Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Kia Cadenza problems

Owners filed 33 complaints about the 2017 Kia Cadenza with NHTSA between Nov 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (12).

Complaints
33
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine12
  2. Electrical system6
  3. Fuel/propulsion system5
  4. Wheels3
  5. Steering2
  6. Service brakes, hydraulic2
  7. Air bags2
  8. Seat belts2
  9. Suspension2
  10. Service brakes2
  11. Engine and engine cooling1
  12. Tires1
  13. Vehicle speed control1
  14. Other / unknown6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20171
20184
20194
20200
20214
20220
20233
20247
20252
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

12 reports
“COMPONENT: Engine oil pressure sending unit/switch (part 94751-3C000, per Kia repair shop) or the oil pressure system on my 2017 Kia Cadenza 3.3L V6, about 95,500 miles. The car and any removed part are available for inspection on request. SYMPTOM/WARNING: The oil pressure warning light first appeared in October 2026 and comes on intermittently when the engine is warm and the car is stopped or idling, then goes off once moving. It is becoming more frequent. No other lamps, messages, noises, or leaks. The engine runs quietly, confirmed by Kia repair shop. No crash, fire, or injury. SAFETY RISK: I cannot tell whether the sensor is faulty or oil pressure is truly low. If pressure is low, the engine could be damaged or fail while driving in traffic. If the sensor is faulty, the light is unreliable. CONFIRMATION: Dipstick level has been normal. Oil was changed 06/13/2026 and 10/06/2026; the light lessened, then returned. A Kia dealer inspected the car and recommended replacing the sending unit, quoted at $3,060.72 since the intake manifold must be removed. The dealer has NOT measured oil pressure and says it can only do so during that repair. An independent shop has…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026EngineODI 11771018

Electrical system

6 reports1 fire
“The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed replacing , dealer put the car back together and told me we had to wrap up the work and return rental and get my car knowing it is a fire hazard I was in contact with warranty company for escalation who would not cover the recall part according to the dealer , I am still in escalations with Kia I have been left with no vehicle .engine repair was completed via dealer ,but they have reinstalled the broken harness and told me the car is ready for pick up. I am a disabled woman with small children and do not want to burn up in a fire was advised to report to dmv and nhtsa”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 29, 2026Electrical systemODI 11727779

Fuel/propulsion system

5 reports
“I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the buildup as the main issue isn’t properly being addressed. The issue occurred about 300 miles ago where the dealership erased it. Then told the vehicle did not have any issues. Brought it back to the Kia dealership where they finally gave a proper diagnosis after being told nothing was wrong with car. I am concerned as there are lots of owners online experiencing the same issues with their Kia cadenzas and nothing done about it. Took the vehicle in after it stalled in traffic, but, as seen, the repair cost is high and a temporary band aid.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 7, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11716465

Wheels

3 reports
“BOUGHT A LEFT OVER 2017 KIA CADENZA IN JULY OF 18,WITHIN FIRST 10,000 MILES CAR STARTED SOUNDING LIKE A HELICOPTER,TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP,THEY DROVE IT,THOUGHT MAYBE A WHEEL BEARING,REPLACED THAT,ROTATED TIRES TOLD ME TO DRIVE FOR AWHILE AND SEE IF THAT CHANGED IT,WENT BACK 3 WEEKS LATER SAYING NEED TO ROTATE TIRES THEN WENT BACK AGAIN AT 17500 MILES WITH SAME ISSUE,SERVICE ADVISOR ASKED ME HARSHLY 'WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN DRIVING THIS THING', I TELL ON THE HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK AND DAILY DRIVING,HE TELLS ME YOU KNOW YOU CAN TAKE THIS TO ANY OTHER DEALERSHIP, I SAY NO IT'S CALLED LOYALTY, I SPEAK WITH SERVICE MANAGER,HE DRIVES THE CAR REALIZING IT IS LOUD,HAS TIRES TAKEN OFF ANOTHER IDENTICAL CAR,SOUND GOES AWAY,HE TALKS TO KIA,THEY DECIDE TO GIVE ME NEW TIRES,THEY WERE INSTALLED CAR DRIVE FINE TILL ABOUT ANOTHER 12000 MILES AND NOISE CAME BACK,I WENT TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP FOR A OIL CHANGE 2 TIMES AND THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT TIRES ON THEIR INSPECTION,DECIDED TO GO BACK TO ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY TELL ME TIRES ARE FEATHERED AGAIN, I SAY HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A CAR GOING THROUGH 2 SETS OF TIRES IN 37000 MILES,THEY TELL ME IT'S…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 12, 2021Steering, Suspension, WheelsODI 11387674

Steering

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit (ECU) had failed. The parts to replace were Part Number: 56340/F60, a genuine OEM Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in Manufacturer Recall Number: WTY039. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2026Steering, Service brakes, hydraulic, EngineODI 11755228

Service brakes, hydraulic

2 reports2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 21, 2021Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11418007
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.