VehicleVerdict

2017 Kia Cadenza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2017 Kia Cadenza carries two red flags at once: 43 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.4× 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.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (26% of the total).

43

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

5

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Cadenza years?

Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted146 complaints2014: 146 complaints2015: 64 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 43 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cadenza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Kia Cadenza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1126%
Other614%
Electrical System614%
Fuel System512%
Tires & Wheels49%
Brakes37%
Seat Belts25%
Suspension25%
Airbags25%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%

Does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

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

21V137000BrakesMarch 4, 2021 · 379,931 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

17V190000BrakesMarch 16, 2017 · 47 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.

Consequence

Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC146.

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.

“Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 22, 2026

“PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD RAPIDLY. FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN THIS OCCURRED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 31, 2019 · crash

“Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire started out of no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 13, 2024 · fire

“THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS NHTSA COMPLAINT ID 11047835. THE STRONG RAW FUEL ODOR AFTER FILLUP RECURRED ON MY VEHICLE AT 9550 MILES, 3600 MILES AFTER THIS PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED. DEALER CLAIMS TO HAVE REPAIRED GAP IN THE PREVIOUSLY-REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP SEAL; HOWEVER,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 25, 2018

“I HAVE 4 HANCOOK VENTIS S1 NOBLE 2+ TIRES ON MY 2017 KIA CADENZA. THE SIZE AND DOT NUMBERS ARE 245/45R18 96V DOT 5MEF 1A H 0217 I HAVE A BUBBLE, IN THE SIDEWALL, IN ONE TIRE THAT MAY BE THE RESULT OF A CRACK IN THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRES ARE VERY NOISY PARTICULARLY AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE REAR TIRES ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 20, 2019

2017 Kia Cadenza — common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Cadenza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 2017 model at #3 of 8 Cadenza years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cadenza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Cadenza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), other (6 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Kia Cadenza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 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.