Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2017 KIA Cadenza with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the KIA Cadenza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
19.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
68% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
418.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
940.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
522.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14.5%
150,000+ miles
313.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2017peak 5Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 KIA Cadenza
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...
Recalls on the 2017 KIA Cadenza
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202112359,106 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem in the control module for the antilock brake system (ABS) could cause it to short circuit. Note: This recall does not affect vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control (SCC). Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install new ABS fuse(s) and, on certain models, update the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) software. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fort Myers, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no where. I used a fire extinguisher to put out, even moved some plastic from wheel well to completely put out. Tow truck driver (non mechanic) told kia that the plastic caused the fire. Was told no warranty or recall for kia to do anything for it, i have to pay out of picket for it.
NHTSA complaint #11572486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no where. I used a fire extinguisher to put out, even moved some plastic from wheel well to completely put out. Tow truck driver (non mechanic) told kia that the plastic caused the fire. Was told no warranty or recall for kia to do anything for it, i have to pay out of picket for it.
NHTSA complaint #11572486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,888 milesSmithfield, RICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD RAPIDLY. FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11252659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesFort Myers, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS BRAKING APPROACHING A LIGHT ON A STATE ROAD, WHEN THE BRAKE WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR SUDDENLY AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE SLOWED BUT DID NOT STOP, I REAR ENDED A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA complaint #11166394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPocono Pines, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2017 KIA CADENZA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CERVICAL STENOSIS AND A HERNIATED DISK IN THE LOWER BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE IT WAS DEEMED OPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11112627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPocono Pines, PACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2017 KIA CADENZA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CERVICAL STENOSIS AND A HERNIATED DISK IN THE LOWER BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP WHERE IT WAS DEEMED OPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11112627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 165,000 milesMiddletown, NY
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit (ECU) had failed. The parts to replace were Part Number: 56340/F60, a genuine OEM Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in Manufacturer Recall Number: WTY039. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesMiddletown, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit (ECU) had failed. The parts to replace were Part Number: 56340/F60, a genuine OEM Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in Manufacturer Recall Number: WTY039. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesMiddletown, NY
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit (ECU) had failed. The parts to replace were Part Number: 56340/F60, a genuine OEM Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in Manufacturer Recall Number: WTY039. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
ENGINE
Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being loose but there was no evidence of that.
NHTSA complaint #11732978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed replacing , dealer put the car back together and told me we had to wrap up the work and return rental and get my car knowing it is a fire hazard I was in contact with warranty company for escalation who would not cover the recall part according to the dealer , I am still in escalations with Kia I have been left with no vehicle .engine repair was completed via dealer ,but they have reinstalled the broken harness and told me the car is ready for pick up. I am a disabled woman with small children and do not want to burn up in a fire was advised to report to dmv and nhtsa
NHTSA complaint #11727779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ENGINE
I currently have a complaint 11709255 regarding the electric thermostat. I just had that part replaced in November of 2025 for the 3rd time. Last week, again I had a warning of engine problem. The next day there was cold air blowing when the heat was on. The dash thermostat immediately began to move to hot. I was thankfully close to home. I turned car off and fan continues to run under the hood. I cannot afford to keep having this part replaced. Please look into this. This is not right.
NHTSA complaint #11725993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookhaven, PA
ENGINE
Check engine was flashing in front of my house in Brookhaven Pa. Took to mechanic around the corner, diagnosed with a blown head gasket & oil in my anti freeze over flow. Internal engine failure. Had towed to Kia dealership in NJ
NHTSA complaint #11723674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lehigh Acres, FL
ENGINE
I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the buildup as the main issue isn’t properly being addressed. The issue occurred about 300 miles ago where the dealership erased it. Then told the vehicle did not have any issues. Brought it back to the Kia dealership where they finally gave a proper diagnosis after being told nothing was wrong with car. I am concerned as there are lots of owners online experiencing the same issues with their Kia cadenzas and nothing done about it. Took the vehicle in after it stalled in traffic, but, as seen, the repair cost is high and a temporary band aid.
NHTSA complaint #11716465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lehigh Acres, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the buildup as the main issue isn’t properly being addressed. The issue occurred about 300 miles ago where the dealership erased it. Then told the vehicle did not have any issues. Brought it back to the Kia dealership where they finally gave a proper diagnosis after being told nothing was wrong with car. I am concerned as there are lots of owners online experiencing the same issues with their Kia cadenzas and nothing done about it. Took the vehicle in after it stalled in traffic, but, as seen, the repair cost is high and a temporary band aid.
NHTSA complaint #11716465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT. On 11/10/2025 car showed engine overheating. In fear, I immediately brought to closest mechanic stating same problem, ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR HOSE WHICH GOES HAND IN HAND. Before work began I left voice mails and emails with the service manager of Rohrman Kia in Schaumburg, Il. No one reached out. I spoke with Jim at same location on 11/10/2025 at 4:00 pm who told me it was my responsibility because the part was no longer under warranty. I filed a complaint (24149522) with BBB. on 11/13/2025 after I had to pay my mechanic $1000 to fix problem which obviously is a defect. On 12/3/2025 I spoke with Mike from Kia who said part was no longer under warranty and will not reimburse. I asked him to prove the previous thermostat was installed correctly according to the service action sa 346 and he said they have certified techs and they do not have to prove that to me. I would like Kia to accept responsibility for this part. Also carfax does not show all times Kia replaced that thermostat.
NHTSA complaint #11709255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ENGINE
This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT. On 11/10/2025 car showed engine overheating. In fear, I immediately brought to closest mechanic stating same problem, ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR HOSE WHICH GOES HAND IN HAND. Before work began I left voice mails and emails with the service manager of Rohrman Kia in Schaumburg, Il. No one reached out. I spoke with Jim at same location on 11/10/2025 at 4:00 pm who told me it was my responsibility because the part was no longer under warranty. I filed a complaint (24149522) with BBB. on 11/13/2025 after I had to pay my mechanic $1000 to fix problem which obviously is a defect. On 12/3/2025 I spoke with Mike from Kia who said part was no longer under warranty and will not reimburse. I asked him to prove the previous thermostat was installed correctly according to the service action sa 346 and he said they have certified techs and they do not have to prove that to me. I would like Kia to accept responsibility for this part. Also carfax does not show all times Kia replaced that thermostat.
NHTSA complaint #11709255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed to pay for the fan wires that kept the engine cool because they had melted in the process.i have had issues with right brake fluid and boot as well. Changed brakes.most of the time It has been loss of oil or engine knocking then needed to rebuild the engine which I had to pay $4000. Im sad and upset that most of the time I have had my car it has been in the shop or having to be parked for a length of time.( avg. 3-20 days) was called back to say it was another issue.Took to another dealer who repaired . had to take in for repeat engine issues and knocking sounds the wasn’t “reproduced” it was clearly heard when manager drove it but service provider said no. So frustrated that I have spend a lot of money for engine issues and haven’t had a chance to enjoy the vehicle, frustrated it is performed less than what I expected.have never taken my car to any other but dealership and kept up with maintenance. the rest was slow to accelerate(even after just picking up from dealership) a lot of knocking .Engine was “rebuilt” and It’s still in the shop today. Driving without oil loss notification.Now radiator hose is swollen/soft at top unsure if oil or water. And I need to pay for hose $400 now another $1000? braking feels unusual after they replaced. I notified KIA customer support/emailed all receipts and return call was told no recalls about a year ago and she would call dealership. Car was at dealership for a while at that time.
NHTSA complaint #11693269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed to pay for the fan wires that kept the engine cool because they had melted in the process.i have had issues with right brake fluid and boot as well. Changed brakes.most of the time It has been loss of oil or engine knocking then needed to rebuild the engine which I had to pay $4000. Im sad and upset that most of the time I have had my car it has been in the shop or having to be parked for a length of time.( avg. 3-20 days) was called back to say it was another issue.Took to another dealer who repaired . had to take in for repeat engine issues and knocking sounds the wasn’t “reproduced” it was clearly heard when manager drove it but service provider said no. So frustrated that I have spend a lot of money for engine issues and haven’t had a chance to enjoy the vehicle, frustrated it is performed less than what I expected.have never taken my car to any other but dealership and kept up with maintenance. the rest was slow to accelerate(even after just picking up from dealership) a lot of knocking .Engine was “rebuilt” and It’s still in the shop today. Driving without oil loss notification.Now radiator hose is swollen/soft at top unsure if oil or water. And I need to pay for hose $400 now another $1000? braking feels unusual after they replaced. I notified KIA customer support/emailed all receipts and return call was told no recalls about a year ago and she would call dealership. Car was at dealership for a while at that time.
NHTSA complaint #11693269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
ENGINE
Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed to pay for the fan wires that kept the engine cool because they had melted in the process.i have had issues with right brake fluid and boot as well. Changed brakes.most of the time It has been loss of oil or engine knocking then needed to rebuild the engine which I had to pay $4000. Im sad and upset that most of the time I have had my car it has been in the shop or having to be parked for a length of time.( avg. 3-20 days) was called back to say it was another issue.Took to another dealer who repaired . had to take in for repeat engine issues and knocking sounds the wasn’t “reproduced” it was clearly heard when manager drove it but service provider said no. So frustrated that I have spend a lot of money for engine issues and haven’t had a chance to enjoy the vehicle, frustrated it is performed less than what I expected.have never taken my car to any other but dealership and kept up with maintenance. the rest was slow to accelerate(even after just picking up from dealership) a lot of knocking .Engine was “rebuilt” and It’s still in the shop today. Driving without oil loss notification.Now radiator hose is swollen/soft at top unsure if oil or water. And I need to pay for hose $400 now another $1000? braking feels unusual after they replaced. I notified KIA customer support/emailed all receipts and return call was told no recalls about a year ago and she would call dealership. Car was at dealership for a while at that time.
NHTSA complaint #11693269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maitland, FL
AIR BAGS
I am submitting a complaint regarding my 2017 Kia Cadenza related to an ongoing airbag system failure and Kia’s refusal to cover the repair under their existing airbag warranty extension. My VIN is included in Kia’s WTY027 warranty extension, which extends coverage for repairs related to the Airbag Warning Light illumination from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/unlimited miles. Despite this, Kia Affairs has denied coverage because the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) pulled by the dealership do not “exactly match” the codes listed in the extension, even though the warning light is on and the issue affects the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Kia Affairs acknowledged the problem and escalated the case to their District Parts & Service Manager (DPSM) for possible goodwill coverage. However, goodwill is discretionary and not guaranteed, leaving me potentially responsible for expensive labor costs on a federally required safety system. My Concerns: The airbag light remains illuminated, which means the airbags may not deploy in a crash — a critical safety hazard. Kia’s decision to exclude legitimate SRS failures because the DTCs do not exactly match their list undermines the purpose of the warranty extension. Owners whose VINs are included in the extension are still being denied coverage based on technicalities, despite facing the same safety risk. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA investigate whether Kia’s narrow, code-based coverage criteria is improperly excluding safety-related airbag failures that should be repaired under the warranty extension. This appears to leave consumers unprotected from a defect in a federally regulated safety system. I can provide: The dealership’s diagnostic codes and repair order. Correspondence from Kia Affairs regarding the denial. Warranty extension documentation showing my VIN is included. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter
NHTSA complaint #11691010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green Valley, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11604964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matteson, IL
ENGINE
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)
NHTSA complaint #11592024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Soddy Daisy, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Actuator in Drivers door has failed. Unable to Lock or Unlock car door.
NHTSA complaint #11579273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no where. I used a fire extinguisher to put out, even moved some plastic from wheel well to completely put out. Tow truck driver (non mechanic) told kia that the plastic caused the fire. Was told no warranty or recall for kia to do anything for it, i have to pay out of picket for it.
NHTSA complaint #11572486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no where. I used a fire extinguisher to put out, even moved some plastic from wheel well to completely put out. Tow truck driver (non mechanic) told kia that the plastic caused the fire. Was told no warranty or recall for kia to do anything for it, i have to pay out of picket for it.
NHTSA complaint #11572486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong fuel odor after filling up fuel coming from the driver side, and can still be smelled inside the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11571436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matteson, IL
ENGINE
I purchased my 2017 Cadenza, Sept 2022. I've always had problems with the engine. Coolant loss, smoke from the engine after drving , loss of power and oil loss. This past August 2023 I had to replace my AC valve for 3800. My engine has gotten worse. smoke constantly comes from the engine and now my oil sensor light is coming on. I've always done maintenance on the car. Oil changes and the required milage maintenance. I've notice other owners of the 2017 cadenza have had the same problems. I'm the next step will be my engine sizing. I notice several 3.3 engines and 2017 models have been included in the recall. My 3.3 engine is doing the exact things of the other recall cars. I hope my car is included in the recall thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11567670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesBeaumont, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed that the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then drove to a nearby dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil gasket and the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle from the dealer, she noticed that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure and determined that the oil pressure safety switch needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The dealer ordered the part and informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11567071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesBeaumont, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed that the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then drove to a nearby dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil gasket and the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle from the dealer, she noticed that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The dealer was informed of the failure and determined that the oil pressure safety switch needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The dealer ordered the part and informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11567071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11540265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.