NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
110 reports117,000 miles · Dec 20, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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 dia…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11561134
136,000 miles · Dec 13, 2023
EngineInjury
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 un…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11559919
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2023
Steering
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 i…
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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)
NHTSA ODI #11559238
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
56,000 miles · Nov 30, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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 lig…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11557766
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11555977
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2023
Engine
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.…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11551821
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2023
Engine
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 s…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11548879
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
Official recalls
3Sep 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.
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.
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
1AQ23002 · 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.