2018 Kia Cadenza problems

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2018 Kia Cadenza

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Common 2018 Kia Cadenza problems

The 2018 Kia Cadenza has several common problems reported by owners, which can be categorized into interior accessories, engine, and transmission issues.

Interior accessories problems include complaints about the sunroof, with some owners reporting that it gets stuck or opens unexpectedly. This can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous while driving, especially at high speeds.

Engine issues for the 2018 Kia Cadenza include knocking or ticking sounds when starting the car, which has been reported by several owners. This can be caused by various factors, such as low engine oil levels, faulty fuel injectors, or issues with the piston rings. It is essential to address this issue promptly, as it could lead to more severe engine damage if left unattended.

Transmission problems are also common in the 2018 Kia Cadenza, with some owners reporting jerking or hesitation when shifting, especially when going uphill at around 75 mph. This can be caused by issues with the transmission control module, worn-out clutch plates, or problems with the torque converter. Transmission issues can affect the overall driving experience and may lead to more severe problems if not addressed promptly.

In addition to these specific issues, Hyundai and Kia have been plagued by fire problems since 2015, with more than 9.2 million vehicles recalled, including the 2018 Kia Cadenza.

In summary, the 2018 Kia Cadenza has several common problems reported by owners, including interior accessories, engine, and transmission issues. Additionally, Hyundai and Kia have faced significant fire problems, with the 2018 Kia Cadenza included in a recall for nearly 3.4 million vehicles due to fire risk. It is crucial for owners to stay informed about recalls and address any issues promptly to ensure their safety and the longevity of their vehicle.

2018 Kia Cadenza engine

How reliable is a Kia Cadenza?

The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 12% for the Kia Cadenza, compared to an average of 13% for fullsize cars and 12% 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.

Are Kia Cadenza expensive to maintain?

A KIA Cadenza will cost about $6,189 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular sedan models by $907.

How many miles will a Kia Cadenza last?

Typically, you can expect a Kia Cadenza to last around 200,000 miles. Items like age, rust, corrosion, and driving habits will all influence the survival of your car, so it's critical to be a responsible driver if you're interested in getting as many years out of the Cadenza as possible.

2018 Kia Cadenza car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Cadenza problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Unknown or other problems
  • Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Kia Cadenza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Kia Cadenza complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Kia Cadenza.

2019-05-16

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-05-05
  • VIN: KNALB4J16J5
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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 HOURS LATER THE CAR STALLED AGAIN. IT STALLED 2 ADDITIONAL TIMES BEFORE RETURNING IT TO THE SHOP AGAIN THIS PAST WEEK.
2018-10-13

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-10-11
  • VIN: KNALB4J14J5
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 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 NOTICEABLE. IT DID SEEM LIKE THERE WERE SMALL SPOTS, SCATTERED ON THE UPPER SURFACES TO THE RIGHT OF THE ENGINE. AFTER PARKING IN OUR GARAGE AT HOME, THE SMELL BECAME VERY STRONG & REMAINED THAT WAY IN THE CLOSED GARAGE. WE DID NOT CHECK TO SEE HOW LONG THE SMELL REMAINED STRONG, BUT IT WAS STILL VERY NOTICEABLE WHEN I RETURNED 10 OR 15 MINUTES LATER. YESTERDAY, ON 10/12/18, WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE KIA GARAGE & REPORTED THIS. THE SERVICE ADVISER LOOKED UNDERNEATH, SAID THAT SOMETHING WAS GOING ON AND SENT IT TO THE SHOP TO CHECK. AROUND 90 MINUTES LATER, HE SAID THEY FOUND WIDESPREAD SPLASHES OF OIL, BUT HAD CLEANED THE ENGINE. HE ASKED IF WE HAD DRIVEN OVER ANYTHING LIKE THAT, BUT WE HAD NOT. THEY HAD RUN THE ENGINE & TEST DRIVEN FOR AT LEAST 40 MINUTES - BUT HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETECT LEAKS OR OTHER SOURCES OF THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO NOTED THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS STILL FULL. HE SAID TO TAKE THE CAR, DRIVE IT FOR 100 MILES, THEN BRING IT BACK FOR FURTHER TESTING. THE SMELL IN THE GARAGE WAS STILL NOTICEABLE AFTER RETURNING HOME, BUT NOT NEARLY AS STRONG AS THE PREVIOUS DAY. WE ASSUME THIS IS BECAUSE THE GARAGE HAD CLEANED THE ENGINE. WE DO PLAN TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AFTER 100 MILES, BUT WE ARE QUITE NERVOUS DRIVING IT ANYWHERE NOW.

2018 Kia Cadenza recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Kia Cadenza.

2021-03-04
  • Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
  • Summary: Kia 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.
  • Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

Negative 2018 Kia Cadenza car reviews

  1. Dino Reinger 2024-08-10

    Despite the initial quality award for the segment, my car has been experiencing several issues since I first got it. The door rattles, the dashboard makes noises in the heat, and occasionally the temperature gauge shows an exterior temperature of 32 degrees even when it's well over 70. Additionally, the rear camera stays on ten seconds past pushing the car out of reverse into drive. While the car handles okay, the acceleration is poor. On the positive side, the car makes excellent use of space and has a nice panoramic roof. However, I am disappointed that there are no SMS notifications in the infotainment system, which my last two cars had. This being my first Kia, I had high expectations, but unfortunately, it did not meet them. I have decided that this will be my last Kia. Despite my initial debate between a 2 and 3 year lease, I am glad I went with the two-year option.

  2. Olen Pollich 2024-07-02

    I've owned my 2017 Cadenza for about two years and it has been quite reliable with no major issues. Although, I did have to take it in for two minor sensor failures due to factory recalls. The pano sunroof tends to rattle when open or in the vent position, but it's not a major issue. However, I'm ready to move on from this car as I prefer higher-riding vehicles. The ride quality is not the best and winter driving can be challenging due to the tires. Nonetheless, it would make a great used car for its next owner as Korean cars tend to depreciate quickly. On a positive note, I recently upgraded to a 2020 Lexus NX which I absolutely love. Goodbye to Kia and sedans!

  3. Alfred Harris 2024-04-22

    I've been driving my 2017 Cadenza for almost two years now. While it has a good engine, transmission, and most luxury-car level features, I've had some issues with it as it has aged. The pano sunroof rattles loudly and the infotainment system has several gremlins. Additionally, the ride is not as smooth as I would like and the tires are not suitable for winter weather driving, which can be scary. I initially leased the car because Consumer Reports gave it a very high rating (80+), but unfortunately, the rating has since plummeted into the low 60s. I have decided that I will not be getting another sedan from Kia. I am patiently waiting to turn it in at the end of the lease, which is in September 2020. Although the depreciation is quite high, I am looking forward to exploring other options.

Positive 2018 Kia Cadenza car reviews

  1. Chris Marquardt 2025-08-21

    I have owned various luxury and high-end cars in the past, including BMW Convertible, 5 Series M Sport, Acura TSX, and several Toyota's and Honda's. However, the 2017 Cadenza has surpassed them all in terms of comfort and high-tech features. With its smooth ride and excellent seats, it outperforms even the Volvo. In the first year and 21,000 miles of ownership, I have not had to make any repairs or adjustments, which is a testament to its quality and reliability. The tread life on the tires is good, although they can be a bit noisy once broken in. I have been averaging 27 MPG with a 50/50 split on highway vs city driving. Despite its list price of just under $40000, I was able to get it out the door for under $33000, making it an excellent value for such a great car. With only a handful of them on the road in the last year, it truly feels like a unique and special find. Even after 4 years and 75,000 miles of ownership, I have not had to make any repairs or adjustments, and the original brakes and rotors are still going strong. This car is truly the best one I have ever owned, and I am confident in its quality and reliability.The Cadenza is undoubtedly the best car I have ever owned. Despite an occasional glitch with the backup camera, it has been a safe, reliable, and comfortable ride for me. With 86,000 miles and no repairs, it is a testament to the car's durability and quality. It is unfortunate that Kia no longer produces this great car. Even after five years, the car only depreciated 40%, which is a testament to its value. I recently sold it for $19,500, which is a great price considering its original list price of $40,000. I never had to make any repairs, and it still has its original brakes, pads, and rotors. Overall, the Cadenza is a fantastic car that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting vehicle.

  2. Eliezer Streich 2025-08-10

    I'm currently driving the 2016 Cadenza Limited model and I have to say, I'm thoroughly impressed with the ride comfort, technology, and especially the navigation - it's amazing! I recently took a road trip down south, visiting 10 states and driving 8500 miles, and I only needed to stop at Kia dealerships for occasional maintenance. Before this, I drove a Benz 350, but the Cadenza is just as good, if not better, in all areas of operation (especially service costs). The only thing it lacks is all-wheel drive, but for the $20,000 price difference, I don't really need it. I purchased the Cadenza on the last day of 2016 and it saved me $10,000 - what a great deal! I'm definitely going to wait until December 30/31 of 2020 to make my next purchase.

  3. Reymundo Torphy 2025-08-07

    I'm really impressed with this car! It's amazing how comfortable I feel driving it, and there's still plenty of room in the back for passengers. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of leg room in both the front and back. While the rear seats don't fold down, there is a ski access hole which is a nice touch. Although it's not AWD, I'm confident in my ability to drive FWD in the winter months. The Michelin tires that came with the car from the factory definitely help too. I'm currently leasing with the intention to purchase at the end, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. The car looks and performs great, and I especially love the V6 engine. Overall, I'm really impressed with the quality of the vehicle and I think KIA is definitely on the right track.

  4. Trever Hilpert 2025-08-01

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I noticed that you purchased your vehicle back in January 2018 with only 4350 miles on it. As of April 20th, 2019, it now has 18600 miles on it. I'm glad to hear that the thermostat was replaced under warranty. It's always great to have that peace of mind. I also love that you're getting great gas mileage - 36 mpg is better than my motorcycle! The seats are also really comfortable and all of the equipment works well. Thanks for sharing your experience with me!

  5. Flavio Larson 2025-07-12

    I purchased my 2017 Cadenza in March of 2018. It was a great deal as Kia had produced too many of them, and many remained unsold in Florida. The Technology version had an MSRP just under 40K, but I was able to lease it for only $325 plus tax. This is an incredible price for such a competent car. However, it's important to keep in mind that this was a unique situation where there were too many unpopular cars and it was already 4 months after the new model year had been introduced. Therefore, my advice is to keep your options open and consider multiple cars. Sometimes manufacturers and dealers work together to sell older cars at a loss, and that's what happened in this case.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Kia Cadenza problems:

2018 Kia Cadenza Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2018 Kia Cadenza Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/kia/cadenza/2018/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2018 Kia Cadenza? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Transmission and Engine issues | Kia Cadenza Forum
Transmission and Engine issues | Kia Cadenza Forum
https://www.cadenzaforum.com/threads/transmission-and-engine-issues.37033/

Feb 21, 2018 ... Feb 22, 2018 (Edited). Find a different KIA dealership. look for one ( on KIA web site)that is certified to work on the K900, Or call the KIA ...

2016 Kia Cadenza: Common Problems & Throttle Replacement ...
2016 Kia Cadenza: Common Problems & Throttle Replacement ...
https://www.justanswer.com/kia/cv57b-just-throttle-replace-2016-kia-cadenza.html

Sep 6, 2019 ... I just had my throttle replace on my 2016 Kia cadenza. And the check engine light has came back on. And it is not going - Answered by a ...

Are blown engines common? | Kia Cadenza Forum
Are blown engines common? | Kia Cadenza Forum
https://www.cadenzaforum.com/threads/are-blown-engines-common.37665/

Jul 26, 2019 ... I've only ever seen 1 person in these forums have problems with their engine (it was an early model '14 if I remember correctly), sounded like ...

2018 Kia Cadenza Reliability - Consumer Reports
2018 Kia Cadenza Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/cadenza/2018/reliability/

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury. Read Recall Details. Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) ...

Other years of Kia Cadenza

kia cadenza 2019 photo
Cadenza 2019
Kia

2

1

31

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia cadenza 2014 photo
Cadenza 2014
Kia

100

3

29

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia cadenza 2015 photo
Cadenza 2015
Kia

45

2

38

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia cadenza 2016 photo
Cadenza 2016
Kia

10

2

40

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia cadenza 2017 photo
Cadenza 2017
Kia

23

2

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia cadenza 2018 photo
Cadenza 2018
Kia

2

1

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2018 Kia Cadenza photo