2017 Kia CadenzaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 33 owner complaints about the 2017 Kia Cadenza, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-137 the manufacturer reports only 76% of affected cars repaired.

2017 Kia Cadenza

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2017 Kia Cadenza has problems

33 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine120
Electrical system61
Fuel/propulsion system50
Wheels30
Suspension20
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Seat belts20
Service brakes22
Air bags21
4 other systems51

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2017 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.

76%repaired · 2023 Q1

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module

Park outside

Recall 21V-137 · Mar 4, 2021 · 379,931 vehicles · 289,722 repaired

Risk. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2018 Q3

Vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 17V-190 · Mar 16, 2017 · 47 vehicles · 45 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2017 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

2017 Kia Cadenza safety ratings

2017 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: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2017 Kia Cadenza, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresAQ23002 · still open
    Open
In owners' words

What Cadenza owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

COMPONENT: Engine oil pressure sending unit/switch (part 94751-3C000, per Kia repair shop) or the oil pressure system on my 2017 Kia Cadenza 3.3L V6, about 95,500 miles. The car and any removed part are available for inspection on request. SYMPTOM/WARNING: The oil pressure warning light first…
Complaint 11771018 · Oct 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent,…
Complaint 11755228 · Aug 6, 2026 · 165,000 miles
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 11732978 · Apr 22, 2026

Own a 2017 Cadenza?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.