VehicleVerdict

2015 Kia Cadenza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Kia Cadenza carries two red flags at once: 64 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 5.1× 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.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (13), engine (13), and other (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

64

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other Cadenza years?

Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted146 complaints2014: 146 complaints2015: 64 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 43 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cadenza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Kia Cadenza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1320%
Engine1320%
Other914%
Visibility & Wipers711%
Brakes58%
Lighting46%
Steering35%
Body & Structure35%
Suspension23%
Airbags12%
Fuel System12%
Seats12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Driver Assistance12%

Does the 2015 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

2 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.

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.

“WHILE DRIVING HOME MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND LEAVE FUMES WITHIN THE CAR. I PULLED THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO INSPECT TO FIND THAT MY KICKPLATE WAS ON FIRE FROM BELOW THE KICKPLATE. I PULLED THE PANEL OFF AND DOUSED OUT THE FLAME. NOW WITH THE VEHICLE HOME I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 12, 2019 · fire

“There’s something drawing the battery AMPS down. This has been an ongoing problem for the last 6 months. Per Kia techs, it was my battery and grounds needed cleaning. Battery changed, techs cleaned all the grounds the problem still exists. I was informed that it was the alternator, new alternator…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 26, 2023

“WE NOTICED THAT WHEN WE WOULD CLOSE OUR CAR DOORS IT WOULD MAKE A LARGE POPPING SOUND AND WE REALIZED THAT IT WAS THE WINDSHIELD. I TOUCHED IT AND WHEN I DID IT LIFTED FROM THE CAR. THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT SECURED TO THE CAR! I HAVEN'T HAD THE CAR A YEAR YET AND IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 21, 2018

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the front windshield was loose and could be pushed out. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but, vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 1, 2021

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 24, 2023

2015 Kia Cadenza — common questions

Is the 2015 Kia Cadenza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 64 complaints put the 2015 model at #2 of 8 Cadenza years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cadenza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Cadenza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), engine (13 complaints), other (9 complaints).

Does the 2015 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Kia Cadenza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 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.