2015 Kia Cadenza
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 110 |
| 2015 | 48 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: engine — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
UPON PRESSING ENGINE PUSH BUTTON START A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FILLED THE CABIN COMPARTMENT DURING IDLING WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK. THE ENGINE STARTED AS NORMAL WITH NO INDICATION OF MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141203
27% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING HOME MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND LEAVE FUMES WITHIN THE CAR. I PULLED THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO INSPECT TO FIND THAT MY KICKPLATE WAS ON FIRE FROM BELOW THE KICKPLATE. I PULLED THE PANEL OFF AND DOUSED OUT THE FLAME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190512
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA CADENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER NOTICED SMOKE AND A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160628
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231206
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022.
Campaign 22V158000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023.
Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Kia Cadenza — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V158000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2015 Kia Cadenza reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Cadenza?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Cadenza have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.