2017 Kia Cadenza: owner complaints and recalls

Analysis of 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 2 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.

31
Complaints
2
Recalls
4
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
1
Injuries
96.8
Severity index

Severity index 96.8 - High. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.

What actually fails

ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints citing it
ENGINE1032.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM619.4%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER619.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM516.1%
SERVICE BRAKES39.7%
WHEELS39.7%
AIR BAGS26.5%
SEAT BELTS26.5%

The single most-reported system is ENGINE, cited in 10 of 31 complaints (32.3%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.

Complaints filed per year

2017: 12018: 42019: 42021: 42023: 32024: 72025: 22026: 61718192123242526
YearComplaints
20171
20184
20194
20214
20233
20247
20252
2026 (year to date)6
Complaint volume is broadly steady year over year.

Recall campaigns

CampaignReportedComponentSummary
21V13700004/03/2021SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULEKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
17V19000016/03/2017SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSKia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
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.