Which Kia Cadenza years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2014 and 2015 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the two highest in the lineup, plus multiple recalls each.

What is the best year for the Kia Cadenza?

The 2019 Cadenza is the best year based on NHTSA data, with only 5 complaints and a Complaint Index of 17, the lowest with recorded data.

What problems did the 2014 Kia Cadenza have?

The 2014 Cadenza's top issue was the engine (31 complaints, 28% share), followed by brakes and electrical system problems, with 3 recall campaigns including a windshield detachment defect and faulty 19-inch wheels.

Are 2016 and 2017 Kia Cadenza models risky?

They are rated Caution, not Avoid. The 2016 has a Complaint Index of 50 with 14 complaints, and the 2017 has a Complaint Index of 67 with 32 complaints, both lower than the 2014-2015 years.

Does the Kia Cadenza have any recalls?

Across all model years, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the Cadenza, including brake, windshield bonding, and wheel defects, with the 2014-2016 years affected by the most overlapping recalls.

Kia Cadenza Best and Worst Years (2014–2020)

Avoid the 2014 and 2015 Kia Cadenza, which post the highest Complaint Index scores (100 and 83) with engine, electrical, and brake issues plus multiple recalls. The 2019 Cadenza is the best year, with only 5 complaints and a Complaint Index of 17.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2014 Avoid 2015 Best 2019

Model years: 7; 2014–2020
NHTSA complaints: 216
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 6
Top problem area: Engine

Cadenza Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Kia Cadenza problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2014	Avoid	100	110	3	3	3	Engine	22	—
2015	Avoid	83	48	1	2	2	Electrical System	22	—
2016	Caution	50	14	0	0	2	Visibility & Wipers	22	—
2017	Caution	67	32	4	1	2	Engine	23	—
2018	Good	33	7	0	0	1	Engine	23	—
2019	Best	17	5	0	0	1	Engine	23	—
2020	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	23	—

Cadenza years to avoid: what went wrong

2014 Kia Cadenza Index 100 · 110 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2014 Cadenza has the highest complaint volume of any year, with 110 complaints and a Complaint Index of 100. Engine problems lead at 31 complaints (28%), followed by brakes (23 complaints) and electrical system issues (16 complaints), with a median failure mileage around 47,000-55,900 depending on area. NHTSA recorded 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 8 injuries tied to this year. Three recall campaigns apply, covering brakes (park-outside advisory), a windshield bonding defect that could let the glass detach, and defective 19-inch wheels. Owners reported electrical fires and airbag non-deployment during crashes.

2014 engine problems →2014 brakes problems →2014 electrical system problems →

2015 Kia Cadenza Index 83 · 48 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2015 Cadenza carries a Complaint Index of 83, the second-highest among model years, with 48 total complaints. Electrical system problems dominate at 14 complaints (29%), including reports of smoke and fire from air vents and kickplates, with a median failure mileage of 66,975 miles. Engine complaints follow at 13 (27%). NHTSA logged 1 crash, 2 fires, and 3 injuries for this year. Two recalls apply: the same brakes park-outside advisory and the windshield bonding recall shared with the 2014-2016 range.

Most common Kia Cadenza problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine67 (31%)
Electrical System38 (18%)
Brakes35 (16%)
Other34 (16%)
Visibility & Wipers29 (13%)
Steering18 (8%)
Structure & Body13 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (6%)
Fuel System11 (5%)
Airbags7 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Kia Cadenza years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2014 and 2015 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the two highest in the lineup, plus multiple recalls each.
What is the best year for the Kia Cadenza?: The 2019 Cadenza is the best year based on NHTSA data, with only 5 complaints and a Complaint Index of 17, the lowest with recorded data.
What problems did the 2014 Kia Cadenza have?: The 2014 Cadenza's top issue was the engine (31 complaints, 28% share), followed by brakes and electrical system problems, with 3 recall campaigns including a windshield detachment defect and faulty 19-inch wheels.
Are 2016 and 2017 Kia Cadenza models risky?: They are rated Caution, not Avoid. The 2016 has a Complaint Index of 50 with 14 complaints, and the 2017 has a Complaint Index of 67 with 32 complaints, both lower than the 2014-2015 years.
Does the Kia Cadenza have any recalls?: Across all model years, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the Cadenza, including brake, windshield bonding, and wheel defects, with the 2014-2016 years affected by the most overlapping recalls.