What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Cadenza?

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is visibility (6 complaints), followed by engine (4).

How many 2016 Kia Cadenza complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 14 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2016 Kia Cadenza recalls and problems

2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Cadenza.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Kia Cadenza recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · reported September 25, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 1,730,192 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Visibility: windshield

NHTSA campaign 22V158000 · reported March 15, 2022 · Kia Motors America · 30,362 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC232.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Visibility6
Engine4
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Unknown or other2
Electrical system1
Structure1
Suspension1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 3, 2025 · Engine
My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN […] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the…

Sep 4, 2025 · Engine
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: […] ) and Kia’s repeated failure to properly diagnose or repair a serious overheating/safety defect despite this being a well-documented and known issue affecting these engines. Vehicle and Service Information •Vehicle: 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: […] )…

May 12, 2025 · Visibility
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water and air leaking through the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility); however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the repair…

Mar 18, 2025 · Unknown or other
While driving down the highway, I heard a loud boom and my sunroof exploded sending glass everywhere all through the car with my kids in the backseat. Driving straight on the highway at 60 miles per hour and nothing to hit the glass, Something is definitely wrong with the pano sunroof on these cars.

May 2, 2024 · Visibility
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front windshield, after which she observed that the windshield had begun to crack and was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the…

Cadenza model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2014	3	111	3	3
2015	2	48	1	2
2016	2	14	0	0
2017	2	33	4	1
2018	1	7	0	0
2019	1	5	0	0

Across all years, the 2014 Cadenza has the most complaints (111). All Kia Cadenza years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Kia Cadenza, the most recent reported on September 25, 2023 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Cadenza?: Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is visibility (6 complaints), followed by engine (4).
How many 2016 Kia Cadenza complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 14 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 3, 2025.