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2014 Kia Cadenza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

54 reports with mileage · 56 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 27, 2024
Electrical System

8 MONTHS AND NO FIX FOR THE RECALL. HOW IS THAT A TIMELY RESPONSE. WHAT CAN I DO ?

NHTSA ODI #11590923

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI #11586525

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2024
Electrical System

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 complai…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11579803

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2024
Electrical System

My first recall was on my windshield when I took it to a dealer they told me that was my problem it got so bad I had my insurance company have a windshield put in there was no glue on top or sides only on the bottom you could put your arm out the top of the windshield my dash was swollen and split open they replaced it but now m…

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My first recall was on my windshield when I took it to a dealer they told me that was my problem it got so bad I had my insurance company have a windshield put in there was no glue on top or sides only on the bottom you could put your arm out the top of the windshield my dash was swollen and split open they replaced it but now my computer is acting crazy as is the car I got under the driver seat and it is rusted all underneath as well as my steering control I am scared of this car the rusting is all over it I am [XXX] old and could not even drive to see my Grandchildren and they are not allowed in my car and I understand this please 🙏 check all this out everyone says it’s too outdated but everything that is wrong with it was wrong with it when I bought it I paid cash at that time but can’t afford that anymore thanks again INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11575867

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFire

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #11567239

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2024
Electrical System

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 m…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11563200

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2023
Electrical System

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)

NHTSA ODI #11558729

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

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 numerou…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11510268

55,000 miles · Aug 17, 2020
Electrical SystemService Brakes

BACKED INTO A PARKING SPOT AND ENGAGED THE EPB. I HEARD THE USUAL MOTOR SOUND EXCEPT IT KEPT SOUNDING FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. I DISENGAGED THE EPB AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD AND THE AUTO HOLD AND ELECTRICAL POWER BRAKE (EPB) GOT STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASED ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT SHOWING ON THE DASH AS ACTIVE AND THEN, …

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BACKED INTO A PARKING SPOT AND ENGAGED THE EPB. I HEARD THE USUAL MOTOR SOUND EXCEPT IT KEPT SOUNDING FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. I DISENGAGED THE EPB AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD AND THE AUTO HOLD AND ELECTRICAL POWER BRAKE (EPB) GOT STUCK AND WOULD NOT RELEASED ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT SHOWING ON THE DASH AS ACTIVE AND THEN, I TRIED TO GO FORWARD AND THE AUTO HOLD AND EPB LIGHTS CAME ON AND WERE AMBER. I TURNED THE CAR OFF WAITED A FEW MINUTES HOPING FOR A RESET AND TURN THE CAR ON AND THE AUTO HOLD AND EPB WERE NO LONGER DISPLAYED. I AGAIN PUT IT IN DRIVE AND THE BREAK WAS STILL STUCK. I ENGAGED THE EPB AND THEN DIS ENGAGED IT AND IT STINKS WAS STUCK. I TRIED TO GO FORWARD AND IT WAS STUCK AND THEN THE EPB, AUTO HOLD, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON AMBER AND STAYED AMBER. MY CAR WAS LITERALLY INOPERABLE AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. SEARCHING THE WEB, I FOUND THIS ISSUE WITH MULTIPLE KIA MAKES AND THE MANAGER AND SERVICE AGENT BOTH TOLD ME THAT HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE.

NHTSA ODI #11349770

16,000 miles · Apr 1, 2019
Electrical SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA CADENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY A KIA INVESTIGATOR TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA CADENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY A KIA INVESTIGATOR TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR

NHTSA ODI #11193194

Official recalls

3

23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 25, 2023

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) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

22V158000 · Visibility:windshield

Mar 15, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC232.

14V289000 · Wheels

May 30, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with new wheels, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC107.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.