Kia Cadenza Complaints

218 consumer complaints on file.

#11693269October 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 to pay for the fan wires that kept the engine cool because they had melted in the process.i have had issues with right brake fluid and boot as well. Changed brakes.most of the time It has been loss of oil or engine knocking then needed to rebuild the engine which I had to pay $4000. Im sad and upset that most of the time I have had my car it has been in the shop or having to be parked for a length of time.( avg. 3-20 days) was called back to say it was another issue.Took to another dealer who repaired . had to take in for repeat engine issues and knocking sounds the wasn’t “reproduced” it was clearly heard when manager drove it but service provider said no. So frustrated that I have spend a lot of money for engine issues and haven’t had a chance to enjoy the vehicle, frustrated it is performed less than what I expected.have never taken my car to any other but dealership and kept up with maintenance. the rest was slow to accelerate(even after just picking up from dealership) a lot of knocking .Engine was “rebuilt” and It’s still in the shop today. Driving without oil loss notification.Now radiator hose is swollen/soft at top unsure if oil or water. And I need to pay for hose $400 now another $1000? braking feels unusual after they replaced. I notified KIA customer support/emailed all receipts and return call was told no recalls about a year ago and she would call dealership. Car was at dealership for a while at that time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691010October 2, 2025
AIR BAGS
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 extension, even though the warning light is on and the issue affects the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Kia Affairs acknowledged the problem and escalated the case to their District Parts & Service Manager (DPSM) for possible goodwill coverage. However, goodwill is discretionary and not guaranteed, leaving me potentially responsible for expensive labor costs on a federally required safety system. My Concerns: The airbag light remains illuminated, which means the airbags may not deploy in a crash — a critical safety hazard. Kia’s decision to exclude legitimate SRS failures because the DTCs do not exactly match their list undermines the purpose of the warranty extension. Owners whose VINs are included in the extension are still being denied coverage based on technicalities, despite facing the same safety risk. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA investigate whether Kia’s narrow, code-based coverage criteria is improperly excluding safety-related airbag failures that should be repaired under the warranty extension. This appears to leave consumers unprotected from a defect in a federally regulated safety system. I can provide: The dealership’s diagnostic codes and repair order. Correspondence from Kia Affairs regarding the denial. Warranty extension documentation showing my VIN is included. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690817October 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway at 65 mph when suddenly the sunroof exploded in an outward fashion causing me to pull over. I believe there is a defect in the sunroofs of 2011 to 2014 models. I've contacted Kia. They refused to cover it. Nothing hit the windshield. It just spontaneously exploded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11685929September 9, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle has been properly maintained and at 78k miles, while at a stop sign, the engine seized. No warning signs from vehicle appeared.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684923September 4, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 been directed to issue extended warranties on these engines due to systemic defects (including bearing wear, engine failure, and overheating). •Despite this, Kia continues to deny or delay proper repairs and instead authorized the dealer to replace only a cooling fan relay, which did not fix the defect. 2.Dealer Misconduct •Central Kia of Plano kept my vehicle for 10 days, charged me $269.92, and returned the vehicle still overheating. •I was told a Techline case would be submitted, but I have confirmed this was never done. 3.Incomplete Recall Repairs •I requested completion of open recalls: •SC232 – Windshield Bonding •SC284VG – HECU Fire Risk •The dealer marked one as complete and the other as pending, but I have no confirmation in Kia’s system that either was properly completed. 4.Corporate Inaction •I have multiple open cases with Kia Corporate, but they have failed to escalate or reassign me to a reputable dealer. •Despite the extended warranty obligation, Kia has not replaced the engine or confirmed a permanent repair. Why I Am Contacting NHTSA •This is not an isolated issue — it is a known safety defect across these engines. •Kia has been required to extend warranties for this exact defect but is failing to honor that coverage by stalling, misdiagnosing, and leaving vehicles unsafe. •My vehicle remains unsafe to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662295May 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle independently went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that there was no oil in the engine. A diagnostic test was performed; however, no oil leaks or failures were discovered. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer for service. The mechanic added oil to the engine and the contact drove to the local dealer. The contact was informed that an oil change was needed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660507May 12, 2025
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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 interior of the windshield, the windshield was unsecured and almost separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windshield could be pushed forward. The contact was able to put the windshield back into place. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655316April 17, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Interior door handle chrome has delaminated. Both my wife and my hand have been sliced open on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654893April 16, 2025
ENGINE
The engine started smoking and knocking really bad. Took it to the kia dealership and was told a piston o ring and gasket went bad because of heavy oil consumption that caused antifreeze to leak inside the motor while sitting still and this was causing the burning smell because the cylinder had gone bad because of this. The dealership states this was a known issue with all kias from this year and should be under recall. So I called kia because the car only has 80k miles and they informed me it's not apart of the open recall because it's a cadenza. What if I hadn't went back outside and seen the smoke and the car caught fire and burned my home down. It seems like kia knows all of these motors are bad and trying to keep it secret
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652256April 2, 2025
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the windshield was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility), and it was determined that the windshield had not detached so the windshield was not replaced. The contact stated that after the windshield was inspected, the contact noticed that the windshield was detaching on the driver's side lower corner, causing water to leak into the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who confirmed the failure, and that the windshield needed to be replaced; however, the VIN was no longer included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652363April 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that parts were on backorder. 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649124March 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640601February 4, 2025
ENGINE
Failure of Oil Pressure Sensor resulting in oil leaking into wiring harness, this is the same problem with 3.3L engines in other models that KIA has extended coverage. I contacted KIA Customer Care and was told they tracked VIN and not enough Cadenzas had reported the same repair. If the problem is with the engine sensor then it should apply regardless of vehicle it was installed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639095January 28, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The bulbs had originally been replaced in 2021 at the dealer. We took the car to the dealer November 26, 2024 having noticed how dim they were around May 2024. The dealer states no problem was found, lights appear to be working normally. These are HID lights. The DS1 bulb color is white, and the composite lens color is clear. The dealer has no idea what the problem could be. Called the xenon bulb manufacturer. They believe that with the bulbs only being 4 years old and the light being bright and even white(they're rated 5K) the problem is elsewhere in the electrical system. The dealer made a similar comment about their color when the car was checked. The dealer rechecked the lights 01/26/25, still could not identify a problem, and suggested that we start by replacing the bulbs, then move on from there. These bulbs retail for $400 and headlight assemblies run about $1700 ea. I advised that you cannot see much past the front of the car with the lights on and that either the high beams or fog lights need to be on when conditions dictate the use of the lights. It is nearly impossible to discern road hazards such as potholes or potential problems on the roadside within the headlamps arc.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631570December 19, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VISIBILITY, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. After the repair was completed, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was shifted into reverse and then driven before accelerating as intended. Additionally, the sunroof was leaking. The vehicle was taken to SAFELITE Auto Glass, and the contact was informed that there was no adhesive glue on the top of the windshield from the driver to the passenger’s side, causing a slight detachment. The contact was also informed that the sunroof had severe rusting around the seal due to rain being able to leak from the lack of adhesive. The rust caused the handle for the sunroof to detach. The windshield had been replaced by SAFELITE Auto Glass. The failure persisted and the vehicle was returned to SAFELITE Auto Glass, and the windshield was replaced a second time 3 years later. The contact stated that due to the water leak, the dashboard started bubbling and eventually burst resulting in a hole being formed. The windshield had been replaced. The contact learned the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The vehicle had been taken to the dealer who had replaced the dashboard and removed the cup attached to the windshield and installed a defrosting sensor. The contact stated that the leak persisted. The contact had learned that the windshield should have been replaced instead of just the sensor. The vehicle had begun to display a message asking for the driver to comply however, it was unclear exactly what the vehicle was referencing. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the contact became aware that the dealer had only driven the vehicle 1 mile, and the contact believed it was not long e
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630102December 11, 2024
VISIBILITY, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza V6. The contact stated that water leaks into the windshield whenever it rains. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds the vehicle would hesitate before accelerating and when attempting to turn left or right the vehicle would briefly stop and then jump/surge forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who refused to remedy the defective windshield. The vehicle was inspected by SafeLight who diagnosed that the windshield seal had failed due to a lack of adhesive. The seal was replaced. The failure persisted after the repair. The dashboard had become inflated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who did not diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure persisted and the vehicle would announce a warning stating, " You Must Comply" The contact was unsure what the warning was referring to. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who confirmed the VIN was included in recalls with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V158000 (visibility) and 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The windshield had been replaced due to the defogger sensor and certain portions not being properly repaired. The recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (visibility) remedy was completed and the leak. The contact learned that the leak had caused severe rusting resulting in a hole in the sunroof. The contact also noticed that the steering gear had rust on it as well. The rust had not been addressed. The contact stated they were told that the remedy for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) had just been repaired but still showed attached. The vehicle no longer leaked water but still displayed hesitation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened regarding the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 41,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617971October 3, 2024
ENGINE
Engine seized. 3.3L Lambda II GDI. This is the 2nd Hyundai/KIA product that the engine has seized on me. Both with bearing failure. Neither on the list of recalled engines. You need to do a more thorough investigation into Hyundai/KIAs engines. The brands share the same power trains across the entire line up for a number of years. This class of engines has been produced for YEARS along with the Theta class of engines that you already forced Hyundai/KIA to recall. This seizure has cost me THOUSANDS and additional THOUSANDS that I am unable to pay. I was forced to do a voluntary surrender of the vehicle due to this repairs! BEFORE completing the suggested maintenance totaling over 5 thousand dollars the service tech should have warned me that the engine wasn't going to last much longer instead of telling me that the repairs were necessary and could be dangerous. The dealer and this company took advantage of me and who knows how many others! NHTSA needs to do something about Hyundai/KIA!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617737October 2, 2024
ENGINE
There are thousands of vejicles with a variant of the 3.3L V6 Lambda II GDI Hyundai/KIA class of engines on the road. There are hundreds if not thousands of complaints regarding different variants of this engine throught Hyundai/KIAs line up. All of them with seized engines. There are class action lawsuits in other countries regarding this engine. They have known since before 2015 that these engines were defective! Just like with the Theta class of engines these engines also have bad engine components. The metal that is used is subpar. These engines need to be recalled. Every owner needs a replacement engine. The little people need justice. Every day someone is affected by a Hyundai/KIA product in a major way. $11,000 dollar engine. Every service completed every repair completed every recall completed thousands of dollars invested into this vehicle only to have it fail me. Now I am stuck like many others with a car that I am forced to surrender to my lender because of the negligence of a huge corporation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617609October 1, 2024
ENGINE
PLEASE OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO HYUNDAI/KIA LAMBDA II CLASS OF ENGINES! THEY ARE LEAVING HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES STRANDED! NHTSA NEEDS TO DO BETTER! STAND UP TO KIA MAKE THEM FIX THESE ENGINES! ITS UNFAIR TO THE LITTLE PEOPLE AKA THE CONSUMER! STOP PROTECTING THE GIANT COMPANIES!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616271September 24, 2024
ENGINE
At startup I experienced a knock in the engine which seemed to have gone away. I notified the KIA dealership of the issue. The service advisor told me to drive the vehicle in for service. While attempting to drive the vehicle in for service the vehicle TURNED OFF while going 55MPH without any warning at all. KIA diagnosed the vehicle with a failed crank bearing and that it can happen to high mileage vehicles despite imbecile maintenance records. I have read hundreds of complaints regarding the HYUNDAI/KIA 3.3L Lambda II class engines and faliures at various mileage. Prior to this vehicle i owned a 2012 Buick Regal CXL Turbo. When I decided I no longer wanted to invest any money into it it had over 280,000 miles on it. The engine and transmission were still running strong. I believe that the quality of the materials used and the workmanship is below what the standard should be. Also considering all of the problems that this corporation has had with other engines who is to say that these engines are not also defective?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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