Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Kia Cadenza. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
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for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Kia Cadenza,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 2014–2020 with 12 recall campaigns and 269 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 2014 (3), 2017 (2), and 2016 (2).
Years with the most complaint volume: 2014 (146), 2015 (60), and 2017 (35).
Top recall themes: Brakes, Electrical, and Other.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Engine, Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Brakes
3 campaigns · Years: 2014–2019
These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.
Official notices (evidence):
21V137000
· Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module
17V190000
· Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
23V652000
· Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module
Electrical
1 campaign · Years: 2020
These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Kia Cadenza in NHTSA complaint data are
Engine, Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
2020
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
2019
1
4
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Lane departure: blind spot detection.
2018
1
7
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine.
2017
2
35
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system.
2016
2
17
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Visibility:windshield, Visibility.
2015
2
60
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Electrical system, Exterior lighting.
2014
3
146
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical system.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Service brakes
, Visibility
and Electrical system
Show recall evidence by year
2020
Electrical system: Software:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 Veh
2019
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2018
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2017
Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2016
Visibility: Windshield:
Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) m
2015
Visibility: Windshield:
Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) m
2014
Wheels:
Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadenza vehicles manufactured February 1, 2013, through August 27, 2013, and equipped with 19" non-chrome aluminum wheels. The wheels on the affected vehicles may fracture from impacts such as large, deep potholes.
Visibility: Windshield:
Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) m
Other Kia Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Kia models.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
