YearToAvoid

2017 Kia Cadenza Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#3 most-complained of 7 Cadenza years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2017 Kia Cadenza has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 3rd worst of 7 model years, with 32 complaints, 2 recalls, and a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 38% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 22,500.

Complaints
32
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
4 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
23
20 city / 28 hwy

Top 2017 Kia Cadenza problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine12 (38%)
  2. Electrical System6 (19%)
  3. Other6 (19%)
  4. Fuel System5 (16%)
  5. Brakes4 (13%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (9%)
  7. Airbags2 (6%)
  8. Seat Belts2 (6%)
  9. Steering2 (6%)

What owners report

  • Brakes reportedly failed or lost pressure while slowing downhill or approaching a stop, leading to collisions.
  • Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while adaptive cruise control was active, resulting in a front-end crash.
  • A strong raw fuel odor was reported after refueling, persisting for days and recurring even after a dealer repair.
  • An outside air temperature sensor was reported as defective, keeping the emission warning light on and disabling automatic climate control.
  • Owners reported a helicopter-like noise from the steering or wheel area that persisted despite a wheel bearing replacement and tire rotations.
  • A driver's side seat belt reportedly stopped retracting, leaving it unusable in a crash.
2017 Kia Cadenza complaints: complaints filed per month5Nov 2017Jan 2019Sep 2019May 2021Aug 2023Mar 2024Oct 2025Mar 2026
42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2017 to Aug 2026; peak Jul 2018 (5).

2017 Kia Cadenza recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V137000Mar 4, 2021Brakes379,931 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

  2. NHTSA 17V190000Mar 16, 2017Brakes47 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.

    Risk: Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC146.

2017 Kia Cadenza fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
23 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other Cadenza years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Avoid8348222
2016Caution5014222
2017Caution6732223
2018Caution337123
2019Caution175123

All Kia Cadenza years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Kia Cadenza reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2017 Cadenza a Complaint Index of 67, the 3rd worst of 7 model years tracked, and a Caution verdict compared to other Cadenza years. Engine complaints make up 38% of reports.
What year Kia Cadenza should I avoid?
Among Cadenza years with data, 2014 (Complaint Index 100) and 2015 (Complaint Index 83) rank worst and are labeled Avoid. The 2017 model is Caution, better than 2014-2015 but worse than 2016, 2018, and 2019.
Does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Cadenza, both involving the brakes: a vacuum hose that could kink and reduce braking, and a hydraulic control unit short-circuit risk that prompted a park-outside advisory.
What is the biggest problem area for the 2017 Kia Cadenza?
Engine complaints are the largest category, accounting for 38% of the 32 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 22,500.
How does the 2017 Cadenza compare to the 2019 model?
The 2019 Cadenza has a Complaint Index of 17 and a Best verdict, far lower than the 2017 model's Complaint Index of 67 and Caution verdict.

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.