2017 Kia Cadenza Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.7

Ranked #3 in 

Sedan
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$31,990 - $44,390
Starting Price 

2017 Kia Cadenza Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

29

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

With the Cadenza, Kia offers a fine drive to the liking of commuters and executives alike. The sedan comes in equipped with a range of premium features and tech. Additionally, the sedan adapts well to both the city and the outdoors. Kia ensures a safe experience and high-reliability standards with the sedan. However, the Kia Cadenza comes across a few issues that range from powertrain issues to rapid tire wear. The sedan also records a few rare cases of vehicle fires. Kia takes control of these concerns with prompt services and customer assistance. On paper, the 2017 Kia Cadenza registers 13 counts of user complaints and 2 recalls as of yet. The sedan competes with the likes of the Chevrolet Impala, the Ford Taurus, and the Chrysler 300. Furthermore, the Kia Cadenza ranks in the 4th spot on the CarHp list of top-10 full-size sedans of 2017. Here’s a closer look at the car.

Mechanical Problems

  • Fuel delivery systems - Multiple users report instances of strong fuel odor persisting within the cabin. The users notice this post refueling. As per investigations, the issue relates to leaking high-pressure fuel pump sealing. The issue can progress to a major concern if not timely addressed. This increases the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. Vehicle fire increases the risk of injury and can result in total loss of the vehicle.
  • Powertrain - Powertrain issues are rare but recorded for the Lincoln Continental. Users report instances of the sedan jerking while shifting gears. This can progress to major powertrain concerns. Fixing powertrain issues is both time-consuming and expensive.
  • Braking - Braking issues persist with the sedan. Users report cases of braking failures under driving conditions. As per the complaints, the brake pedal reduces the resistance while braking. Due to this, the car fails to slow down or stop by applying the brakes. Braking failures compromise the safety of the user and the vehicle. This increases the chances of a crash.
  • Accelerator - As per the user complaint, the sedan surges forward during the application of brakes. This issue of rogue acceleration compromises user safety and increases the chances of a crash. Users witness this with adaptive cruise control engaged.

Electrica Problems

  • Climate control - Few users report issues with the climate control of the sedan. As per complaints, a failure of temperature sensors affects the air conditioning of the car. This restricts the user's ability to vary the in-cabin temperature of the vehicle. This issue compromises the comfort of the user.

Structural Problems 

  • Tires - Users report rapid wear of the stock tires fitted on the sedan. As per complaints, the users need to replace the tires within a range of 20000 miles. Users report a noisy drive with worn tires. Kia dealerships claim inaccurate wheel alignment as the root cause of the issue. Tire degradation compromises the vehicle stability due to swaying and vibrations. This can increase the risk of a crash.

Safety Problems

  • Airbags - User complaints report a few cases of airbag deployment failures in the event of a crash. As per the reports, the airbags fail to deploy on impact resulting in occupant injuries. This compromises the safety of the occupants and increases the risk of injury.
  • Seatbelt - Few user complaints report cases of failure of the seatbelt retractor. This prevents the seatbelt from rolling up and latching. Due to this, the seat belt may not be able to restrain the occupant effectively. This compromises user safety and increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Logistical Problems

  • Recalled parts - Unavailability of recalled parts is a known issue with the sedan. Users report Kia dealerships not being able to procure the recalled parts. This leads to delayed vehicle recalls, rendering the customers without a vehicle.

Recalls 

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

March 4, 

2021

21V137000

Engine compartment fire.

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of an injury.

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. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

2

March 16, 2017

17V190000

The brake vacuum hose may kink.

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

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Kia's number for this recall is SC146.

Should you buy the 2017 Kia Cadenza?

The Kia Cadenza offers an impressive choice for a full-size sedan. The car comes equipped with plenty of features and a fine cabin. The sedan offers a genuine premium experience with versatility that suits commuting and touring alike. Furthermore, Cadenza offers excellent standards of safety and reliability with few rare exceptions. Considering the 2017 Kia Cadenza as a package, it offers a practical, versatile, and luxe drive. Overall, the Cadenza offers a lot in return for the price tag. Citing this, the sedan gets our green flag.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

March 21, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11725993

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11725993

Incident Date:
March 21, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNALB4J13H5

Consumer Location:
LOMBARD, IL

Summary
I currently have a complaint 11709255 regarding the electric thermostat. I just had that part replaced in...

March 11, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11723674

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11723674

Incident Date:
March 11, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNALC4J14H5

Consumer Location:
BROOKHAVEN, PA

Summary
Check engine was flashing in front of my house in Brookhaven Pa. Took to mechanic around the corner, dia...

February 7, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11716465

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11716465

Incident Date:
February 7, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
Knalc4j16h5

Consumer Location:
LEHIGH ACRES, FL

Summary
I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the So...

January 6, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11709255

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11709255

Incident Date:
January 6, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNALB4J13H5

Consumer Location:
LOMBARD, IL

Summary
This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018...

October 14, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11693269

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11693269

Incident Date:
October 14, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNALC4J1XH5

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days...

0/100Worst

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

91/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

76/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

0/100Worst

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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