The Kia Cadenza spans 2014–2020 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2014, 2015, 2017 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2020, 2019, 2018. It delivers up to 23 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Kia Cadenza is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2014 to 2020 across multiple generations.
How to read a Kia Cadenza VIN — every digit explained
Every Kia Cadenza carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Kia and the country it was built in (real Kia codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Cadenza.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA5NP · 5XX · 5XY · U5Y
- South KoreaKNA · KND · KNJ
- Mexico3KM · 3KP
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Cadenza, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Kia Cadenza have?
The Kia Cadenza has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2014–2020. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2020 Kia Cadenza recalls 1
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
What's wrong. 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 Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Risk. Rear power windows that operate unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will update the Driver Door Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC225.
2019 Kia Cadenza recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
2018 Kia Cadenza recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
2017 Kia Cadenza recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
Risk. Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC146.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
2016 Kia Cadenza recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. 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.
Visibility:windshield
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. 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.
2015 Kia Cadenza recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. 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.
Visibility:windshield
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. 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.
2014 Kia Cadenza recalls 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. 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.
Visibility:windshield
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. 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.
Wheels
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Kia Cadenza
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 2014, 2015, 2017 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2020, 2019, 2018.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Cadenza | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2015 Cadenza | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2016 Cadenza | Visibility | Average | |
| 2017 Cadenza | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2018 Cadenza | Engine | Best | |
| 2019 Cadenza | Tires | Best | |
| 2020 Cadenza | — | Best |
What are the most common Kia Cadenza problems?
The most-reported Kia Cadenza problems are Air (1 reports), Seats (1 reports) and Tires (3 reports) — out of 214 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Kia Cadenza specifications & dimensions
The 2020 Kia Cadenza measures 196″ long on a 112″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,770 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Kia Cadenza window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 112″ (285 cm) |
| Rear track | 64″ |
| Body / trim | Cadenza 4dr Sedan Limited |
| Curb weight | 3,770 lb (1710 kg) |
| Front track | 63″ |
| Overall width | 74″ (187 cm) |
| Overall height | 58″ (147 cm) |
| Overall length | 196″ (497 cm) |
| Weight distribution (front/rear) | 60/40% |
How the Cadenza's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–2020 | 196″ | 74″ | 58″ | 112″ | 3,633 lb |
| 2014 | 196″ | 73″ | 57″ | 112″ | 3,785 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Kia Cadenza cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Cadenza holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 108 cu ft of passenger volume and 16 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Kia Cadenza tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Kia Cadenza get?
The Kia Cadenza returns up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,700/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2020 Kia Cadenza (3.3L 6-cyl) gets 23 mpg combined and costs about $2,700/yr to fuel, emitting 385 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10, smog 3/10) — about $2,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Cadenza | 20 | 28 | $2,700 | 385 | 3/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2019 Cadenza | 20 | 27 | $2,700 | 386 | 3/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2018 Cadenza | 20 | 28 | $2,700 | 383 | 3/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2017 Cadenza | 20 | 28 | $2,700 | 384 | 6/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2016 Cadenza | 19 | 28 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2015 Cadenza | 19 | 28 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2014 Cadenza | 19 | 28 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3.3L 6-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Cadenza stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Cadenza's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Kia Cadenza have? Power & range
The Kia Cadenza is offered with 1 powertrain — 3.3L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.3L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Kia Cadenza cost to own?
A used Kia Cadenza sells for a median of about $10,990 for a 2018 — most listed between $7,700 and $10,990, from 35 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cadenza | $7,700–$10,990 | 6 | |
| 2015 Cadenza | $1,400–$10,495 | 3 | |
| 2014 Cadenza | $2,200–$8,799 | 26 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Cadenza is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Kia Cadenza depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Cadenza loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Cadenza ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Kia Cadenza to insure?
A Kia Cadenza costs about $1,322 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 8% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (92, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Cadenza's HLDI loss index. See Kia insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Kia Cadenza safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Cadenza yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Kia Cadenza last?
A well-maintained Kia Cadenza typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Kia Cadenza’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Cadenza’s VIN free →All Kia Cadenza model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Kia Cadenza — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Cadenza | 1 recall | — | |
| 2019 Cadenza | 1 recall | — | |
| 2018 Cadenza | 1 recall | — | |
| 2017 Cadenza | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2016 Cadenza | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2015 Cadenza | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2014 Cadenza | 3 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Cadenza?
By owner-complaint volume, 2014, 2015, 2017 drew the most reports. 2020, 2019, 2018 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Cadenza have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2014–2020. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Cadenza get?
Up to 23 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Cadenza last?
A well-maintained Cadenza typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Cadenza reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Cadenza is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Kia Cadenza warranty?
New Kia models carry a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Kia dealer.
Where is the Kia Cadenza made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Cadenza's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Kia may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Cadenza weigh?
The Cadenza's curb weight is around 3,770 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Cadenza have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.