The most-reported Cadenza run is KNALN4D74E5 (2014 builds) with 15 complaints, 4.3× the typical run. Engine problems make up 26% of reports; 2014 is the worst model year at 9.5 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for Cadenza model years 2014–2020.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Kia Cadenza has 60 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 29% of every Cadenza complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KNALN4D74E5•••••• | 2014 | 1 | 1 | |
| KNALN4D77E5•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| KNALN4D75E5•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| KNALN4D72E5•••••• | 2014 | 1 | — | |
| KNALN4D76E5•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| KNALN4D78E5•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| KNALN4D71E5•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| KNALN4D71F5•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| KNALN4D73E5•••••• | 2014 | 1 | — | |
| KNALN4D79E5•••••• | 2014 | — | 2 | |
| KNALN4D70E5•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| KNALN4D7XE5•••••• | 2014 | — | — |
Each of the other 48 Cadenza runs has 5 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 23 Cadenza VINs so far, most often 2017, 2014, 2016 builds; 4 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Kia Cadenza the gap between build years is 9.5×: a 2014 car draws 9.5 complaints per run, a 2019 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | — | |
| 2018 | 7 | 6 | — | |
| 2017 | 32 | 16 | 4 | |
| 2016 | 13 | 9 | — | |
| 2015 | 47 | 13 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 105 | 11 | 3 |
Heaviest year here is 2014 at 9.5 complaints per run; lightest is 2019 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 26% of everything Kia Cadenza owners report: Engine, 62 of 209 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | — | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | — | |
| Electrical System | — | 5 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 | 2 | |
| Hydraulic | — | — | |
| Visibility | — | — | |
| Steering | — | — | |
| Structure | 1 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 6 recall campaigns on the Kia Cadenza; the 6 below cover build years 2014 to 2020. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 21V137000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module | 2017–2019 |
| 22V158000 | Visibility:windshield | 2014–2016 |
| 23V652000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module | 2014–2016 |
| 22V022000 | Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls | 2020 |
| 17V190000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 2017 |
| 14V289000 | Wheels | 2014 |
21V137000 was opened in 2021 on cars built from 2017: 4 years on the road before the recall.
The Cadenza against its rivals
The Cadenza draws 3.5 complaints per production run; the Chevrolet Impala 5.4, the Lincoln Continental 2.6 and the Ford Taurus 3.1.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Cadenza | 209 | 60 | 3.8% | |
| Chevrolet Impala | 8,481 | 1,566 | 5.7% | |
| Lincoln Continental | 1,344 | 521 | 4.2% | |
| Ford Taurus | 14,689 | 4,741 | 5.9% |
How serious were they
Of the 209 reports on the Kia Cadenza, 3.8% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Kia Cadenza | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 209 | 1,116,631 |
| Involved a crash | 8 (3.8%) | 64,221 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 6 (2.9%) | 26,977 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 10 | 58,047 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 34% below the all-vehicle rate.
You know what it is. Find out what it's worth.
- Exact value for this VIN, adjusted for mileage
- The original window sticker and factory options
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The Kia Cadenza share of that is 209 complaints over 60 runs, 0.02% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Kia Cadenza VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 209 NHTSA complaints from 60 Cadenza runs and 6 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Cadenza production run has the most complaints?
KNALN4D74E5, a 2014 build, with 15 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical Cadenza run has 3.5.
Which Cadenza years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2014 is heaviest at 9.5 complaints per run and 2019 lightest at 1.
Does the Cadenza get more complaints than the Chevrolet Impala?
No: 3.5 complaints per production run for the Cadenza against 5.4 for the Chevrolet Impala.
How many Cadenza complaints involve a crash?
3.8% of 209 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 6 involved a fire.
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.