Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2017 Kia CADENZA problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

32 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

17,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2017 model year. Data updated: . 13 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 32 complaints (34.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior618.8%
Engine operation26.3%
Steering behavior26.3%
Fuel system concerns26.3%
Electrical and battery issues13.1%

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
11
Electrical System
6
Unknown Or Other
6
Fuel/Propulsion System
5
Wheels
3
Air Bags
2
Seat Belts
2
Service Brakes
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine11
Electrical System6
Unknown Or Other6
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Wheels3
Air Bags2
Seat Belts2
Service Brakes2

Engine: 11; Electrical System: 6; Unknown Or Other: 6; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Wheels: 3; Air Bags: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Service Brakes: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
9
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0009
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 9; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 19 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.

2017
1
2018
4
2019
4
2021
4
2023
3
2024
7
2025
2
2026
7
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20171
20184
20194
20214
20233
20247
20252
20267

2017: 1; 2018: 4; 2019: 4; 2021: 4; 2023: 3; 2024: 7; 2025: 2; 2026: 7

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 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 11105339 · 2018-07-03 (July 3, 2018)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 14,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11105339 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11166394 · 2019-01-10 (January 10, 2019)

I WAS BRAKING APPROACHING A LIGHT ON A STATE ROAD, WHEN THE BRAKE WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR SUDDENLY AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE SLOWED BUT DID NOT STOP, I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.

Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11166394 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11567670 · 2024-01-24 (January 24, 2024)

I purchased my 2017 Cadenza, Sept 2022. I've always had problems with the engine. Coolant loss, smoke from the engine after drving , loss of power and oil loss. This past August 2023 I had to replace my AC valve for 3800. My engine has gotten worse. smoke constantly comes from the engine and now my oil sensor light is coming on. I've always done maintenance on the car. Oil changes and the required milage maintenance. I've notice other owners of the 2017 cadenza have had the same problems. I'm the next step will be my engine sizing. I notice s…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11567670 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11716465 · 2026-02-07 (February 7, 2026)

I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the build…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11716465 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11572486 · 2024-02-17 (February 17, 2024)

Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no where. I used a fire extinguisher to put out, even moved some plastic from wheel well to completely put out. Tow truck driver (non mechanic) told kia that the plastic caused the fire. Was told no warranty or recall for kia to do anything for it, i have to…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11572486 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11755228 · 2026-08-06 (August 6, 2026)

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Ele…

Owner-reported narrative. 165,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11755228 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11047835 · 2017-11-21 (November 21, 2017)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 11047835 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11150022 · 2018-11-07 (November 7, 2018)

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS NHTSA COMPLAINT ID 11047835. THE STRONG RAW FUEL ODOR AFTER FILLUP RECURRED ON MY VEHICLE AT 9550 MILES, 3600 MILES AFTER THIS PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED. DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE REPAIRED GAP IN THE PREVIOUSLY-REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP SEAL; HOWEVER, FUEL SMELL REMAINS WHEN TANK IS FULL UNTIL DEPLETED TO ABOUT HALF. I ASK NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE KIA CADENZA.

Owner-reported narrative. 9,550 miles reported. Look up ODI 11150022 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11592024 · 2024-06-02 (June 2, 2024)

A little history, my Cadenza was placed at KIA of Bradley [XXX] 2024, I complained of oil burning, the oil sending unit light staying on and the engine dying. The Kia rep found “THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER INTERNALLY FAULTED, LEAKING OIL INTERNALLY – OIL LEAKING DOWN TO PIGTAIL HARNESS”. The Oil pressure switch and wiring harness lead were replaced. Here lies the problem. During my visit in Feb, I told Kia about the burning oil smell, I provided a video of the smoke coming from the engine and the oil light staying on. I was relying on Kia’s exper…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11592024 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

40.6%Usable mileage13 / 32 records
100.0%Valid incident date32 / 32 records
100.0%Valid filing date32 / 32 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates32 / 32 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…

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…

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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…

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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 range35,000 mi3 (sparse)
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.

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ODI 11567071 · 35,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed that the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then drove to a nearby dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil gasket and the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon pickin…

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ODI 11755228 · 165,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Ele…

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range3,000 mi1 (sparse)
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.

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Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range13,888 mi1 (sparse)
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.

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Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range6,325 mi2 (sparse)
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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ODI 11150022 · 9,550 mi

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS NHTSA COMPLAINT ID 11047835. THE STRONG RAW FUEL ODOR AFTER FILLUP RECURRED ON MY VEHICLE AT 9550 MILES, 3600 MILES AFTER THIS PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED. DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE REPAIRED GAP IN THE PREVIOUSLY-REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP SEAL; HOWEVER, FUEL SMELL REMAINS WHEN TANK IS FULL UNTIL DEPLETED TO ABOUT HALF. I ASK NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE KIA CADENZA.

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WheelsToo few reports for a range22,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 11209114 · 17,000 mi

CAR CUPPED TIRES AROUND 17000 MILES. DEALER BLAMED ME FOR CAR NOT BEING ALIGNED AND NOT ROTATED FREQUENTLY ENOUGH I.E. 7500 MILES. I DISAGREED WITH DEALER FILED COMPLAINT WITH KIA AND THEY MADE A COMPROMISE AND I PAID FOR 2 TIRES AND KIA PAID FOR 2 TIRES, DIFFERENT TIRE BRAND THAN PREVIOUS TIRES. CAR AGAIN CUPPED TIRES AROUND 44000 MILES. I HEARD SOUND IMMEDIATELY AFTER TIRE ROTATION BACK TO FRONT. TOOK CAR TO KIA SEAN THE SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED FRONT TIRES WERE CUPPED. TOOK CAR TO KIA DEALER A WEEK OR SO LATER TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. TH…

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ODI 11245195 · 22,500 mi

I HAVE 4 HANCOOK VENTIS S1 NOBLE 2+ TIRES ON MY 2017 KIA CADENZA. THE SIZE AND DOT NUMBERS ARE 245/45R18 96V DOT 5MEF 1A H 0217 I HAVE A BUBBLE, IN THE SIDEWALL, IN ONE TIRE THAT MAY BE THE RESULT OF A CRACK IN THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRES ARE VERY NOISY PARTICULARLY AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE REAR TIRES ARE AT 4/32" DEPTH AT 22,500 MILES. CAN YOU ADVISE ME IF THESE TIRES ARE PART OF A RECALL? THANKS FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. REGARDS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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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…

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Air BagsToo few reports for a range10,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11112627 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2017 KIA CADENZA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CERVICAL STENOSIS AND A HERNIATED DISK IN THE LOWER BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE IT WAS DEEMED OPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE …

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Seat BeltsToo few reports for a range60,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11537234 · 60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the front passenger’s seat belt failed to latch or retract as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper and lower seat belt retractor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

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Service BrakesToo few reports for a range17,000 mi2 (sparse)
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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ODI 11166394 · 20,000 mi

I WAS BRAKING APPROACHING A LIGHT ON A STATE ROAD, WHEN THE BRAKE WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR SUDDENLY AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE SLOWED BUT DID NOT STOP, I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.

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Complaint and recall timeline

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

3 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.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-102None
ODI 11691010

I am submitting a complaint regarding my 2017 Kia Cadenza related to an ongoing airbag system failure and Kia’s refusal to cover the repair under their existing airbag warranty extension. My VIN is included in Kia’s WTY027 warranty extension, which extends coverage for repairs related to the Airbag Warning Light illumination from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/unlimited miles. Despite this, Kia Affairs has denied coverage because the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) pulled by the dealership do not “exactly match” the codes listed in the exte…

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ODI 11693269

Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed t…

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2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-011None
ODI 11709255

This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT. On 11/10/2025 car showed engine overheating. In fear, I immediately brought to closest mechanic stating same problem, ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR HOSE WHICH GOES HAND IN HAND. Before work began I le…

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2026-021None
ODI 11716465

I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the build…

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2026-033None
ODI 11723674

Check engine was flashing in front of my house in Brookhaven Pa. Took to mechanic around the corner, diagnosed with a blown head gasket & oil in my anti freeze over flow. Internal engine failure. Had towed to Kia dealership in NJ

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ODI 11725993

I currently have a complaint 11709255 regarding the electric thermostat. I just had that part replaced in November of 2025 for the 3rd time. Last week, again I had a warning of engine problem. The next day there was cold air blowing when the heat was on. The dash thermostat immediately began to move to hot. I was thankfully close to home. I turned car off and fan continues to run under the hood. I cannot afford to keep having this part replaced. Please look into this. This is not right.

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ODI 11727779

The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed replacing , dealer put the car back together and told me we had to wrap up the work and return rental and get my car knowing it is a fire hazard I was in contact with warranty company for escalation who would not cover the recall part according to the…

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2026-041None
ODI 11732978

Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being loose but there was no evidence of that.

Look up ODI 11732978 at NHTSA ↗

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-081None
ODI 11755228 · 165,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Ele…

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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
ComponentEngineElectrical SystemUnknown Or OtherFuel/Propulsion SystemWheelsAir BagsSeat BeltsService Brakes
Engine—
2
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 ↗

ODI 11693269

Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed t…

Look up ODI 11693269 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11693269

Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed t…

Look up ODI 11693269 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11709255

This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT. On 11/10/2025 car showed engine overheating. In fear, I immediately brought to closest mechanic stating same problem, ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR HOSE WHICH GOES HAND IN HAND. Before work began I le…

Look up ODI 11709255 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11716465

I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the build…

Look up ODI 11716465 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Electrical System
2
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 ↗

ODI 11693269

Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed t…

Look up ODI 11693269 at NHTSA ↗

—
2
ODI 11572486

Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no where. I used a fire extinguisher to put out, even moved some plastic from wheel well to completely put out. Tow truck driver (non mechanic) told kia that the plastic caused the fire. Was told no warranty or recall for kia to do anything for it, i have to…

Look up ODI 11572486 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11693269

Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed t…

Look up ODI 11693269 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Unknown Or Other
2
ODI 11693269

Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed t…

Look up ODI 11693269 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11709255

This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT. On 11/10/2025 car showed engine overheating. In fear, I immediately brought to closest mechanic stating same problem, ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR HOSE WHICH GOES HAND IN HAND. Before work began I le…

Look up ODI 11709255 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11572486

Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no where. I used a fire extinguisher to put out, even moved some plastic from wheel well to completely put out. Tow truck driver (non mechanic) told kia that the plastic caused the fire. Was told no warranty or recall for kia to do anything for it, i have to…

Look up ODI 11572486 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11693269

Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed t…

Look up ODI 11693269 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
ODI 11716465

I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the build…

Look up ODI 11716465 at NHTSA ↗

00—0000
Wheels0000—000
Air Bags00000—00
Seat Belts000000—0
Service Brakes0000000—

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.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

8 mentions · 25.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,000 mi (3 usable records).

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.

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ODI 11567071 · 35,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed that the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then drove to a nearby dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil gasket and the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon pickin…

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ODI 11592024

A little history, my Cadenza was placed at KIA of Bradley [XXX] 2024, I complained of oil burning, the oil sending unit light staying on and the engine dying. The Kia rep found “THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER INTERNALLY FAULTED, LEAKING OIL INTERNALLY – OIL LEAKING DOWN TO PIGTAIL HARNESS”. The Oil pressure switch and wiring harness lead were replaced. Here lies the problem. During my visit in Feb, I told Kia about the burning oil smell, I provided a video of the smoke coming from the engine and the oil light staying on. I was relying on Kia’s exper…

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

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11567670

I purchased my 2017 Cadenza, Sept 2022. I've always had problems with the engine. Coolant loss, smoke from the engine after drving , loss of power and oil loss. This past August 2023 I had to replace my AC valve for 3800. My engine has gotten worse. smoke constantly comes from the engine and now my oil sensor light is coming on. I've always done maintenance on the car. Oil changes and the required milage maintenance. I've notice other owners of the 2017 cadenza have had the same problems. I'm the next step will be my engine sizing. I notice s…

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ODI 11716465

I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the build…

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 14,000 mi (1 usable records).

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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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 11592024

A little history, my Cadenza was placed at KIA of Bradley [XXX] 2024, I complained of oil burning, the oil sending unit light staying on and the engine dying. The Kia rep found “THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER INTERNALLY FAULTED, LEAKING OIL INTERNALLY – OIL LEAKING DOWN TO PIGTAIL HARNESS”. The Oil pressure switch and wiring harness lead were replaced. Here lies the problem. During my visit in Feb, I told Kia about the burning oil smell, I provided a video of the smoke coming from the engine and the oil light staying on. I was relying on Kia’s exper…

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Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 3.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 165,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11755228 · 165,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Ele…

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