2019 Kia Cadenza Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2019 Kia Cadenza has a complaint index of 17, the lowest of the 7 model years with data, and ranks 6th worst (meaning best) with a "Best" verdict. It has 5 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 17/100
- #6 of 7 Cadenza years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2019 Kia Cadenza problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (40%)
- Brakes1 (20%)
- Electrical System1 (20%)
- Lane Departure1 (20%)
- Other1 (20%)
- Steering1 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel becoming extremely hard to turn while warning lights illuminate on the dash.
- Some drivers noticed an abnormal ticking sound from under the hood after warning lights came on, later tied to an engine diagnostic code.
- One owner reported a catastrophic internal engine failure with a sudden loss of power, linked to fuel rail pressure and misfire codes.
- An owner reported delays getting the brake recall repair completed due to parts unavailability.
2019 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.
2019 Kia Cadenza fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 27 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.
2019 compared with other Cadenza years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Kia Cadenza reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Cadenza has the lowest complaint index (17) among the 7 model years tracked and carries a "Best" verdict relative to other Cadenza years.
- What problems does the 2019 Kia Cadenza have?
- NHTSA lists only 5 complaints for this year, with Engine issues the top problem area (2 complaints, 40% share), followed by single complaints each for Brakes, Electrical System, Lane Departure, Steering, and Suspension.
- Does the 2019 Kia Cadenza have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 21V137000) covers a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit issue that could short-circuit and cause a fire; owners are told to park outside as a precaution.
- How does the 2019 Cadenza compare to other years?
- It ranks 6th worst out of 7 years, meaning it has fewer complaints than the 2014-2017 model years, which range from complaint indexes of 50 to 100 and carry "Avoid" or "Caution" verdicts.