YearToAvoid

2014 Kia Cadenza Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 31 engine complaints for the 2014 Kia Cadenza, 28% of all 110 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 47,000 miles, and there are no related recalls on file for this engine issue.

Engine complaints
31
28% of 110
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
47,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving, sometimes with all electrical components and lights shutting off at once.
  • Some describe a clicking or rattling noise from the timing chain tensioner on cold start, with dealers reportedly calling it a common but unaddressed noise.
  • Several owners report the engine failing to reduce throttle after releasing the gas pedal, forcing hard braking to slow down.
  • A few complaints describe stalling in the middle of an intersection or while cruising, with loss of power steering assistance immediately after.
  • One owner reported the vehicle accelerating on its own without pressing the gas pedal, an issue Kia was reportedly unable to diagnose.

When 2014 Kia Cadenza engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 9, 2014, latest Jul 3, 2026.

2014 Kia Cadenza engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Dec 2014Jan 2016Jul 2019Jul 2022Sep 2023Mar 2024Jul 2026
31 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2014 to Jul 2026; peak Oct 2023 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2014 Kia Cadenza

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Cadenza model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201431 (28%)
  2. 201513 (27%)
  3. 20164 (29%)
  4. 201712 (38%)
  5. 20185 (71%)
  6. 20192 (40%)
  7. 20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2014 Kia Cadenza?
NHTSA lists 31 engine-related complaints for the 2014 Cadenza, which makes up 28% of all 110 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2014 Kia Cadenza engine?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the engine complaints on the 2014 Kia Cadenza.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Cadenza engine problems usually happen?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 47,000 miles.
Did the 2014 Kia Cadenza engine issue cause any fires or injuries?
NHTSA data shows 2 fires and 3 injuries connected to engine complaints on the 2014 Kia Cadenza, with no reported crashes.
Do later Cadenza model years have the same engine complaint pattern?
NHTSA data shows engine complaint share fluctuating across years, including 27% for 2015, 38% for 2017, and 71% for 2018, though complaint counts drop off after 2018.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.