VehicleVerdict

2020 Kia Cadenza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2020 Kia Cadenza carries two red flags at once: 0 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Cadenza years?

Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted146 complaints2014: 146 complaints2015: 64 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 43 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Cadenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cadenza years to avoid →

Does the 2020 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V022000Electrical SystemJanuary 21, 2022 · 451 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Cadenza vehicles. The rear power windows can be operated by the driver's power window main switch after the ignition has been turned off and a front door is opened. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence

Rear power windows that operate unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the Driver Door Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC225.

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.

2020 Kia Cadenza — common questions

Is the 2020 Kia Cadenza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 0 complaints put the 2020 model at #7 of 8 Cadenza years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Cadenza years to avoid.

Does the 2020 Kia Cadenza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Kia Cadenza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 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.