UNKNOWN OR OTHER
my car caught on fire while driving, i was never notified of the recall
NHTSA complaint #11748173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
33 of the 292 complaints filed about the KIA Cadenza are about the other systems — 11% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.
33
Complaints
11%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
my car caught on fire while driving, i was never notified of the recall
NHTSA complaint #11748173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I picked up my Cadenza from the repair shop. They were repairing the sunroof controls because the sunroof was not operating properly. I was 24 miles away from the shop headed home from Temple, TX to Waxahachie, TX on [XXX]. It sounded like a shotgun was fired right above my head and scared me. I am surprised I didn't crash. I pulled over and the sunroof had a 2 foot hole in it. The shade was in the shut position so no glass made into the cab. No rock or any debris hit the vehicle. My mom was driving behind me and she said she saw a huge chunk of glass fly up from my car and hit her car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway at 65 mph when suddenly the sunroof exploded in an outward fashion causing me to pull over. I believe there is a defect in the sunroofs of 2011 to 2014 models. I've contacted Kia. They refused to cover it. Nothing hit the windshield. It just spontaneously exploded.
NHTSA complaint #11690817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) and Kia’s repeated failure to properly diagnose or repair a serious overheating/safety defect despite this being a well-documented and known issue affecting these engines. Vehicle and Service Information •Vehicle: 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) •Mileage: ~129,608 •Dealer Involved: Central Kia of Plano (Plano, TX) •Repair Order #: [XXX] •Dates: [XXX] Issues 1.Overheating / Known Engine Defect •My vehicle overheats, especially with the A/C on or at idle. •Kia has already been directed to issue extended warranties on these engines due to systemic defects (including bearing wear, engine failure, and overheating). •Despite this, Kia continues to deny or delay proper repairs and instead authorized the dealer to replace only a cooling fan relay, which did not fix the defect. 2.Dealer Misconduct •Central Kia of Plano kept my vehicle for 10 days, charged me $269.92, and returned the vehicle still overheating. •I was told a Techline case would be submitted, but I have confirmed this was never done. 3.Incomplete Recall Repairs •I requested completion of open recalls: •SC232 – Windshield Bonding •SC284VG – HECU Fire Risk •The dealer marked one as complete and the other as pending, but I have no confirmation in Kia’s system that either was properly completed. 4.Corporate Inaction •I have multiple open cases with Kia Corporate, but they have failed to escalate or reassign me to a reputable dealer. •Despite the extended warranty obligation, Kia has not replaced the engine or confirmed a permanent repair. Why I Am Contacting NHTSA •This is not an isolated issue — it is a known safety defect across these engines. •Kia has been required to extend warranties for this exact defect but is failing to honor that coverage by stalling, misdiagnosing, and leaving vehicles unsafe. •My vehicle remains unsafe to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11684923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Interior door handle chrome has delaminated. Both my wife and my hand have been sliced open on it.
NHTSA complaint #11655316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving down the highway, I heard a loud boom and my sunroof exploded sending glass everywhere all through the car with my kids in the backseat. Driving straight on the highway at 60 miles per hour and nothing to hit the glass, Something is definitely wrong with the pano sunroof on these cars.
NHTSA complaint #11649124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I received a recall letter dated [XXX] with NHTSA Recall #: [XXX] for 2015 Kia Cadenza Vin# [XXX] . I contacted Kia's customer care number on or around January 17, 2024 as I had started having more and more electrical problems associated with this recall. My compass direction on my rear view mirror has not worked for well over a year and a half. I cannot lock my car with my key fob going on a year now. If I do lock it with the key fob, my car alarm randomly goes off multiple multiple times. Now my interior lights are not properly going off when you shut the door, and flicker when manually turning them on. The letter clearly states that a fire could happen either while parked or driving. This is my primary means of transportation, but at this point it is going on 5 months since the recall was issued. I definitely have safety concerns at this point, and feel that this has taken far longer than should have. What are the next steps to actively get the ball rolling to get this taken care of so that we don't have to move forward in far more complicated ways? Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you with an active solution. : ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11579621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nothing Happened yet ! I own a 2014 Kia Cadenza and there’s a open recall for engine compartment fire which makes me cautious as it states can catch on fire in park or in motion and to leave it not close to my house or other vehicles which also makes me cautious. I’ve been waiting long enough for them to come out with a part to fix the HECU but every dealership tells me there is no part yet, it’s very frustrating because my family rides In there including my 3 year old son and I don’t wanna take a chance on the vehicle catching on fire can you please tell me what do this is very frustrating.
NHTSA complaint #11575985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To date comma manufacturer has failed to address the n h t s a recall number 23 v 652. Received interim recall notice in approximately September October of 2023, to date. There has been no action or contact from manufacturer as to when this vehicle should be brought in for service.
NHTSA complaint #11566794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
McGrath Arlington Kia in Palatine, Illinois stated I had a recall I live over 55 miles from this location. Base on the distance my contract states I can pick a closer location. When I contacted Bill Walsh Kia in Ottawa, Illinois. Service department stated they can not find the recall in there system, so they can't fix the recall. Their explanation was that my car had done made in Korea a Kia motor corporation. So I'd have to take it to Korea to get it fixed. Please advise on fixing recalls for this car. I didn't know this would be an issue when I purchased it. Cell [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11523998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This pertains to recall SC232. I have an open case on the car with Kia #15366890. The car was in for service in July 2022 when I was advised of the recall and the parts were ordered. I repeatedly check with the dealer regarding the status of the part and am told that it is on order. In December I was told there were three windshields coming into the dealer by the end of the month and the car would be serviced in January. According to the dealer, none showed up. As of today, May 22, 2023, the dealer advised the part is now on "international" back order. I advised the dealer that the windshield now leaks on both the driver's and passenger's sides. When calling Kia all I get is I am part of their Premium Care Department and they are checking into the part status. No timely follow-up from them either. The last time I spoke to them was about four weeks back when they called me about a month after I spoke to someone in their recall department. Everyone is nice, polite, and full of empty follow-up promises. It seems ludicrous that we are 10 months in and still waiting on a safety-related part to come in. Kia needs to be prodded to either produce the glass and deliver it or authorize the dealers to sublet that part to a quality third party. Maybe if a hefty fine was dangled in front of them something would happen.
NHTSA complaint #11523288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I received recall notice dated 5/13/22 (NHTSA Recall #: 22V158). I have taken to KIA dealership multiple times as the recall was for front windshield glass which needs to be removed & reattached with sufficient primer. It leaks every time it rains causing the leather on dashboard to swell up with water and going down into the entertainment system which no longer works. Ed Voyles KIA service dept. determined there was no leak and marked my Recall as Repaired! It still leaks, not fixed. I called the Consumer Assistance Center for KIA America who gave me Case # [XXX] but I've never spoken with anyone in the Consumer Affairs Dept. I have been put on hold for 2 hrs., 1.5 hrs & today, 1.4 hrs., each time being disconnected. I tried taking to another dealer but was told my file was marked Repair Complete with date of 9/13/22. It is not fixed and I have no help from KIA. Please help me! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11490871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The windshield on my car is loose and leaky - water leaks in during rain and wind noise at moderate speeds. I can push from the inside and separate the windshield from the vehicle with minimal effort. There is NHTSA Recall 22V158 for Kia windshield separation on 2014-2016 Cadenzas. I took the vehicle to 2 different Kia service centers and called Kia Consumer Assistance Center, and I still cannot get them to fix this issue. This is a family car and my young children travel in it and it is not safe. please help.
NHTSA complaint #11488764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown, just got a recall letter in the mail, called a local dealership and nobody has called me back about getting an appointment.
NHTSA complaint #11477490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine light is on the dashboard and can not conduct the Emission Test. I was told it's a oil consumption problem. And that the same problem that the sorento and sportage is doing. That is currently have a lawsuit going on. I was told the engine may start knocking soon. I was also told at shop that can cause the sensors to get false reading and send error signals to the engine also. If the engine cut off while driving or stall it can put my life and others in danger and cause a major accident. It was confirm at shop and I was told it's a recall on the engine. The dealership tells me not for the credenza and it's doing the same things as the models that is being look at and had a lawsuit going on. My cadenza is wrll6keot and under miles and should not be having this problem. Kia should help me with this problem. Please help me with this mattet.
NHTSA complaint #11472662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY WINDSHIELD IS EXTREMELY LOOSE, I CAN PUSH IT UP WITH MY HAND.
NHTSA complaint #11394701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.