2016 Kia Cadenza

My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the problem, did not escalate to Techline, and did not check or apply Kia Service Action WTY039, which was active. They returned the vehicle to me still overheating, forcing me into multiple out-of-pocket repairs for coolant, radiator, radiator fan, and water pump replacement. None resolved the issue, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive due to rising temperature and smoke. A second dealer, Mesquite Kia, performed a proper diagnosis. Kia Corporate approved an engine replacement under WTY039 on 11/6/25, and the repair was completed on 11/29/25, confirming the overheating was caused by a covered engine defect. Kia Corporate later denied reimbursement for prior repair attempts by blaming “3rd party repairs,” ignoring that the dealership’s misdiagnosis forced me to seek outside help. This defect created safety hazards including overheating while driving, risk of stalling, coolant intrusion, and visible smoke. I am requesting NHTSA review Kia’s handling of this defect and the failure of Central Kia of Plano to diagnose or escalate a known engine issue, which allowed a safety defect to worsen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) and Kia’s repeated failure to properly diagnose or repair a serious overheating/safety defect despite this being a well-documented and known issue affecting these engines. Vehicle and Service Information •Vehicle: 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) •Mileage: ~129,608 •Dealer Involved: Central Kia of Plano (Plano, TX) •Repair Order #: [XXX] •Dates: [XXX] Issues 1.Overheating / Known Engine Defect •My vehicle overheats, especially with the A/C on or at idle. •Kia has already been directed to issue extended warranties on these engines due to systemic defects (including bearing wear, engine failure, and overheating). •Despite this, Kia continues to deny or delay proper repairs and instead authorized the dealer to replace only a cooling fan relay, which did not fix the defect. 2.Dealer Misconduct •Central Kia of Plano kept my vehicle for 10 days, charged me $269.92, and returned the vehicle still overheating. •I was told a Techline case would be submitted, but I have confirmed this was never done. 3.Incomplete Recall Repairs •I requested completion of open recalls: •SC232 – Windshield Bonding •SC284VG – HECU Fire Risk •The dealer marked one as complete and the other as pending, but I have no confirmation in Kia’s system that either was properly completed. 4.Corporate Inaction •I have multiple open cases with Kia Corporate, but they have failed to escalate or reassign me to a reputable dealer. •Despite the extended warranty obligation, Kia has not replaced the engine or confirmed a permanent repair. Why I Am Contacting NHTSA •This is not an isolated issue — it is a known safety defect across these engines. •Kia has been required to extend warranties for this exact defect but is failing to honor that coverage by stalling, misdiagnosing, and leaving vehicles unsafe. •My vehicle remains unsafe to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA CADENZA. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD RATTLING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS NOTHING TO REPAIR OR REPLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,674.