This page covers 3 recalls, 31 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Kia Cadenza.
23 mpg combined
10.2 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.
Complaints about the 2017 Kia Cadenza cluster most heavily around the engine and fuel system. On the engine side, owners report overheating, blown head gaskets, oil mixing with coolant, and internal engine failure, several describing these issues appearing without much warning. A flashing check engine light is a common first sign. Fuel and propulsion complaints frequently point to carbon buildup on fuel injectors, which owners say leads to rough running and stalling even on well-maintained vehicles. The electric thermostat comes up across multiple reports as a recurring failure point, with owners describing repeated replacements and cold air blowing from the heater as the engine temperature climbs dangerously. Electrical system complaints round out the picture at a lower volume. The thermostat-and-overheating combination appears to be the thread connecting several of the engine and fuel reports filed for this model year.
31
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Kia Cadenza has 3 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk in the engine compartment caused by a short circuit in the anti-lock brake control module.
This fire risk applies to vehicles not equipped with Smart Cruise Control, and prior filings across multiple campaigns address the same underlying defect: the anti-lock brake system's hydraulic electronic control unit can short circuit and ignite under the hood with no collision required. On the braking side, a separate concern involves the brake vacuum hose, which can kink and reduce the power assist available when pressing the brake pedal. When that hose collapses, the vehicle takes longer to stop than the driver expects, raising the risk of a collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The antilock brake system control module can short circuit, potentially affecting brake performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will install new ABS fuses and update the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit software on certain models.
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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
An electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit may short-circuit, potentially causing a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles with electronic parking brake will also receive a HECU software update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake vacuum hose may kink, which reduces how well the brakes work.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
