*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Engine
My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the problem, did not escalate to Techline, and did not check or apply Kia Service Action WTY039, which was active. They returned the vehicle to me still overheating, forcing me into multiple out-of-pocket repairs for coolant, radiator, radiator fan, and water pump replacement. None resolved the issue, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive due to rising temperature and smoke. A…
Aug 1, 2025Engine
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) and Kiaâs repeated failure to properly diagnose or repair a serious overheating/safety defect despite this being a well-documented and known issue affecting these engines. Vehicle and Service Information â¢Vehicle: 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) â¢Mileage: ~129,608 â¢Dealer Involved: Central Kia of Plano (Plano, TX) â¢Repair Order #: [XXX] â¢Dates: [XXX] Issues 1.Overheating / Known Engine Defect â¢My vehicle overheats, especially with the A/C on or at idle. â¢Kia has already been directed to issue extended warranties on these engines due to systemic defects (including bearing wear, engine failure, and…
Aug 25, 2025Visibility › Windshield
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water and air leaking through the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility); however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the repair was not necessary. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, a significant amount of water leaked through the windshield, causing the contact to be soaked. The contact stated that upon attempting to wipe the interior of the windshield, the windshield was unsecured and almost separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windshield could be pushed…
May 12, 2022Unknown or other
While driving down the highway, I heard a loud boom and my sunroof exploded sending glass everywhere all through the car with my kids in the backseat. Driving straight on the highway at 60 miles per hour and nothing to hit the glass, Something is definitely wrong with the pano sunroof on these cars.
Mar 18, 2025Visibility
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front windshield, after which she observed that the windshield had begun to crack and was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield bonding. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) the VIN was included, and the vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Jun 27, 2023Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Apr 29, 2024Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. 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 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Sep 25, 2023Visibility
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the front windshield was cracked and declined to perform the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted again and informed the contact that the cracked windshield nullified…
Nov 1, 2022 · 140,000 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.