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2014 Kia Cadenza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

54 reports with mileage · 56 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports

Steering complaints

12 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2024
Steering

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while reversing, he became aware that the electronic power steering briefly seized in position while turning, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence while reversin…

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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while reversing, he became aware that the electronic power steering briefly seized in position while turning, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence while reversing. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11597030

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI #11586525

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2023
Steering

The MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) FLEXIBLE COUPLING in the steering system has been making noise, clicking and leading to a sense of slipping in the vehicle steering for several months. I took the vehicle to a Kia service center who confirmed the MDPS was the problem and told me that this a known and common safety problem i…

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The MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) FLEXIBLE COUPLING in the steering system has been making noise, clicking and leading to a sense of slipping in the vehicle steering for several months. I took the vehicle to a Kia service center who confirmed the MDPS was the problem and told me that this a known and common safety problem in my Kia model year. They stated there had even been a warranty extension for this safety concern. They reported that they have observed and repaired this issue many times. However, Kia refused to cover the repair under warranty because my vehicle was just over 10 years old. They suggested I file a claim with the NHTSA since this is a known safety issue. Thus, the problem in my vehicle has still not been resolved. Here is a You Tube Video showing the defective plastic part they manufactured this vehicle with and refuse to warranty. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11559238

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2022
EnginePower TrainSteering

The first time anything happened was June 2021. I’d only had the vehicle 4 months. We were on the interstate doing 70 mph when there was a loud noise, it jerked back, almost ran us into an 18 wheeler, went into LIMP mode, and left us on the side of the road! Since then, we’ve taken it to the Kia dealership in Slidell, La SEVERAL…

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The first time anything happened was June 2021. I’d only had the vehicle 4 months. We were on the interstate doing 70 mph when there was a loud noise, it jerked back, almost ran us into an 18 wheeler, went into LIMP mode, and left us on the side of the road! Since then, we’ve taken it to the Kia dealership in Slidell, La SEVERAL times. They removed 5 pages of codes that came up, said nothing was wrong, then it needed a head gasket until finally they said it needs a $9000 motor!! My Cadenza sat at Kia for over 3 MONTHS before they even looked at it the last time! There have been MANY MANY complaints about the head bolts backing out of these Lamba II 3.3L engines causing a catastrophe. Kia does NOT replace head bolts where inserts are needed. It’s an automatic engine replacement. So, now my car is still sitting here in pieces and I cannot get it fixed after paying $9500! Kia needs a recall on the Lamba II engines!! They’re dangerous and are going to kill someone!! This isn’t the first time Kia has screwed me out of a vehicle! I also had a 2011 Genesis I had to get rid of it wasn’t even drivable!! I just want my 2014 Kia Cadenza fixed! Please!

NHTSA ODI #11481562

80,000 miles · Jun 8, 2022
Steering

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at speeds exceeding 60 MPH, the steering wheel would violently shake and vibrate. Additionally, there was a clicking noise was present while turning in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack…

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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at speeds exceeding 60 MPH, the steering wheel would violently shake and vibrate. Additionally, there was a clicking noise was present while turning in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was also notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11468132

79,000 miles · May 24, 2022
Steering

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repair…

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The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #11465886

20,650 miles · May 14, 2021
Steering

MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING FAILED. TURNING IN DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11416557

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2020
Steering

I HAVE LOOSENESS IN MY STEERING FEELS LIKE IT'S SLIPPING AND I HEARING KNOCKING AND WHEN I'M DRIVING AND I BREAK I FEEL MY WHEELS SHAKING AND ON I AM CAR

NHTSA ODI #11363688

100,000 miles · Sep 10, 2020
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA CADENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A SLIGHT ELEVATION, A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA CADENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A SLIGHT ELEVATION, A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11354203

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2019
Steering

A VERIFIED RECALL TO KIA OPTIMA IS IN PLACE FOR THE "STEERING COUPLER". I OWN A 2014 KIA CADENZA THAT IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR BECOMES COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL AT BOTH HIGH SPEED AND LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL AS IT IS THE SAME PRODUCT OF BOTH CARS MADE. J…

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A VERIFIED RECALL TO KIA OPTIMA IS IN PLACE FOR THE "STEERING COUPLER". I OWN A 2014 KIA CADENZA THAT IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR BECOMES COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL AT BOTH HIGH SPEED AND LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THIS SHOULD BE PART OF THE RECALL AS IT IS THE SAME PRODUCT OF BOTH CARS MADE. JUST BECAUSE THE SALES VOLUME OF THE CADENZA IS LESS THAN THE OPTIMA DOES NOT CHANGE TO THE SAFETY OF THE RECALL AND SHOULD INCLUDED AS RECALL OF THE MANUFACTURED PART NO THE STYLE OF THE CAR. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN BOTH KIA'S THAT WE OWN, THE KIA DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ARE THE SAME PART, BUT REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBLY; TO REPAIR AS THE CADENZA IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. AS A CONSUMER THIS MAKES NO SENSE. A FAILED PRODUCT IS A FAILED PRODUCT AND SHOULD NOT MATTER WHAT CAR IS IT INSTALLED ON.

NHTSA ODI #11193089

Official recalls

3

23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 25, 2023

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

22V158000 · Visibility:windshield

Mar 15, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: 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.

14V289000 · Wheels

May 30, 2014

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadenza vehicles manufactured February 1, 2013, through August 27, 2013, and equipped with 19" non-chrome aluminum wheels. The wheels on the affected vehicles may fracture from impacts such as large, deep potholes.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with new wheels, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC107.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.