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EnginePart report

2017 Kia Cadenza Engine Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
36%of 33 total for the year
Median mileage
35,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Kia Cadenza, 36% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being loose but there was no evidence of that.”

NHTSA complaint #11732978, filed 2026-04

“I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. …”

NHTSA complaint #11716465, filed 2026-02

“Check engine was flashing in front of my house in Brookhaven Pa. Took to mechanic around the corner, diagnosed with a blown head gasket & oil in my anti freeze over flow. Internal engine failure. Had towed to Kia dealership in NJ”

NHTSA complaint #11723674, filed 2026-03

“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 2025-10

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2019240%
2018571%
20171236%
2016429%
20151327%
20142825%

Other parts of the 2017 Kia Cadenza

Electrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Kia Cadenza

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology