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

Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (12 complaints), followed by electrical system (6).

How many 2017 Kia Cadenza complaints mention a crash or fire?

4 of 33 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2017 Kia Cadenza recalls and problems

2 recalls and 33 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2017 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.

2017 Kia Cadenza recalls

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

NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · reported March 4, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 379,931 vehicles potentially affected

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

NHTSA campaign 17V190000 · reported March 16, 2017 · Kia Motors America · 47 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
The risk: Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

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

Engine12
Electrical system6
Unknown or other6
Fuel/propulsion system5
Wheels3
Air bags2
Seat belts2
Service brakes2
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Steering2

What owners report

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

Oct 14, 2026 · Engine
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 appeared in October 2026…

Aug 6, 2026 · Steering · 165,000 miles
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, causing the vehicle to…

Apr 22, 2026 · Engine
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 loose but there was…

Mar 29, 2026 · Electrical system
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 replacing , dealer…

Mar 21, 2026 · Engine
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 move to hot. I was…

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
2020	1	0	0	0

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

Questions

Does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Cadenza, the most recent reported on March 4, 2021 (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 2017 Kia Cadenza?: Owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (12 complaints), followed by electrical system (6).
How many 2017 Kia Cadenza complaints mention a crash or fire?: 4 of 33 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 14, 2026.