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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

Engine complaints

28 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2023
Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI #11547857

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2023
Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI #11543581

98,625 miles · Apr 14, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, she heard a ticking sound coming from an unknown location on the vehicle. The contact stated that while she proceeded to drive, she noticed a gray cloud of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that t…

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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, she heard a ticking sound coming from an unknown location on the vehicle. The contact stated that while she proceeded to drive, she noticed a gray cloud of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer three days later where it was diagnosed that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,625.

NHTSA ODI #11517115

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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 c…

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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 INF

NHTSA ODI #11513529

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

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2022
EnginePower TrainSteering

The first time anything happened was June 2021. I’d only had the vehicle 4 months. We were on the interstate doing 70 mph when there was a loud noise, it jerked back, almost ran us into an 18 wheeler, went into LIMP mode, and left us on the side of the road! Since then, we’ve taken it to the Kia dealership in Slidell, La SEVERAL…

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The first time anything happened was June 2021. I’d only had the vehicle 4 months. We were on the interstate doing 70 mph when there was a loud noise, it jerked back, almost ran us into an 18 wheeler, went into LIMP mode, and left us on the side of the road! Since then, we’ve taken it to the Kia dealership in Slidell, La SEVERAL times. They removed 5 pages of codes that came up, said nothing was wrong, then it needed a head gasket until finally they said it needs a $9000 motor!! My Cadenza sat at Kia for over 3 MONTHS before they even looked at it the last time! There have been MANY MANY complaints about the head bolts backing out of these Lamba II 3.3L engines causing a catastrophe. Kia does NOT replace head bolts where inserts are needed. It’s an automatic engine replacement. So, now my car is still sitting here in pieces and I cannot get it fixed after paying $9500! Kia needs a recall on the Lamba II engines!! They’re dangerous and are going to kill someone!! This isn’t the first time Kia has screwed me out of a vehicle! I also had a 2011 Genesis I had to get rid of it wasn’t even drivable!! I just want my 2014 Kia Cadenza fixed! Please!

NHTSA ODI #11481562

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2022
Engine

Engine, electrical, and powertrain is faulty on this 2014 KIA Cadenza and many other models of this same vehicle. After researching for alternate engines or engine replacement, there are many Cadenzas experiencing the same issues and are often parked due to these issues with no maintenance or replacement options as a result of t…

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Engine, electrical, and powertrain is faulty on this 2014 KIA Cadenza and many other models of this same vehicle. After researching for alternate engines or engine replacement, there are many Cadenzas experiencing the same issues and are often parked due to these issues with no maintenance or replacement options as a result of the cost being way too high. When KIA was contacted, they replied that they do not have engine replacements and that servicing of the vehicle expires after the car is paid off.

NHTSA ODI #11479792

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

Engine light is on the dashboard and can not conduct the Emission Test. I was told it's a oil consumption problem. And that the same problem that the sorento and sportage is doing. That is currently have a lawsuit going on. I was told the engine may start knocking soon. I was also told at shop that can cause the sensors to g…

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Engine light is on the dashboard and can not conduct the Emission Test. I was told it's a oil consumption problem. And that the same problem that the sorento and sportage is doing. That is currently have a lawsuit going on. I was told the engine may start knocking soon. I was also told at shop that can cause the sensors to get false reading and send error signals to the engine also. If the engine cut off while driving or stall it can put my life and others in danger and cause a major accident. It was confirm at shop and I was told it's a recall on the engine. The dealership tells me not for the credenza and it's doing the same things as the models that is being look at and had a lawsuit going on. My cadenza is wrll6keot and under miles and should not be having this problem. Kia should help me with this problem. Please help me with this mattet.

NHTSA ODI #11472662

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2022
EngineWheels

The rear wheel cracked and I had to have it repaired, and the vehicle has been making a ticking noise for 3 years and the Dealer in Colorado Springs told me don’t worry about it , it was a common noise, that was 2020. Now I have found out that the tension pulley and/or the timing tension pulley is bad . How is this a common prob…

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The rear wheel cracked and I had to have it repaired, and the vehicle has been making a ticking noise for 3 years and the Dealer in Colorado Springs told me don’t worry about it , it was a common noise, that was 2020. Now I have found out that the tension pulley and/or the timing tension pulley is bad . How is this a common problem? They want to replace my engine. Not to mention the problem that all KIA’S have the steering coupler that is going out. How are these not all recall problems as I have found on your site multiple complaints of the same nature.

NHTSA ODI #11453244

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2021
EngineVehicle Speed Control

Several times the car has accelerated without me pushing on the gas pedal. Kia has been unable to find a problem.

NHTSA ODI #11443954

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.