2017 Kia Cadenza Problems
Compared with other Kia Cadenza years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Kia Cadenza year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 9 of its 33 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported part: Engine (12 complaints, median 35,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 33filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 17,000miles, 13 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.3L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Kia Cadenza (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2017 Kia Cadenza. The part named most often is engine, with 12 complaints (36% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and other or unknown (6). 13 of the complaints include a mileage, and 85% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 17,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 72 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine complaints overlap with 15 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 14 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 2 Kia Cadenza model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine12 36%
- Electrical system6 18%
- Other or unknown6 18%
- Fuel system5 15%
- Brakes4 12%
- Wheels3 9.1%
- Air bags2 6.1%
- Seat belts2 6.1%
- Steering2 6.1%
- Suspension2 6.1%
Also reported: Engine cooling (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Outside air temp sensor has defect. It reads 32 degrees f. When temps are over 80 f outside. Won't allow auto air conditioning to work. The engine emission control warning light comes on and stays on. Have had in the dealership 3 times and they keep telling me my gas cap is not sealing. It's reset and it comes back on again.”
NHTSA complaint #11110901, filed 2018-07, 3,000 milesElectrical system: “Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11693269, filed 2025-10Other or unknown: “Pulling into a parking space in a parking lot had my foot on the brake to stop when the car suddenly surged forward rapidly. Foot was not on the accelerator when this occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11252659, filed 2019-09, 13,888 milesFuel system: “Shortly after filling fuel tank a strong raw fuel odor emanated from the left side of the vehicle near the fuel door. The smell was most pronounced outside the vehicle. Initially I thought some fuel had spilled, but the smell lasted several days until the tank was depleted to 1/2 full, and immediately came back upon next fill up. No cel or codes were thrown, and drivability was not affected. …”
NHTSA complaint #11047835, filed 2017-11, 3,100 milesMileage when problems were reported
85% of the 13 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,000 and 35,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Kia Cadenza version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadenza FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control…Covers: Kia Cadenza 2017–2019, Sportage 2017–2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
- 17V190000Mar 16, 2017Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Kia Cadenza 2017
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
Recall details for the 2017 Kia Cadenza → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 72 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11026823Dec 18, 2025Engine. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 - REVISION 7) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin…
- 11026698Dec 9, 2025Back-over prevention (rear camera). PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The…
- 11026531Dec 1, 2025Engine. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 REVISION 6) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin…
- 11025651Nov 4, 2025Engine. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black…
- 11024188Oct 8, 2025Engine. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY: INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black…
- 11016063Mar 27, 2025Fuel system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 11011566Dec 5, 2024Engine. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections…
- 11010129Nov 5, 2024Engine. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11008051Sep 21, 2024Fuel system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
Other model years of the Kia Cadenza
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 74,000 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 7 | 5,625 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 33 | 17,000 | 2 | — | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 14 | 42,674 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 48 | 45,559 | 2 | — | 22 | 25 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 111 | 48,500 | 3 | — | 22 | 79 · More | Rising |
All Kia Cadenza model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have?
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints for the 2017 Kia Cadenza as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Kia Cadenza is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 12 complaints (36% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 2017 Kia Cadenza been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia Cadenza get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Kia Cadenza (Cadenza, 3.3L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Kia Cadenza reported?
Among the 13 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 17,000 miles and the middle half falls between 10,000 and 35,000 miles; 85% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.