NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
110 reports9,000 miles · Jun 18, 2015
Structure
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY AND MY SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. I DO NOT THINK A ROCK HIT IT BUT IF IT DID IT SHOULD NOT HAVE SHATTERED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT HAD HAPPENED BEFORE BUT WHEN I ARRIVED TO THE DEALERSHIP HE THEN LOOKED AND THE SUNROOF AND SAID THAT IT LOOKED AS IF IT HAD BEEN STRUCK BY A ROCK AND THAT THE…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HWY AND MY SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. I DO NOT THINK A ROCK HIT IT BUT IF IT DID IT SHOULD NOT HAVE SHATTERED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT HAD HAPPENED BEFORE BUT WHEN I ARRIVED TO THE DEALERSHIP HE THEN LOOKED AND THE SUNROOF AND SAID THAT IT LOOKED AS IF IT HAD BEEN STRUCK BY A ROCK AND THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO AN INVESTIGATION. I THEN TOLD HIM THAT IF A ROCK HIT IT, IT STILL SHOULD NOT HAVE BUSTED AND SHATTERED THE WAY IT DID. HE SAID IT HAS SOMETHING TO SO WITH CABIN PRESSURE. SO THEN IF THAT IS THE CASE EVERY TIME A ROCK HITS IT THEN IT WILL BUST AND SHATTER?
NHTSA ODI #10725953
4,862 miles · Apr 3, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control
CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK, DEALERSHIP SAID KIA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT FIXED IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703611
13,534 miles · Mar 27, 2015
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING DOWN 95 S FROM COLUMBIA I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THEN THE SUN ROOF COVER SLID BACK (IT HAD BEEN CLOSED) AND THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED DOWN ON MY PASSENGER AND MY HEAD AND INTO THE CAR. WE LOOKED UP AND WE COULD SEE THE SKY. THE GLASS WAS POINTING UPWARD. NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS HAPPENING WE BOTH DUCKED, I CLOSED THE …
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WHILE DRIVING DOWN 95 S FROM COLUMBIA I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THEN THE SUN ROOF COVER SLID BACK (IT HAD BEEN CLOSED) AND THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED DOWN ON MY PASSENGER AND MY HEAD AND INTO THE CAR. WE LOOKED UP AND WE COULD SEE THE SKY. THE GLASS WAS POINTING UPWARD. NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS HAPPENING WE BOTH DUCKED, I CLOSED THE SUNROOF PANEL COVER AND KEPT DRIVING SINCE WE WERE NOT FAR FROM THE CAR DEALER (SEVERAL EXITS DOWN THE HIGHWAY). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702220
4,100 miles · Feb 11, 2015
Air BagsEquipment Adaptive/mobilityCrash
I PURCHASED A KIA CADENZA IN SEPT. 2014. ONE OF THE REASONS THAT I SELECTED THIS VEHICLE WAS THE SAFETY RECORD OF THE VEHICLE. THIS KIA CADENZA CAME WITH DUAL FRONT AND REAR SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE AIRBAGS. ON JAN. 19TH, 2015 I WAS BROAD SIDED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. MY KIA WAS HIT WITH GREAT FORCE AT THE DRIVERS SID…
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I PURCHASED A KIA CADENZA IN SEPT. 2014. ONE OF THE REASONS THAT I SELECTED THIS VEHICLE WAS THE SAFETY RECORD OF THE VEHICLE. THIS KIA CADENZA CAME WITH DUAL FRONT AND REAR SEAT-MOUNTED SIDE AIRBAGS. ON JAN. 19TH, 2015 I WAS BROAD SIDED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. MY KIA WAS HIT WITH GREAT FORCE AT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR. THE IMPACT SENT MY CAR INTO A CIRCULAR SPIN. MY KIA HAD A HOLE IN THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR WHERE THE REAR SEAT WAS EXPOSED. THE IMPACT WAS TREMENDOUS AND NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NO FRONT, REAR OR SIDE CURTAIN. THE CAR HAS BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. I TALKED TO THE KIA CORPORATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND ASKED WHY NO AIR BAG WENT OFF. THAT WAS A WEEK AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND I AM STILL WAITING ON THAT PHONE CALL. THESE INCIDENTS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED. THE SENSOR SYSTEM DETECTING IMPACT AND FORCE OF IMPACT TOTALLY FAILED...UPDATED 02/24/15*BF *TR UPDATED 9/21/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10682794
5,000 miles · Jan 14, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion System
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, IF DONE IN A START, STOP, RESTART FASHION, IT DOES NOT IMMEDIATELY RE-ACCELERATE. THIS CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHEN STOPPING PRIOR TO PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10672413
Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
ON SATURDAY - NOVEMBER 22, 2014 AROUND 6:30 PM THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED AND CAR ROLLED FOR FEW FEET AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. ALSO STEERING JAMMED AND DIDN'T MOVE. IT WAS STOPPED AND DIDN'T START BACK ON AND STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO CRANK IT. THE BATTERY WAS RUNNING FINE. DUE TO ELECTRICAL AND/OR MECHANICAL FAIL…
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ON SATURDAY - NOVEMBER 22, 2014 AROUND 6:30 PM THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED AND CAR ROLLED FOR FEW FEET AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. ALSO STEERING JAMMED AND DIDN'T MOVE. IT WAS STOPPED AND DIDN'T START BACK ON AND STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO CRANK IT. THE BATTERY WAS RUNNING FINE. DUE TO ELECTRICAL AND/OR MECHANICAL FAILURE WE WERE EXPOSED TO THE UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE NOT ON THE BUSY STREET/FREEWAY OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE BEEN ENDED UP IN MAJOR SAFETY INCIDENT. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, WE COULDN'T MANEUVER THE STEERING RESULTING IN SITUATION TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10663249
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2014
Air Bags
THE 2014 CADENZA DOES NOT OFFERS A HEIGHT SEAT ADJUSTMENT FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SO IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR MY WIFE TO GET IT AND OUT. I CALLED KIA AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNLESS I GET THE 2015 MODEL. SO I BOUGHT A SEAT CUSHION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT . THE PROBLEM NOW IS THAT THE " OFF WARN…
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THE 2014 CADENZA DOES NOT OFFERS A HEIGHT SEAT ADJUSTMENT FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SO IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR MY WIFE TO GET IT AND OUT. I CALLED KIA AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNLESS I GET THE 2015 MODEL. SO I BOUGHT A SEAT CUSHION TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT . THE PROBLEM NOW IS THAT THE " OFF WARNING LIGHT" FOR THE AIR BAGS DOES NOT ACTIVATE TO ON WHEN YOU SEAT, WHICH MEANS THAT IF THERE'S IS AN ACCIDENT, THOSE BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY AND COULD LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC INJURIES. KIA STATES THAT PROBLEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE FIXED.MANY CADENZA OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649022
Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury
I HAPPEN TO BE DRIVING FROM WORK,AND LOUD NOISE CAUSED ME TO HIT WALL,AS I WAS TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10605003
3,300 miles · May 30, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA CADENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IPS FILTER FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA CADENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IPS FILTER FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10595211
8,613 miles · Jan 18, 2014
Electrical System
THE "SMART KEY" FOR THIS VEHICLE IS A NEW DESIGN, RELEASED FOR THE 2013 KDM KIA K7, AND HAS A RELEASE BUTTON WHERE THE PLASTIC KEY/REMOTE PART MAY BE REMOVED TO EXPOSE A METAL CENTER-CUT KEY THAT CAN BE USED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR, TRUNK, OR GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE RELEASE WILL DETACH THE KEY WELL BEFORE THE BUTTON IS FLUSH WITH TH…
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THE "SMART KEY" FOR THIS VEHICLE IS A NEW DESIGN, RELEASED FOR THE 2013 KDM KIA K7, AND HAS A RELEASE BUTTON WHERE THE PLASTIC KEY/REMOTE PART MAY BE REMOVED TO EXPOSE A METAL CENTER-CUT KEY THAT CAN BE USED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR, TRUNK, OR GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE RELEASE WILL DETACH THE KEY WELL BEFORE THE BUTTON IS FLUSH WITH THE PLASTIC BODY, ALLOWING MANY DIFFERENT NORMAL MOTIONS TO RELEASE THE KEY. ON MANY OCCASIONS, JUST REGULAR MOVEMENT HAS RELEASED THE KEY AND IT HAS FALLEN OFF IN MY POCKET. ON ONE OCCASION, THE SMART KEY CAME OFF AS I REMOVED MY KEYS FROM MY POCKET AT MY HOUSE AND THE KEY BOUNCED UP UNDER THE CAR. HAD I NOT HAD THE OTHER KEY INSIDE THE HOUSE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED BECAUSE IT BOUNCED OUT OF REACH. NOW IT HAS COME OFF AND FALLEN OUT OF MY POCKET AND IS LOST. ALL OF THESE INCIDENCES OCCURRED WITHIN A MONTH OF PURCHASE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE KEY IS PLASTIC AND LIGHT ENOUGH THAT IT COULD FALL OFF WITHOUT BEING HEARD. IN SUCH A SITUATION, IT COULD BECOME IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY, SUCH AS IF IT WERE NEAR A FIRE OR BLOCKING ACCESS FOR A FIRE TRUCK OR AMBULANCE. IT'S ALSO POSSIBLE IT COULD COME OFF UNNOTICED IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT AND THEN ANYONE COULD FIND THE KEY, USE THE "ANSWER-BACK" OR PANIC FUNCTIONS TO LOCATE THE CAR THE KEY WENT TO, AND THEN STEAL THE CAR. A RUNNING CRIMINAL OR JUVENILE ON A JOY-RIDE COULD THEN CRASH AND CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. THE KEY SHOULD BE REDESIGNED AND THE CURRENT ONE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560512
Official recalls
3Sep 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.
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.
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
1AQ23002 · 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.