YearToAvoid

2020 Kia Cadenza Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

0/100

#7 most-complained of 7 Cadenza years

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

The 2020 Kia Cadenza has 0 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall, giving it a complaint index of 0, the lowest of the 7 model years with data. It ranks best among all Cadenza years by this measure.

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

Top 2020 Kia Cadenza problems

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

No component data.

2020 Kia Cadenza recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V022000Jan 21, 2022Electrical System451 vehicles

    Electrical system:software

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Cadenza vehicles. The rear power windows can be operated by the driver's power window main switch after the ignition has been turned off and a front door is opened. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

    Risk: Rear power windows that operate unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the Driver Door Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC225.

2020 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.

2020 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
2018Good337123
2019Best175123
2020No verdict00123

All Kia Cadenza years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Kia Cadenza reliable?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Cadenza has 0 owner complaints and a complaint index of 0, the best result among the 7 Cadenza model years tracked.
Does the 2020 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 22V022000) covers the electrical system, where rear power windows could operate after the ignition was off. Kia's remedy is a free Driver Door Module software update.
What year Kia Cadenza should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 and 2015 Cadenza years rank worst with complaint index scores of 100 and 83, while 2020 ranks best with a score of 0.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Cadenza?
EPA rates the 2020 Cadenza at 23 mpg combined (20 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.

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.