Kia Cadenza Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Kia Cadenza model year (2014–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Kia Cadenza Years to Avoid
1 recall · 74 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 91
0 recalls · 34 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 40
2 recalls · 21 complaints
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 27
Best Kia Cadenza Years to Buy
1 recall · 3 complaints
Main area: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 6
0 recalls · 7 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 7
1 recall · 5 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 8
Found the right year? Verify that specific Cadenza with a free VIN report.
Kia Cadenza — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 5 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 2 | 21 | — | — | 27 | Good |
| 2016 | 0 | 7 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 0 | 34 | 3 | — | 40 | Caution |
| 2014 | 1 | 74 | 7 | — | 91 | Avoid |
All 7 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Kia Cadenza Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent Cadenza models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2020 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade Cadenza units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Cadenza should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2014 Kia Cadenza if possible. It has 1 recall, 74 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 91 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Cadenza to buy?+
The 2019 Kia Cadenza is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 6. It has only 1 recall and 3 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Cadenza has the fewest problems?+
The 2019, 2016, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Kia Cadenza Research
Check a Specific Kia Cadenza VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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