Kia Cadenza — the 6 years we've written up
2014–2019, side by side: what goes wrong on each, what the fix costs, and what they typically ask. 6 of the 6 carry a high-severity issue.
What this page is
These are the 6 Kia Cadenza model years Kestrel has done the homework on — not every year Kia built one. A year that isn't listed here isn't a year we're warning you off; it's one we haven't written up yet. Ranking a whole model run would mean telling you about years we've never looked at.
Kia Cadenza by year
How many owner complaints NHTSA holds. A big number usually means a lot were sold; the shape matters more than the total.
Year by year
3.3L V6 internal failure with loss of power on the road, and cold-start ticking — $5,500–$9,000 for a replacement engine; $400–$1,100 if it is only the high-pressure fuel pump and rail sensor
3.3L V6 seizures, stalling and rod-bearing failure with little warning — $5,500–$9,000 for a replacement engine; $300–$700 for the oil pressure sensor and harness alone
3.3L Lambda II V6 — oil weeping from the pressure switch, coolant loss, knocking, seizures — $5,500–$9,000 for a replacement engine; $300–$700 if it is only the oil pressure switch and a harness clean-up
Windshield not bonded properly — it leaks, lifts and can crack (recall 22V158) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $400–$900 to have the glass rebonded privately
HECU fire recall 23V652 — and owners left waiting years for the part — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed
ABS control unit can short and start an engine-bay fire (recall 23V652) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed
Looking at one in particular?
This page covers the Kia Cadenza in general. The Kestrel report covers the one you're looking at — the asking price against the market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for that year.
Known issues are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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