Kia Cadenza years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia Cadenza years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2014 has the most complaints per year, at 6 (110 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 0 (from 5 complaints), 2016 at 0 (from 14 complaints), and 2018 at 1 (from 7 complaints). On the 2014 Kia Cadenza, 11 of 110 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
Kia Cadenza reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia Cadenza. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 23 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 0 | 5 | 1 | Engine | 23 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 1 | 7 | 1 | Engine | 23 |
| 2017 → | 3 | 32 | 2 | Engine | 23 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 0 | 14 | 2 | Visibility | 22 |
| 2015 → | 1 | 48 | 2 | Engine | 22 |
| 2014 → Most | 6 | 110 | 3 | Engine | 22 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 (preferred; all temps) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/55R17, 245/45R18, 245/40R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 22V-158 covers all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles: during manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded, allowing it to detach. The campaign lists 30,362 vehicles. Dealers inspect the glass and, if needed, remove and reinstall it. Recall 23V-652 covers certain 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles among many other Kia/Hyundai models: the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) circuit may short and cause an engine-compartment fire. That multi-model campaign lists 1,730,192 vehicles. Owners are advised to park outside until the fuse replacement is completed.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 (preferred; all temps) · 6.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- P245/45R18 (Technology), P245/40R19 (Limited)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 17V-190 covers certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles whose brake vacuum hose may kink and reduce braking performance. Recall 21V-137 covers certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles: the HECU electrical circuit may short-circuit and cause an engine-compartment fire. That campaign lists 379,931 vehicles across those models. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until dealers replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Cadenza years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2019 at 0 (from 5 complaints), 2016 at 0 (from 14 complaints), and 2018 at 1 (from 7 complaints).
Which Kia Cadenza year has the most owner complaints?
2014 has the most complaints per year, at 6 (110 complaints). On the 2014 Kia Cadenza, 11 of 110 complaints name Engine.
How do Kia Cadenza owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia Cadenza years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What generation is the 2018 Kia Cadenza?
Second generation (YG, 2017-2020).
What oil does a Kia Cadenza take?
5W-30 preferred for all temperatures; VG (~6 qt) and YG (~6.9 qt) capacities differ by generation.
What does recall 22V-158 cover on the Cadenza?
All 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles: the front windshield may not have been properly bonded during manufacturing. See the NHTSA campaign for the remedy.