2018 Kia Cadenza Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#5 most-complained of 7 Cadenza years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Kia Cadenza has 7 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 33, and 1 recall, ranking 5th worst out of 7 model years with a 'Good' verdict relative to other Cadenza years. Engine issues make up 71% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 28 hwy
Top 2018 Kia Cadenza problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (71%)
- Other2 (29%)
- Airbags1 (14%)
What owners report
- Engine randomly stalls while driving or idling, sometimes on the freeway, requiring repeated dealership visits.
- Oil pressure sensor failure allows oil to leak into the wiring harness, a problem Kia has covered on other models with 3.3L engines.
- Engine seized suddenly at a stop with no warning lights beforehand.
- Engine loses power and stalls at a light, accompanied by a clicking or ticking noise that changes over time.
- Airbag warning light comes on and stays on, indicating airbags may not deploy in a crash.
2018 Kia Cadenza recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2018 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.
2018 compared with other Cadenza years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Kia Cadenza reliable?
- NHTSA lists only 7 complaints for the 2018 Cadenza with a complaint index of 33, giving it a 'Good' verdict compared to other Cadenza model years.
- What problems does the 2018 Kia Cadenza have?
- Engine problems account for 71% of complaints, including stalling, oil pressure sensor failures, and one report of engine seizure. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 9,500 miles.
- Does the 2018 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (21V137000) covers a brake HECU electrical circuit that could short-circuit and cause a fire in the engine compartment; owners are told to park outside until repaired.
- How does the 2018 Cadenza compare to other years?
- The 2018 ranks 5th worst out of 7 model years, well below 2014 (complaint index 100, 'Avoid') and 2015 (83, 'Avoid'), but behind 2019 (17, 'Best').