NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
I was driving down the highway at 65 mph when suddenly the sunroof exploded in an outward fashion causing me to pull over. I believe there is a defect in the sunroofs of 2011 to 2014 models. I've contacted Kia. They refused to cover it. Nothing hit the windshield. It just spontaneously exploded.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving through a car wash, there was water entering the vehicle through the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield bonding agent. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility); the VIN was included, but the vehicle was previously repaired in 2022. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 129,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle independently went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that there was no oil in the engine. A diagnostic test was performed; however, no oil leaks or failures were discovered. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer for service. The mechanic added oil to the engine and the contact drove to the local dealer. The contact was informed that an oil change was needed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Interior door handle chrome has delaminated. Both my wife and my hand have been sliced open on it.
The engine started smoking and knocking really bad. Took it to the kia dealership and was told a piston o ring and gasket went bad because of heavy oil consumption that caused antifreeze to leak inside the motor while sitting still and this was causing the burning smell because the cylinder had gone bad because of this. The dealership states this was a known issue with all kias from this year and should be under recall. So I called kia because the car only has 80k miles and they informed me it's not apart of the open recall because it's a cadenza. What if I hadn't went back outside and seen the smoke and the car caught fire and burned my home down. It seems like kia knows all of these motors are bad and trying to keep it secret
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the windshield was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility), and it was determined that the windshield had not detached so the windshield was not replaced. The contact stated that after the windshield was inspected, the contact noticed that the windshield was detaching on the driver's side lower corner, causing water to leak into the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who confirmed the failure, and that the windshield needed to be replaced; however, the VIN was no longer included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while reversing, he became aware that the electronic power steering briefly seized in position while turning, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence while reversing. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I received an Interim Notice of Safety Recall Number 23V652 dated November 14, 2023 from KIA regarding the HECU unit having a possibility of an electrical short circuit which could cause a fire. The recall notice recommends parking outside. It is now entering April of 2024. I sent a letter to NHTSA dated February 9, 2024 complaining of the extended time for KIA to provide the parts necessary to service the recall. Now the time involved is becoming egregious. NHTSA should be demanding KIA to service the recall in the interest of public safety. I request NHTSA do so.
Nothing Happened yet ! I own a 2014 Kia Cadenza and there’s a open recall for engine compartment fire which makes me cautious as it states can catch on fire in park or in motion and to leave it not close to my house or other vehicles which also makes me cautious. I’ve been waiting long enough for them to come out with a part to fix the HECU but every dealership tells me there is no part yet, it’s very frustrating because my family rides In there including my 3 year old son and I don’t wanna take a chance on the vehicle catching on fire can you please tell me what do this is very frustrating.
UNKNOWN
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated that after a visual inspection underneath the vehicle, she became aware of excessive corrosion and water damage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who declined to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact stated the first recall did not come through fast enough the inside of the vehicle stayed so wet that a lot of things are rusting and the dashboard had to be replaced but now the computer system is acting crazy.
A few weeks ago we were driving into town and the car had a light turned on and the smoke was coming out of the front and it smelled burnt. Then the car completely stopped. We almost wrecked. I was pregnant at the time and shod know what could have happened if we wrecked because the car had completely stopped and turned off. I Had to tow the car to a mechanic. The mechanic has not looked at it. It’s just there parked. 1367 US Hwy 41 N, Calhoun, GA Proctor garage. I have been waiting on an update on recalls since the letter I received as I was reading it and it clearly said on the bottom a big warning notice if the car smoked and light turned on to take to local Kia dealership. I paid full price at a dealership for this car only had it for a full year and this happens. This is very dangerous my family and I could if really gotten hurt now I am without a car that has a recall and Kia is not willing to help at the moment. I am not the first person that has had problems with the Kia cadenza 2014. Something needs to be done for us who own it. It’s a waste of money with Kia worst thing money don’t grow on trees and I need Kia to show up for this situation I need my car fixed or a settlement for owning a recalled Kia Cadenza.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal odor of smoke detected. The driver stopped, looked under the hood, and found evidence of a fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 56,002. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
KIa informs me that my Hydralic Electronic Control Unit may short circuit and cause an engine fire. Don't park close to anything. "WHEN THE REMEDY PART IS AVAILABLE, KIA DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HECU FUSE." If it's just a fuse, why have I had to park my car outside at risk of winter weather, vandalism, and theft, for the past month and a half? I hesitate to operate a vehicle which may blow up. I therefore do not have use of my car. And KIA is taking ENTIRELY TOO LONG to fix this recall. I get no help from their Consumer Relations people; their basic reply is "it is what it is; we're working on it." Well, if you were fined a thousand bucks for each day my car is out of commission due to your defect, I bet you'd find that fuses pretty darn quick. I am completely disgusted with KIA over this unacceptable length of time to address this issue. Total fail.
See attached document for complaint
The MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) FLEXIBLE COUPLING in the steering system has been making noise, clicking and leading to a sense of slipping in the vehicle steering for several months. I took the vehicle to a Kia service center who confirmed the MDPS was the problem and told me that this a known and common safety problem in my Kia model year. They stated there had even been a warranty extension for this safety concern. They reported that they have observed and repaired this issue many times. However, Kia refused to cover the repair under warranty because my vehicle was just over 10 years old. They suggested I file a claim with the NHTSA since this is a known safety issue. Thus, the problem in my vehicle has still not been resolved. Here is a You Tube Video showing the defective plastic part they manufactured this vehicle with and refuse to warranty. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When will parts be available to fix my KIA 2024 recall. Waiting too long. Safety issue !! TY [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle made abnormal sounds while starting. A burning odor was also detected while starting and driving the vehicle. The ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's left foot and left arm were burned by smoke and an unknown fluid coming from the air vents. Medical attention was not received. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced twice due to faulty cylinder head bolts, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
The vehicle has been carefully maintained and received the 144,000-mileage thorough maintenance service which was performed at the KIA dealership in August 2023 three months prior to the incident. While driving in November 2023 the Malfunction Indicator Light came on. I took the vehicle to the same dealership. After 3 days in the service department, I was told the engine is burning oil. They found code P0021, but further diagnosis is required. The "Service Department" told me the vehicle requires an engine replacement. I purchased the 2014 KIA used in 2015. The warranty is for ten years (2024) yet evidently, according to the Service Department and KIA, because the car was on the sales lot in 2013, the warranty is expired. It is not a safe car and the recall, as noted on this site, indicates the same. I cannot count how many recalls this vehicle has had including the windshield possibly being loose and the power steering malfunctioning. I've had the headlights replaced three times and the air conditioning completely fixed after it went out. ( that's not a safety issue, but another indicator of the poor quality of this vehicle.) It appears KIA is aware of the severe engine issues in this 2014 KIA Cadenza and other KIA models, and I believe the Company understands the dangers involved in driving, and even parking this vehicle. I am beyond upset as this vehicle is currently not functioning. (and it's parked far away from a building.) Please advise. Thank you for your time.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ABS warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and the electronics started behaving erratically, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydraulic electronic control unit which was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 56,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
There is a clatter at startup of the engine. I researched the issue and KIA has a service bulletin about the issue and a resolution for the problem. I had the vehicle brought to the dealership for the windshield recall and asked them to please apply the service bulletin since the timing chain has the discussed rattle at startup. They will not fix the issue. even knowing that it is causing internal engine damage for a defective part. If these vehicles are not fixed properly, the engines will expire prematurely and may cause serious injury.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was contacted regarding the recall repair but was unable to confirm when parts would be available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
There is carbon building up on the intake. Which causes the engine to lose power. Even at 70 mph engine will cut out causing the car to decelerate in traffic.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
8 MONTHS AND NO FIX FOR THE RECALL. HOW IS THAT A TIMELY RESPONSE. WHAT CAN I DO ?
I was driving my 2014 Kia Cadenza and then I noticed the vehicle has lost power and all the electrical components shut off (Odometer , dash lights and radio ) , as I was cruising down the road waiting for vehicle to slow down I noticed vehicle steering was very heavy and didn't have any breaking power , I pull into a place away from road when i noticed that there was smoke coming from the car and the car was catching fire , in that moment I opened the hood and I did have a fire extinguisher . I was pushing the vehicle back while spraying it and was able to turn off the fire before spreading . The car will require a new engine . I reached out to multiple kia Dealerships but they will not accept repairs on the car and will redirect me to kia customer support . It's been a hassle for the past couple of months and I can't seem to get to a resolution
The engine failed. There was no warning lamp or message of the problem prior to the engine blowing up. I now can’t use my car.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The coil spring on the right front of the vehicle broke off while parked. Unable to control steering. The strut and mounts were broken during the process.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My drivers side seatbelt unclips at random while driving which can cause me to get seriously injured in a crash. Despite clicking it in and double checking, it will come un secure while driving
2014 Kia Cadenza Continuous knocking and rattling sound since car purchase and now engine started smoking and from what mechanic states, the engine is now blown after just paying off vehicle. There was a Class Act settlement in other Kia models but not for the Cadenza. After researching & finding out this make of car has numerous engine issues, I contacted the Settlement Dept but was told my model car was not included. There are numerous car owners of this same make/model that had same complaint to dealership about the knocking/rattling sounds & from the post of complaints I’ve read, this statement to owners countywide was “ That’s Normal”. I was shocked to see that others complained of this same issue and also the engine smoking and now not functioning. I would like to file a complaint and/or generate a Class Action Lawsuit because Kia knows that most of their engines are no good, yet they only opted to cover those three cars who’s replacement engines were the cheapest. What about those of us with these Cadenzas who are now stuck with a non operating car, especially after working hard for over 6years to pay it off to have the engine blow or head gaskets, when this matter could have been taken care of years ago. My car stopped on February 16, yet I cannot even get a diagnostic appointment until March 21, 2023. I am the second owner of this vehicle purchased 2017, via a trade in of my paid off Kia Sorento so it makes me now wonder if the Kia dealership sold me a vehicle that they knew had a faulty engine and or had already replaced the engine with a remanufactured one? I, along with other Kia Cadenza owners who are or have had engine problems deserve too to have our engines replaced for free. I would like to be contacted to discuss further. If I cannot get assistance from you, then I will look for assistance from the news media in hopes of having them do a story and research on Kia Cadenza owners who too have had engine issues.
I purchased a 2014 Kia Cadenza from San Leandro Kia on 05/16/17 As a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. On 02/16/23, my engine started knocking. I took to get an oil change, because I thought that was the problem but was told it was my engine. I couldn’t get an appt w/ Kia dealership where I purchased my car until Tue 03/21/23 Upon calling I was asked my vin# & asked the # of miles. I stated approx 98k. The service rep -[XXX] said oh, you’re right under the mark (100k). I did not drive the car after 02/16 & actually had it towed home from Pep Boys, who suggested I get it towed due to oil showing in the coolant reserve. I recv’d a call from Kia yesterday stating they had to contact corporate for instructions. Today, rep-[XXX] called to say corporate said my coverage ended in April 2019 @60k ml. I adv her that I have my original sales ppwk sticker that was on my vehicle and it states 10yr/100k ml. She stated what corporate says is usually the final answer. I advised I do not agree & how can I contact them? She said there is no way to contact them. I found the # online & cld. I was told the same thing BUT was adv it was denied because I didn’t purchase a CPO-Certified Pre Owned Vehicle! I replied that they then sold me a deceptive description cus my sticker States it’s include it also notes the 10yr/100k warranty which covers me as a 2nd owner & I also registered my vehicle with CarFax as suggested to do once car was purchased as CPO. After researching Kia, I see that there were recalls on three other Kia vehicles, but my model isn’t listed nor was it part of the Class Action Lawsuit, which many other owners of this model also had engine issues of knocking/ticking/ rattling at start-up. I was even more shocked to see that the same complaints I’d made to my Kia dealership when taking car in for service, that “that’s normal”. I just paid off my car, I am under 100kml and wont reach my 10th year until May 2023. This is not right & I want to file a lawsuit. Plz contact me! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I was driving for about an hour on the highway, and out of nowhere my sunroof exploded.
I was driving my car at about 70 miles per hour then all of a sudden it went from 70 to like 40 and wouldn't pick up speed the engine light did come on I did get it to a mechanic to have my coils and spark plugs change but car was still knocking mechanic said it was the engine even before this it was always a knocking noise at start up even after oil changes everytime I call about this engine issue it's always cadenza not included but I see that most of the complaints is about the engine the same issues like the others my car is paid for but can't drive it if this problem was known we should be included for a new engine people like myself only work 32hrs cause my job like others are not doing good don't have the 5 to $10,000 kia dealership quoted me at to fix this car that was already known to be bad this is sad but im going to keep pushing until I get to the bottom including a lawsuit because this is not fair at all.
Continental pure contact LS 245/40r19. The inner sidewall of the rear passenger tire disintegrated while traveling after approximately 5 hours. The speed at blowout was 80mph. 2 inches of the bottom of the tire was still attached to the rim but no other sidewall remained. There was several seconds of vibration before the car suddenly swerved to the left and then the right before gaining control. This tire was manufactured 19/18 in Portugal and is not part of the tire sidewall blowout recall. Dot AF A6 WD60. The tires were properly inflated with only 19,652 miles since installation.
1. accelerator became stuck 2. pushing the foot brake did not stop the car 3. they were not able to replicate the issue, which happened 4 times 4. the dealership that sold me the car (twice) and another KIA dealership once 5. none Each time that it occurred, my wife shifted to neutral and hit the foot brake to stop.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) however, after stopping and shifting the vehicle to park(P), the contact returned and noticed that the windshield had separated from the frame and was cracked. The contact stated that the manufacturer and the dealer refused to replace the windshield. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Unknown, just got a recall letter in the mail, called a local dealership and nobody has called me back about getting an appointment.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the front windshield was damaged and there was a split along the dashboard by the air bag housing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,900.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026