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
3 recalls · 76 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 99
2 recalls · 34 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 46
0 recalls · 22 complaints
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 22
Best Kia Cadenza Years to Buy
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
0 recalls · 4 complaints
Main area: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 4
0 recalls · 5 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 5
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 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 5 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 22 | — | — | 22 | Good |
| 2016 | 2 | 7 | — | — | 13 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 34 | 3 | — | 46 | Caution |
| 2014 | 3 | 76 | 7 | — | 99 | 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 3 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 3 recalls, 76 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 99 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Cadenza to buy?+
The 2020 Kia Cadenza is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Cadenza has the fewest problems?+
The 2020, 2019, 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.
Run a Free VIN Report →