Kia Cadenza problems

Kia Cadenza years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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Kia Cadenza model years

Common Kia Cadenza problems

Based on complaints from Kia Cadenza owners, common problems with the Kia Cadenza include:

Trouble with the Sunroof: Owners have reported issues with the sunroof in Kia Cadenza models. This problem can lead to difficulties in opening or closing the sunroof, leaks, or even complete malfunction of the sunroof system.
Knocking When the Engine Starts Up: Another common problem reported by Kia Cadenza owners is a knocking sound when the engine starts up. This issue can be indicative of engine problems or issues with the ignition system.
Poor Acceleration: Some owners have experienced poor acceleration in their Kia Cadenza vehicles. This issue can affect the overall performance of the car, leading to sluggish acceleration and reduced driving experience.
No Daytime Running Lights: Owners have also complained about the lack of functioning daytime running lights in their Kia Cadenza. This can pose safety concerns, especially during daytime driving or in low visibility conditions.

These problems can impact the driving experience, safety, and overall satisfaction with the Kia Cadenza. It's essential for owners to address these issues promptly to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of their vehicles.

Is Kia Cadenza a reliable car?

According to repairpal.com, the Cadenza scores ⅘. This score puts it in the top four compared to other full-size cars. The Kia Cadenza is dependable and a more affordable luxury vehicle option. It's worth it if you purchase the best years.

Are Kia Cadenza expensive to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Cadenza is $491, compared to an average of $590 for fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.

What are the best years for a Kia Cadenza?

The Kia Cadenza scores well in reliability and is a quality choice for a full-size sedan. We recommend the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021 selections for the best results. These will keep money and time on your side.

Why did Kia discontinue the Cadenza?

But in 2021, the automaker unexpectedly announced the Cadenza would be discontinued, and it would appear that poor sales in the U.S. were to blame. In January 2020, it was reported that Stateside sales for the Cadenza peaked at a meager 1,265 units.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Cadenza years

We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Cadenza cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Kia Cadenza model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Cadenza model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Cadenza years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Kia Cadenza car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Kia Cadenza , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Engine problems
Service brakes problems
Electrical system problems
Unknown or other problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Cadenza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Cadenza model years

A total of 8 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Cadenza model years

There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Cadenza model years

There were a total of 11 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 182 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Cadenza . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Cadenza vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Kia Cadenza 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-24
Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
VIN: KNALN4D71F5
Components: ENGINE
Summary: 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!

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Kia Cadenza 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
Date Complaint: 2024-10-02
VIN: KNALN4D71F5
Components: ENGINE
Summary: 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.

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Kia Cadenza 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
VIN: KNALN4D71F5
Components: ENGINE
Summary: 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!

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Kia Cadenza 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
VIN: KNALN4D71F5
Components: ENGINE
Summary: 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?

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Kia Cadenza 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
VIN: KNALN4D71F5
Components: ENGINE
Summary: Engine seized without warning while driving at approx 50mph. This occurred within 6,000 miles of a KIA dealership performing a 6,000 dollar maintenance to the vehicle.

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Kia Cadenza 2017

Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
Date Complaint: 2024-07-28
VIN: KNALC4J10H5
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: While driving 80 mph on Interstate 25 in Wyoming, my wife, great granddaughter (in a car seat), and I (driver) suddenly heard a LOUD bang, followed by wind noise coming from the top of the car. I opened the moonroof and found that the sunroof had exploded and shattered. We were on the northbound lanes with no traffic, other than 1 pickup truck in front of us by approximately 200 yards.There was no evidence of debris hitting it. Temperature was in the low 80’s at approximately 5:30 pm. I have no explanation for the sunroof exploding. Being that the incident happened on Friday evening, I have yet to take the vehicle into a dealer or glass shop

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Kia Cadenza 2014

Date Of Incident: 2024-06-26
Date Complaint: 2024-06-26
VIN: KNALN4D77E5
Components: STEERING
Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while reversing, he became aware that the electronic power steering briefly seized in position while turning, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence while reversing. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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Kia Cadenza 2017

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-31
Date Complaint: 2024-06-02
VIN: KNALB4J1XH5
Components: ENGINE
Summary: 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 expertise because it’s their product. The complaints I had were about the same issues the KIA Sorento 3.3 L had, considering my Cadenaza has a 3.3 GDI engine also. The Sorento’s engine was recalled. Move forward to [XXX], 2024, I brought my Cadenaza to Kia of Bradley to have my windshield fluid motor checked because only the passenger’s side was spraying fluid, after Kia telling me the car would probably be held for a couple of days I decided to come back later. Here lies the problem, during the visit a Vehicle inspection was supposedly done on my car. Mind you, I have always had oil checks done and regular maintenance done (I have receipts to prove it). [XXX], stated the things that need to be done I had done by another dealer and there was no mention of oil being low for the car nor problem with the Oil sensor unit that was replaced in Feb 2024. Mind you, I never had any low oil engine light come oil or any OIL LEAKS OR COOLANT LEAKS ON THE FLOOR OF MY GARAGE. I figured my OIL AND COOLENT LEVEL WERE FINE, I never gotten any warning lights from the newly replaced Oil sender unit. I took my KIA Cadenza to Firestone in Mokena, IL to service my windshield motor on [XXX]. Firestone performed a basic check of my car that Kia of Bradley performed [XXX], 2024. Firestone found there was no oil in the engine because the engine burned it all and my coolant was burned inside of my engine also. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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Kia Cadenza 2014

Date Of Incident: 2023-09-25
Date Complaint: 2024-05-27
VIN: KNALN4D79E5
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: 8 MONTHS AND NO FIX FOR THE RECALL. HOW IS THAT A TIMELY RESPONSE. WHAT CAN I DO ?

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Kia Cadenza 2014

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-22
Date Complaint: 2024-05-22
VIN: KNALN4D71E5
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 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 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 parts not available.

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Kia Cadenza 2014

Date Of Incident: 2023-11-14
Date Complaint: 2024-05-21
VIN: KNALN4D79E5
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 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 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 parts not available.

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Kia Cadenza 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-11-23
Date Complaint: 2024-05-17
VIN: KNALN4D71F5
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: I received a letter dated November 14, 2023 from KIA America identifying a defect in my vehicle which relates to motor vehicle safety. The defect in the hydrolic electronic control unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short in the engine compartment which can result in an engine fire while driving or parked. It is recommended to park outdoors and away from other vehicles. Status checks on the recall were done on 3/10/2024, 4/24/2024 and 5/17/2024 with KIA Customer Care Center at 800-333-4542 which as ot today the recorded message indicates no solution is available yet. I am preparing to take my family on a road trip in July and I am not happy about the suggestion of parking my car outdoors during Nebraska storm season.

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Kia Cadenza 2014

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-10
Date Complaint: 2024-05-10
VIN: KNALN4D75E5
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 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 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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Kia Cadenza 2014

Date Of Incident: 2024-03-04
Date Complaint: 2024-05-02
VIN: KNALN4D76E5
Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Summary: UNKNOWN

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Kia Cadenza 2016

Date Of Incident: 2023-06-27
Date Complaint: 2024-05-02
VIN: KNALN4D76G5
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front windshield, after which she observed that the windshield had begun to crack and was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield bonding. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) the VIN was included, and the vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

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Latest 5 recalls Kia Cadenza

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the Kia Cadenza.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Kia Cadenza 2014
Report Received Date: 2023-09-25
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Park Out Side: 1
Park Out Side: 1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: Kia 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 Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Model: Kia Cadenza 2015
Report Received Date: 2023-09-25
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Park Out Side: 1
Park Out Side: 1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: Kia 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 Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Model: Kia Cadenza 2016
Report Received Date: 2023-09-25
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Park Out Side: 1
Park Out Side: 1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: Kia 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 Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Model: Kia Cadenza 2014
Report Received Date: 2022-03-15
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Summary: Kia 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.
Consequence: A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC232.

Model: Kia Cadenza 2015
Report Received Date: 2022-03-15
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Summary: Kia 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.
Consequence: A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC232.

Latest negative Kia Cadenza car reviews

Omari O'Reilly 2025-07-06

Vehicle year: 2015

I returned the car a few months ago. If you have a preferred brand, it's best to stick with it. While the car was cool, it didn't provide a luxury experience. During the lease, there were several issues with rattles and replacements, such as the driver's seat belt, steering wheel electronics, and back-up camera, which resulted in weeks of downtime. Additionally, the 'I Agree' prompt on the nav screen appeared over 5,000 times during the lease. Although the car was almost perfect at lease turn-in, it took two weeks to inspect and there were several charges that required significant effort to waive with the selling dealer and factory. The factory was unable to budge on these charges, which led me to believe they may have had many deadbeat customers or damaged leased cars. Despite these issues, I enjoyed the car and inquired about leasing another for two years. However, due to its significant depreciation, the selling dealer had no worthwhile incentives to offer for a new one. As a result, they had no choice but to send it to auction since there was no equity in keeping or buying out the lease. In conclusion, they had the opportunity to maintain a customer relationship but lost it after just one lease experience.
Philip Fadel 2025-06-13

Vehicle year: 2015

I have had to lower my rating due to persistent fuel injector problems that have required multiple visits to the dealership for service. Despite having one of the injectors replaced and spending $300 on a fuel system cleaning, the problem has persisted. While I take care to use high-quality gas and additives, I still lack confidence that the issue will not recur. Additionally, I have had to spend nearly $200 on repairs to the front bumper undercarriage, which is too low and prone to damage from parking lot barriers and steep driveway gutter interfaces. Despite these issues, I still enjoy using the car's USB port to play my extensive music collection. However, I would appreciate more driver headroom and a less tight suspension. I have also noticed a creaking noise in the front quarter-panel on rough roads and rainwater leaking into the trunk from the trunk lip.My previous car, the 2001 Acura TL, had a feature where the wipers would automatically wipe once when I removed my foot from the brake pedal after a stop. I believe this feature could be useful in the current car as well.
Emory McCullough 2025-05-26

Vehicle year: 2015

I recently purchased a car that has 125k miles on it. While it was a great value, I have had some issues with it. Despite this, I still find the sight lines of the car to be attractive, and the engine and transmission perform very well (I have zero complaints on either). Additionally, it has all the bells and whistles you could ask for at a value price. However, I have experienced some problems with the suspension, which was never satisfactory and caused the sunroof to rattle. The ambient noise while driving in the cabin is also excessive. At 83k miles, a front suspension spring snapped while parked and took out a tire and strut (thankfully not while driving). Unfortunately, KIA said it was out of warranty, so the fix was on my dime. I was disappointed because I thought it may have had something to do with the poor suspension performance all along, but I lived with it. Fast forward to 95k miles, and I was driving on the Garden State Parkway at speed when I hit a dip in the road, and the roof
Omer Schmidt 2025-04-25

Vehicle year: 2014

I have had to lower my rating due to persistent fuel injector problems that have required multiple visits to the dealership for service. Despite having one of the injectors replaced and spending $300 on a fuel system cleaning, the problem has persisted. While I take care to use high-quality gas and additives, I still lack confidence that the issue will not recur. Additionally, I have had to spend nearly $200 on repairs to the front bumper undercarriage, which is too low and prone to damage from parking lot barriers and steep driveway gutter interfaces. Despite these issues, I still enjoy using the car's USB port to play my extensive music collection. However, I would appreciate more driver headroom and a less tight suspension. I have also noticed a creaking noise in the front quarter-panel on rough roads and rainwater leaking into the trunk from the trunk lip.My previous car, the 2001 Acura TL, had a feature where the wipers would automatically wipe once when I removed my foot from the brake pedal after a stop. I believe this feature could be useful in the current car as well.
Lowell Armstrong 2025-04-21

Vehicle year: 2014

I returned the car a few months ago. If you have a preferred brand, it's best to stick with it. While the car was cool, it didn't provide a luxury experience. During the lease, there were several issues with rattles and replacements, such as the driver's seat belt, steering wheel electronics, and back-up camera, which resulted in weeks of downtime. Additionally, the 'I Agree' prompt on the nav screen appeared over 5,000 times during the lease. Although the car was almost perfect at lease turn-in, it took two weeks to inspect and there were several charges that required significant effort to waive with the selling dealer and factory. The factory was unable to budge on these charges, which led me to believe they may have had many deadbeat customers or damaged leased cars. Despite these issues, I enjoyed the car and inquired about leasing another for two years. However, due to its significant depreciation, the selling dealer had no worthwhile incentives to offer for a new one. As a result, they had no choice but to send it to auction since there was no equity in keeping or buying out the lease. In conclusion, they had the opportunity to maintain a customer relationship but lost it after just one lease experience.

Latest positive Kia Cadenza car reviews

Elmer Purdy 2025-07-27

Vehicle year: 2014

Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium model. I recently traded in my 3 series BMW for it and I have to say, I'm really enjoying the ride. While it may not be the fastest off the starting line, the front wheel drive 3.3 liter V6 still produces a respectable 298 horsepower and 255 ft-lbs of torque. It's perfect for city driving and the ride is incredibly comfortable, with above average seating both in the front and rear. While the exterior styling may be a bit generic, I still think it's a great car overall!
Abdullah Schultz 2025-07-25

Vehicle year: 2015

I absolutely love cars, especially the ones that are considered underdogs. It's always exciting to own a car that not everyone else has. I take pride in knowing that I have made a great deal and that my car is worth every penny I spent. The Cadenza is one such underdog that is better than its competition, with no comparison. While the Impala, 300, Taurus, and other competitors are not bad cars or alternatives, they just don't measure up to the Cadenza. I have owned two of the three competitors and can confidently say that they are not the best. I have also driven the Toyota Avalon, BMW, Acura, and Lexus, but for the price range, the Cadenza blows them away with its styling and standard features. I also love that there aren't too many of them on the road, making it a unique car to own. Kia's 5-year warranty, 10-year powertrain, and premium service for Cadenza owners are also great perks. Everywhere I go, people are always intrigued by my car and ask me questions about it. It's a beautiful car with great handling, safety features, and standard luxury features. Kia's quality is top-notch, with no recalls, repairs, or issues. I highly recommend giving Kia a try, as they have made it into the luxury market and are moving forward quickly. I have heard great things about the K900 as well, which is also hard to compete with. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Blaise Boyer 2025-07-25

Vehicle year: 2015

I've had the car for a year and a half now, and much of what I posted previously still holds true. However, I did encounter a few major issues that I want to comment on. Within a one-month period, both front strut assemblies snapped on the car. One while I was driving and the other while I was at a stop. It sounded like someone shot the car it was so loud. Thankfully, I was still under warranty, and everything was covered, or it would have been $625 per side. Kia took care of the issue without hesitation, but I was without my car for over a month because of a national backorder on the parts. Please be aware that, according to the service manager, this is a known issue with Kia. So, if you are buying one, make sure the front suspension has been changed. Mine went between 35k and 38k miles. Update September 2021: I got rid of the car after radiator fluid started leaking into my engine and into my car. After having the car looked at, I found out that I had a bad head gasket, which went at 63k miles. Of course, this was not covered under warranty because I bought the car as a lease turn-in with 12k miles. According to the Kia service manager, this is a known issue with this particular car/engine.
Cesar Sawayn 2025-07-16

Vehicle year: 2017

As my lease on my 2015 Chevy Malibu was almost up, I started car shopping. I have to admit, I'm not a fan of car salesmen. After looking at several cars, including the Malibu, Sonata, Cadillac, and more, a salesman suggested I drive a new 2017 Cadenza. I'm so glad I listened to him! I loved the ride, but the top of the line model was too expensive at $46K. However, I found a 2017 used (8200 miles) exactly like I wanted and saved almost $17k from what it would have cost new. I absolutely love this car! The ride is great, the looks are great, and the gas mileage is impressive. Even though it's rated for only 20-28 mpg, I'm getting about 26 mpg around town and 37 mpg on the highway! I highly recommend the Cadenza if you're looking for a nice upscale luxury sedan. You might want to consider finding a used one to save yourself some money.
Clemens Cronin 2025-07-13

Vehicle year: 2016

I love cars. I love cars that are considered underdogs. I love cars that you don't see everyone driving. I love knowing that I have made a great deal and my car is worth every penny I spent. The cadenza is just that. An underdog that is better than its competition. No comparison. The impala, 300, Taurus etc. I owned two of the three competitors. Not that they are bad cars or alternatives. They just are not the best. I drove the Toyota Avalon, bmw, Acura, and Lexus. For the price range the cadenza blows them away. Not to mention the styling and standard features! Kia comes with the 5 year warranty and 10 year powertrain and a specific premium service for it cadenza owners. I love that there isn't one every time I turn the corner. As a matter of fact KIA should be paying me to advertise. Lol. Every where I go people are always wondering what the car is and when I tell them a KiA they are instantly intrigued and ask me questions. its a beautiful car, quiet, handling, safety, and standard luxury features. Kia is in the rise and its quality is great. No recalls. No repairs. No issues!! I haughty recommend. They have hit this one out of the park. From what I hear from other Kia owners, it is the norm to have high quality and no recalls. They have made it into the luxury market and are moving forward quickly. I hear the K900 is also beautiful and hard to compete with, you won't be disappointed. Give Kia a try. You'll be impressed to say the least. Trust me.