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2018 Kia CadenzaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Cadenza, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 21V-137 the manufacturer reports only 76% of affected cars repaired.

2018 Kia Cadenza
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Lowest repair rate 76%Owner complaints70 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage10kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 1, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2018 Kia Cadenza has problems

7 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
Engine50
Air bags10

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

1 recall

2018 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 →

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

2018 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

2018 Kia Cadenza safety ratings

2018 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 2018 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.

Complete engine failure due to rods and bearings (same as all other Kia engine recalls currently active). Ironically my car wasn’t included in the recall. Also I’ve noticed that Hyundai has extended the warranty for this same engine in the 2018 Santa Fe basically acknowledging it has a problem but…
Complaint 11700022 · Nov 18, 2025
No prior issues/light on dashboard as the car was just serviced for coolant hose replacement. On my way home from work, the car stalled and loss power at the light. The signs were giving engine failure due to losing power then a clicking/ticking noise. After pulling over and giving the car a break…
Complaint 11699682 · Nov 16, 2025
Vehicle has been properly maintained and at 78k miles, while at a stop sign, the engine seized. No warning signs from vehicle appeared.
Complaint 11685929 · Sep 9, 2025

Own a 2018 Cadenza?

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