2016 Kia Cadenza
Only 14 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2016: 14 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 111 |
| 2015 | 48 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2017 | 33 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
7 of 14 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield and sun/moon roof assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-03
The Windshield is a defect on the cadenzas, as the seals break on them. It lifts up while driving or even shutting my doors, which I see as a safety hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-09
On December 6, 2016 my sunroof exploded while driving down the freeway. The explosion was so loud and violent I thought I was shot. Shards of glass rained down on my head.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-12-12
Also filed under Structure
Engine
4 of 14 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, a loud rattling sound was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-05-19
Service brakes
2 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
1 of 14 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving, I heard a loud pop followed by a loud grinding noise. I wqs able to pull over and noticed the passenger front side of the car was lower than the rest of the car. At around 75k the passenger side strut went out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-07
Structure
1 of 14 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2022-05-13Visibility22V158000 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.
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I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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R
2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Kia Cadenza — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V158000 · Visibility
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
FAQ
- Is the 2016 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 2016 Kia Cadenza?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Cadenza have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.