Avoid: 2017, 2014 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2019
6 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 6 model years, the Kia Cadenza has 216 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. 2014 drew the most complaints (110), 2019 the fewest (5).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Kia Cadenza vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $9,950–$15,295.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2014 (110 complaints). Lowest: 2019 (5).
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a high-risk, high-reward ownership profile.
Very frequent reports of blown head gaskets, loss of compression, and complete engine replacements, often covered under warranty extensions but causing months of downtime.
Warranty repairs, particularly engine replacements, consistently reported to take multiple weeks to several months due to parts availability and dealership service delays.
Recurrent issues with valve cover, timing cover, and oil pan gaskets following major engine work.
Noted as a point of failure requiring replacement.
Overheating problems linked to lower hoses and thermostat failures, potentially leading to engine damage if ignored.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cadenza. Individual model years are broken down above.
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