10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,365 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2014 Kia Cadenza engine problems

engine problem

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2014 Kia Cadenza Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #26

Mar 042024

Cadenza

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Unknown

- Alexandria, LA, USA

problem #25

Jan 182024

Cadenza

  • miles
A few weeks ago we were driving into town and the car had a light turned on and the smoke was coming out of the front and it smelled burnt. Then the car completely stopped. We almost wrecked. I was pregnant at the time and shod know what could have happened if we wrecked because the car had completely stopped and turned off. I Had to tow the car to a mechanic. The mechanic has not looked at it. It-??s just there parked. 1367 US Hwy 41 N, Calhoun, GA Proctor garage. I have been waiting on an update on recalls since the letter I received as I was reading it and it clearly said on the bottom a big warning notice if the car smoked and light turned on to take to local Kia dealership. I paid full price at a dealership for this car only had it for a full year and this happens. This is very dangerous my family and I could if really gotten hurt now I am without a car that has a recall and Kia is not willing to help at the moment. I am not the first person that has had problems with the Kia cadenza 2014. Something needs to be done for us who own it. It-??s a waste of money with Kia worst thing money don-??t grow on trees and I need Kia to show up for this situation I need my car fixed or a settlement for owning a recalled Kia Cadenza.

- Calhoun , GA, USA

problem #24

Jan 172024

Cadenza

  • 56,002 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal odor of smoke detected. The driver stopped, looked under the hood, and found evidence of a fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 56,002. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #23

Sep 082023

Cadenza

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving my 2014 Kia Cadenza and then I noticed the vehicle has lost power and all the electrical components shut off (Odometer, dash lights and radio ), as I was cruising down the road waiting for vehicle to slow down I noticed vehicle steering was very heavy and didn't have any breaking power, I pull into a place away from road when i noticed that there was smoke coming from the car and the car was catching fire, in that moment I opened the hood and I did have a fire extinguisher. I was pushing the vehicle back while spraying it and was able to turn off the fire before spreading. The car will require a new engine. I reached out to multiple kia Dealerships but they will not accept repairs on the car and will redirect me to kia customer support. It's been a hassle for the past couple of months and I can't seem to get to a resolution

- Pflugerville, TX, USA

problem #22

Nov 262023

Cadenza

  • miles
The vehicle has been carefully maintained and received the 144,000-mileage thorough maintenance service which was performed at the KIA dealership in August 2023 three months prior to the incident. While driving in November 2023 the Malfunction Indicator Light came on. I took the vehicle to the same dealership. After 3 days in the service department, I was told the engine is burning oil. They found code P0021, but further diagnosis is required. The "Service Department" told me the vehicle requires an engine replacement. I purchased the 2014 KIA used in 2015. The warranty is for ten years (2024) yet evidently, according to the Service Department and KIA, because the car was on the sales lot in 2013, the warranty is expired. It is not a safe car and the recall, as noted on this site, indicates the same. I cannot count how many recalls this vehicle has had including the windshield possibly being loose and the power steering malfunctioning. I've had the headlights replaced three times and the air conditioning completely fixed after it went out. ( that's not a safety issue, but another indicator of the poor quality of this vehicle.) It appears KIA is aware of the severe engine issues in this 2014 KIA Cadenza and other KIA models, and I believe the Company understands the dangers involved in driving, and even parking this vehicle. I am beyond upset as this vehicle is currently not functioning. (and it's parked far away from a building.) Please advise. Thank you for your time.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

problem #21

Dec 062023

Cadenza

  • 136,000 miles
The contact owns a?2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle made abnormal sounds while starting. A burning odor was also detected while starting and driving the vehicle. The ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's left foot and left arm were burned by smoke and an unknown fluid coming from the air vents. Medical attention was not received. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced twice due to faulty cylinder head bolts, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

- Titusville, FL, USA

problem #20

Oct 252023

Cadenza

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There is a clatter at startup of the engine. I researched the issue and KIA has a service bulletin about the issue and a resolution for the problem. I had the vehicle brought to the dealership for the windshield recall and asked them to please apply the service bulletin since the timing chain has the discussed rattle at startup. They will not fix the issue. even knowing that it is causing internal engine damage for a defective part. If these vehicles are not fixed properly, the engines will expire prematurely and may cause serious injury.

- Greenville, OH, USA

problem #19

Nov 142022

Cadenza

  • miles
I was driving my car at about 70 miles per hour then all of a sudden it went from 70 to like 40 and wouldn't pick up speed the engine light did come on I did get it to a mechanic to have my coils and spark plugs change but car was still knocking mechanic said it was the engine even before this it was always a knocking noise at start up even after oil changes everytime I call about this engine issue it's always cadenza not included but I see that most of the complaints is about the engine the same issues like the others my car is paid for but can't drive it if this problem was known we should be included for a new engine people like myself only work 32hrs cause my job like others are not doing good don't have the 5 to $10,000 kia dealership quoted me at to fix this car that was already known to be bad this is sad but im going to keep pushing until I get to the bottom including a lawsuit because this is not fair at all.

- Winterville, NC, USA

problem #18

Sep 252023

Cadenza

  • miles
There is carbon building up on the intake. Which causes the engine to lose power. Even at 70 mph engine will cut out causing the car to decelerate in traffic.

- Lincoln, IL, USA

problem #17

Aug 012023

Cadenza

  • miles
The engine failed. There was no warning lamp or message of the problem prior to the engine blowing up. I now can-??t use my car.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #16

Feb 162022

Cadenza

  • 98,625 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, she heard a ticking sound coming from an unknown location on the vehicle. The contact stated that while she proceeded to drive, she noticed a gray cloud of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer three days later where it was diagnosed that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,625.

- Stockton, CA, USA

problem #15

Feb 162023

Cadenza 6-cyl

  • miles
I purchased a 2014 Kia Cadenza from San Leandro Kia on 05/16/17 As a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. On 02/16/23, my engine started knocking. I took to get an oil change, because I thought that was the problem but was told it was my engine. I couldn-??t get an appt w/ Kia dealership where I purchased my car until Tue 03/21/23 Upon calling I was asked my vin# & asked the # of miles. I stated approx 98k. The service rep -[XXX] said oh, you-??re right under the mark (100k). I did not drive the car after 02/16 & actually had it towed home from Pep Boys, who suggested I get it towed due to oil showing in the coolant reserve. I recv-??d a call from Kia yesterday stating they had to contact corporate for instructions. Today, rep-[XXX] called to say corporate said my coverage ended in April 2019 @60k ml. I adv her that I have my original sales ppwk sticker that was on my vehicle and it states 10yr/100k ml. She stated what corporate says is usually the final answer. I advised I do not agree & how can I contact them? She said there is no way to contact them. I found the # online & cld. I was told the same thing BUT was adv it was denied because I didn-??t purchase a CPO-Certified Pre Owned Vehicle! I replied that they then sold me a deceptive description cus my sticker States it-??s include it also notes the 10yr/100k warranty which covers me as a 2nd owner & I also registered my vehicle with CarFax as suggested to do once car was purchased as CPO. After researching Kia, I see that there were recalls on three other Kia vehicles, but my model isn-??t listed nor was it part of the Class Action Lawsuit, which many other owners of this model also had engine issues of knocking/ticking/ rattling at start-up. I was even more shocked to see that the same complaints I-??d made to my Kia dealership when taking car in for service, that -??that-??s normal-??. I just paid off my car, I am under 100kml and wont reach my 10th year until May 2023. This is not right & I want to file a lawsuit. Plz contact me! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF

- Stockton, CA, USA

problem #14

Feb 162023

Cadenza

  • miles
2014 Kia Cadenza Continuous knocking and rattling sound since car purchase and now engine started smoking and from what mechanic states, the engine is now blown after just paying off vehicle. There was a Class Act settlement in other Kia models but not for the Cadenza. After researching & finding out this make of car has numerous engine issues, I contacted the Settlement Dept but was told my model car was not included. There are numerous car owners of this same make/model that had same complaint to dealership about the knocking/rattling sounds & from the post of complaints I-??ve read, this statement to owners countywide was -?? That-??s Normal-??. I was shocked to see that others complained of this same issue and also the engine smoking and now not functioning. I would like to file a complaint and/or generate a Class Action Lawsuit because Kia knows that most of their engines are no good, yet they only opted to cover those three cars who-??s replacement engines were the cheapest. What about those of us with these Cadenzas who are now stuck with a non operating car, especially after working hard for over 6years to pay it off to have the engine blow or head gaskets, when this matter could have been taken care of years ago. My car stopped on February 16, yet I cannot even get a diagnostic appointment until March 21, 2023. I am the second owner of this vehicle purchased 2017, via a trade in of my paid off Kia Sorento so it makes me now wonder if the Kia dealership sold me a vehicle that they knew had a faulty engine and or had already replaced the engine with a remanufactured one? I, along with other Kia Cadenza owners who are or have had engine problems deserve too to have our engines replaced for free. I would like to be contacted to discuss further. If I cannot get assistance from you, then I will look for assistance from the news media in hopes of having them do a story and research on Kia Cadenza owners who too have had engine issues.

- Stockton, CA, USA

problem #13

Jun 042021

Cadenza

  • miles
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!

- Slidell, LA, USA

problem #12

Jan 012019

Cadenza

  • miles
Engine, electrical, and powertrain is faulty on this 2014 KIA Cadenza and many other models of this same vehicle. After researching for alternate engines or engine replacement, there are many Cadenzas experiencing the same issues and are often parked due to these issues with no maintenance or replacement options as a result of the cost being way too high. When KIA was contacted, they replied that they do not have engine replacements and that servicing of the vehicle expires after the car is paid off.

- Dumfries, VA, USA

problem #11

Jan 012022

Cadenza

  • miles
Engine light is on the dashboard and can not conduct the Emission Test. I was told it's a oil consumption problem. And that the same problem that the sorento and sportage is doing. That is currently have a lawsuit going on. I was told the engine may start knocking soon. I was also told at shop that can cause the sensors to get false reading and send error signals to the engine also. If the engine cut off while driving or stall it can put my life and others in danger and cause a major accident. It was confirm at shop and I was told it's a recall on the engine. The dealership tells me not for the credenza and it's doing the same things as the models that is being look at and had a lawsuit going on. My cadenza is wrll6keot and under miles and should not be having this problem. Kia should help me with this problem. Please help me with this mattet.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #10

Feb 212022

Cadenza

  • miles
The rear wheel cracked and I had to have it repaired, and the vehicle has been making a ticking noise for 3 years and the Dealer in Colorado Springs told me don-??t worry about it, it was a common noise, that was 2020. Now I have found out that the tension pulley and/or the timing tension pulley is bad. How is this a common problem? They want to replace my engine. Not to mention the problem that all KIA-??S have the steering coupler that is going out. How are these not all recall problems as I have found on your site multiple complaints of the same nature.

- Aurora , CO, USA

problem #9

Oct 012021

Cadenza

  • miles
Several times the car has accelerated without me pushing on the gas pedal. Kia has been unable to find a problem.

- Concord, CA, USA

problem #8

Mar 182020

Cadenza

  • 88,000 miles
On cold start there is a clicking noise which is coming from the timing chain tensioner. When I look it up it tells me the years that were affected were 2014-2016. Even though it was such a common issue why was there no recall on it to be replaced?

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #7

Jan 072019

Cadenza

  • 62,000 miles
Timing chain tensioner - I started to get a weird rattle when I started the engine. The Kia dealership told me this was a pretty common noise with these engines and not to worry. At 62K miles I took it back in and said something is definitely not right. Well it was the timing chain tensioner. In searching for common issues I found several tsb's reporting the same thing. There is even a technical service bulletin that tells the service department what parts need to be replaced to resolve the issue but there is no investigations or recalls. I still had to pay $2500 to fix it.

- West Haven, UT, USA

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