VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Cadenza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2018 Kia Cadenza carries two red flags at once: 7 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Cadenza years to avoid.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Cadenza years?

Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted146 complaints2014: 146 complaints2015: 64 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 43 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cadenza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kia Cadenza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine571%
Other229%

Does the 2018 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

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.

“Failure of Oil Pressure Sensor resulting in oil leaking into wiring harness, this is the same problem with 3.3L engines in other models that KIA has extended coverage. I contacted KIA Customer Care and was told they tracked VIN and not enough Cadenzas had reported the same repair. If the problem is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 26, 2024

“I PURCHASED A NEW 2018 KIA CADENZA WITH 11 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD THE CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AND IT RANDOMLY STALLS WHILE IN DRIVE MODE IN MOTION AND SOMETIMES WHILE SITTING IDLE. IT HAS STALLED ON THE FREEWAY, NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS, DRIVE-WAY AND ON FEEDER ROADS. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 5, 2019

2018 Kia Cadenza — common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Cadenza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 7 complaints put the 2018 model at #5 of 8 Cadenza years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cadenza years to avoid.

Does the 2018 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Kia Cadenza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 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.