This page covers 5 recalls, 109 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Kia Cadenza.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2014 Kia Cadenza draws the most complaints around the engine and brakes, with steering not far behind. On the engine side, owners describe oil consumption issues leading to internal damage, knocking, smoking, and in some cases engine failure, along with the vehicle dropping into a reduced-power mode at highway speeds with multiple warning lights appearing on the instrument cluster. Brake complaints center on pedal feel and stopping performance degrading over time. Steering complaints involve loss of assist or inconsistent response. A smaller but notable cluster of reports involves the sunroof shattering or separating unexpectedly while driving, with owners describing it as spontaneous rather than impact-related. A handful of reports also mention water intrusion through the windshield seam and interior trim pieces, specifically door handle chrome, delaminating into sharp edges.
109
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Kia Cadenza has 5 recalls, the most serious being 19-inch non-chrome aluminum wheels that can fracture on hard impacts like deep potholes, causing the rim to separate and the tire to lose pressure rapidly.
A separate recall covers the anti-lock brake control module, which can develop an electrical fault that leads to an engine compartment fire whether the vehicle is parked or being driven. The windshield on these vehicles may also not have been properly bonded to the body during assembly, meaning the glass can work loose and detach while driving or separate more readily in a crash, raising the risk of injury to occupants or anyone nearby.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle, allowing the glass to loosen and potentially separate.
What the fix does
Kia will mail instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealership for windshield inspection and reinstallation if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front windshield may not be properly bonded to the vehicle during manufacturing, which could cause it to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the windshield and remove and reinstall it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 19-inch aluminum wheels can crack or break when hitting a pothole or similar impact, potentially causing wheel failure and loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wheels with redesigned versions that resist cracking under impact.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 19-inch aluminum wheels on affected vehicles can crack or break when hitting large, deep potholes or similar road impacts.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected wheels with new wheels at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
