Kia Cadenza years to avoid
The Kia Cadenza years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2017, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation.
292
Total complaints
6
Recall campaigns
2014–2021
Years covered
8
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Cadenza years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | High complaints + open investigation | 148 | |
| 2015 | High complaints + open investigation | 64 | |
| 2017 | High complaints + open investigation | 46 | |
| 2016 | Open safety investigation | 18 | |
| 2018 | Open safety investigation | 8 | |
| 2019 | Open safety investigation | 8 | |
| 2020 | Open safety investigation | 0 | |
| 2021 | Open safety investigation | 0 |
Every Cadenza year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021avoid | 0 | 0 | |
| 2020avoid | 0 | 1 | |
| 2019avoid | 8 | 1 | |
| 2018avoid | 8 | 1 | |
| 2017avoid | 46 | 2 | |
| 2016avoid | 18 | 2 | |
| 2015avoid | 64 | 2 | |
| 2014avoid | 148 | 3 |
Common questions
What are the worst Kia Cadenza years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Cadenza years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2017, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
How many recalls does the Kia Cadenza have?
Across all model years, the Cadenza has 6 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 292 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.