NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Cadenza. Most complaints involve visibility (6) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water and air leaking through the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility); however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the repair was not necessary. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, a significant amount of water leaked through the windshield, causing the contact to be soaked. The contact stated that upon attempting to wipe the interior of the windshield, the windshield was unsecured and almost separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windshield could be pushed forward. The contact was able to put the windshield back into place. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
“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,…”
“The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadenza Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $2,750 | 404 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (6), engine (4), service brakes, hydraulic (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Kia Cadenza at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).