VehicleVerdict

2014 Kia Cadenza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2014 Kia Cadenza carries two red flags at once: 146 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 11.7× the Cadenza norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Cadenza years to avoid. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (28), brakes (24), and visibility & wipers (16), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

146

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

4

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other Cadenza years?

Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted146 complaints2014: 146 complaints2015: 64 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 43 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cadenza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Kia Cadenza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2819%
Brakes2416%
Visibility & Wipers1611%
Electrical System139%
Other139%
Steering128%
Body & Structure85%
Transmission75%
Fuel System53%
Tires & Wheels53%
Driver Assistance43%
Airbags32%
Lighting32%
Speed Control32%
Suspension11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2014 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

22V158000Visibility & WipersMarch 15, 2022 · 30,362 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC232.

14V289000Tires & WheelsMay 30, 2014 · 3,107 units

Defect

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadenza vehicles manufactured February 1, 2013, through August 27, 2013, and equipped with 19" non-chrome aluminum wheels. The wheels on the affected vehicles may fracture from impacts such as large, deep potholes.

Consequence

A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with new wheels, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC107.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving my 2014 Kia Cadenza and then I noticed the vehicle has lost power and all the electrical components shut off (Odometer , dash lights and radio ) , as I was cruising down the road waiting for vehicle to slow down I noticed vehicle steering was very heavy and didn't have any breaking…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 8, 2023 · fire

“ 1. accelerator became stuck 2. pushing the foot brake did not stop the car 3. they were not able to replicate the issue, which happened 4 times 4. the dealership that sold me the car (twice) and another KIA dealership once 5. none Each time that it occurred, my wife shifted to neutral and hit the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 27, 2022

“WHILE DRIVING AROUND 40MPH, WENT TO PASS A VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD POP... AFTER EXITING VEHICLE FOUND A 5 INCH LINE CRACK WITHIN THE WINDSHIELD ON THE LOWER RIGHT HAND SIDE (PASSENGER)... HAVE BEEN TO TWO GLASS REPAIR SHOPS, AND THE DEALER AND ALL AGREE THERE IS NO DAMAGE INSIDE OR OUT TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 17, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA CADENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY A KIA INVESTIGATOR TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 15, 2017 · fire

“I PURCHASED A KIA CADENZA IN SEPT. 2014. ONE OF THE REASONS THAT I SELECTED THIS VEHICLE WAS THE SAFETY RECORD OF THE VEHICLE. THIS KIA CADENZA CAME WITH DUAL FRONT AND REAR SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE AIRBAGS. ON JAN. 19TH, 2015 I WAS BROAD SIDED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. MY KIA WAS HIT WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 19, 2015 · crash

2014 Kia Cadenza — common questions

Is the 2014 Kia Cadenza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 146 complaints put the 2014 model at #1 of 8 Cadenza years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cadenza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Cadenza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (28 complaints), brakes (24 complaints), visibility & wipers (16 complaints).

Does the 2014 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 Kia Cadenza under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Cadenza years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cadenza years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2017, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2020.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.