2017 KIA Cadenza Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 33 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Cadenza years
Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 8 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 KIA Cadenza. That ranks 3rd out of 8 Cadenza model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (12 complaints, 36%), typically at around 35,000 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2017 KIA Cadenza problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine12 · ~35,000 mi
Electrical System6 · ~3,000 mi
Unknown or Other6 · ~13,888 mi
Fuel/propulsion System5 · ~6,325 mi
Wheels3 · ~22,500 mi
Air Bags2 · ~10,000 mi
Seat Belts2 · ~60,000 mi
Service Brakes2 · ~17,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2 · ~165,000 mi
Steering2 · ~101,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine1236%35,000——
Electrical System618%3,000——
Unknown or Other618%13,888——
Fuel/propulsion System515%6,325——
Wheels39%22,500——
Air Bags26%10,000——
Seat Belts26%60,000——
Service Brakes26%17,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic26%165,000——
Steering26%101,000——
Suspension26%27,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling13%35,000——
Tires13%22,500——
Vehicle Speed Control13%10,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2026, with 8 complaints
2017: 1201712018: 4201842019: 4201942021: 4202142023: 3202332024: 7202472025: 2202522026: 820268

n = 33 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2017 KIA Cadenza recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulePark outsideMar 4, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · 379,931 vehicles

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

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

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. 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. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 16, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V190000 · 47 vehicles

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.

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

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC146.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires (AQ23002) — opened Nov 17, 2023, still open.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Engine · received Oct 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11771018

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…

Steering · received Aug 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11755228

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…

Engine · received Apr 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11732978

The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed…

Electrical System · received Mar 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11727779

I currently have a complaint 11709255 regarding the electric thermostat. I just had that part replaced in November of 2025 for the 3rd time. Last week, again I had a warning of engine problem. The next day there was cold air blowing when the heat was on. The dash thermostat immediately began to…

Engine · received Mar 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11725993

Other KIA Cadenza years

← 2016 Cadenza · 2018 Cadenza →

See all KIA Cadenza problems by year, every KIA model, or the KIA VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 KIA Cadenza?

Owners most often report engine, electrical system, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 12 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2017 KIA Cadenza?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2017 KIA Cadenza a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Cadenza model years, the 2017 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.