00000
Visibility:Windshield0
1
ODI 11548019 · 140,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the front windshield was cracked and declined to p…

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—00000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic000—0000
Unknown Or Other
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 …

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000—
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 …

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00
Electrical System
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 …

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000
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 …

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—00
Structure:Body000000—0
Suspension0000000—

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.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 14.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

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 …

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ODI 11702878

My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the problem, did not escalate to Techline, and did not check or apply Kia Service Action WTY039, which was active. They returned the vehicle to me still overheating, forcing me into multiple out-of-pocket repairs for coolant, radiator,…

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 14.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 91,337 mi (2 usable records).

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.

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ODI 11548019 · 140,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the front windshield was cracked and declined to p…

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