2016 Kia Cadenza: owner complaints and recalls

Analysis of 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 2 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.

14
Complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
0
Injuries
0.0
Severity index

Severity index 0.0 - Low. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.

What actually fails

ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints citing it
VISIBILITY642.9%
ENGINE428.6%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER214.3%
SERVICE BRAKES214.3%
HYDRAULIC214.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17.1%
SUSPENSION17.1%
STRUCTURE17.1%

The single most-reported system is VISIBILITY, cited in 6 of 14 complaints (42.9%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.

Complaints filed per year

2016: 12021: 22022: 22023: 32024: 22025: 4162122232425
YearComplaints
20161
20212
20222
20233
20242
20254
Complaint volume is rising - the last three years carry 1.8x the filings of the three before them, which usually signals a wear-related defect surfacing with age.

Recall campaigns

CampaignReportedComponentSummary
22V15800015/03/2022VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELDKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
23V65200025/09/2023SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Con
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.