repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2014 Kia CadenzaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 111 owner complaints about the 2014 Kia Cadenza, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2014 Kia Cadenza has problems
111 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
28Engine4 crash/fire/injury
16Service brakes, hydraulic
14Visibility
13Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
12Steering
8Structure
8Service brakes
7Power train
4Fuel/propulsion system
2514 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 28 | 4 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 16 | 0 |
| Visibility | 14 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 2 |
| Steering | 12 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 0 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| 14 other systems | 25 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2014 Kia Cadenza recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Visibility: windshield
Risk. A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2015 Q3
Wheels
Risk. A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2014 vs. every other Cadenza year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cadenza median. How we score
'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2014 Kia Cadenza safety ratings
2014 Kia Cadenza 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2014 Kia Cadenza, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
In owners' words
What Cadenza owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The engine started smoking and knocking really bad. Took it to the kia dealership and was told a piston o ring and gasket went bad because of heavy oil consumption that caused antifreeze to leak inside the motor while sitting still and this was causing the burning smell because the cylinder had…
A few weeks ago we were driving into town and the car had a light turned on and the smoke was coming out of the front and it smelled burnt. Then the car completely stopped. We almost wrecked. I was pregnant at the time and shod know what could have happened if we wrecked because the car had…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal odor of smoke detected. The driver stopped, looked under the hood, and found evidence of a fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA…
Own a 2014 Cadenza?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.