Head-to-head reliability
KIA Cadenza vs Toyota Camry
How the KIA Cadenza and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Cadenza vs Toyota Camry: The Cadenza has fewer complaints per year (30.9) than the Camry (214.3), but its issues often involve engine and brake failures. The Camry has more recalls (31) and reported crashes (181). Both have serious safety concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Cadenza or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Cadenza
The KIA Cadenza is a full-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, tends to have serious engine and brake issues. Owners report oil loss, engine knocking, and sudden stalling, often without warning lights, which can be dangerous. Brake failures, including a reported accident, and ABS issues also appear. While the complaint count is lower than the Camry's, the nature of these problems suggests a higher risk of unexpected breakdowns or safety incidents.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with a high volume of complaints, but many are less severe, such as HVAC odors and minor transmission noises. However, there are also reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure, which are critical safety concerns. The Camry has more recalls and a higher number of injuries and deaths, but its complaint rate per year is much higher, reflecting its larger sales volume and longer production history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Cadenza | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 216 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 8 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 30.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 12 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Cadenza
- 01ENGINE63
- 02SERVICE BRAKES36
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER33
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
- 05VISIBILITY25
Owners report oil burning, oil pressure sensor failures, and engine knocking. Some experienced sudden engine death without warning lights, leading to unsafe situations.
Brake failure incidents include a slow-speed accident and intermittent ABS warning lights. Owners describe a loss of braking power, which is critical for safety.
Complaints include unresolved recalls and issues with warning lights not illuminating, which can mask underlying problems like low oil.
“A little history, my Cadenza was placed at KIA of Bradley [XXX] 2024, I complained of oil burning, the oil sending unit light staying on and the engine dying. The Kia rep found “THE OIL PRESSURE SENDER INTERNALLY FAULTED, LEAKING OIL INTERNALLY – OIL LEAKING…”
“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 k…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Transmission issues include grinding noises and the need for replacement. Some owners report sudden acceleration, which can lead to crashes.
Engine problems include sudden acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues. Some owners report a lack of warning lights before failures.
Brake failure reports include a complete loss of braking on a downhill curve, and other incidents where the pedal did not respond.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Cadenza — 12 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an elect…
The defect: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an elect…
The defect: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an elect…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
The risk: Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
KIA Cadenza or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The KIA Cadenza has fewer complaints per year (30.9) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Cadenza's issues are more concentrated on engine and brake failures. In practice, the Cadenza may pose a higher risk of sudden mechanical failure, while the Camry's higher volume includes many minor issues but also serious safety concerns.
Key differences
- The Cadenza has a higher proportion of engine and brake complaints relative to its total, indicating more severe failure patterns.
- The Camry has a much higher complaint volume, but many are about non-safety items like HVAC odors.
- The Cadenza has fewer recalls (12) than the Camry (31), but the Cadenza's recalls focus on brakes and visibility, while the Camry's include airbags and seats.
- Both have reports of sudden acceleration and brake failure, but the Camry has more reported crashes and injuries.
- Check for oil leaks and engine knocking, and verify the oil pressure sensor has been replaced if there's a history of issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially for any soft pedal or ABS warning lights, and ensure all brake-related recalls have been performed.
- Listen for transmission grinding or hesitation during acceleration, and check for any recall on the transmission.
- Test the brakes on a hill and at low speeds to ensure there's no loss of braking power, and check for any pending recalls on the brake system.
Before you buy
- Check the NHTSA website for open recalls on the specific VIN and confirm they've been fixed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for oil consumption and leaks, and check the oil pressure sensor operation.
- Test drive both vehicles, including braking from various speeds and on slopes, to feel for any abnormalities.
- Ask for service records, especially for any engine or transmission work.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who is familiar with these models.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA Cadenza | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 270 |
| 2019 | 5 | 393 |
| 2018 | 7 | 736 |
| 2017 | 32 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Cadenza or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Cadenza vs Toyota Camry
- KIA Cadenza total complaints
- 216
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- KIA Cadenza total recalls
- 12
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA Cadenza avg complaints/year
- 30.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- KIA Cadenza
- KIA Cadenza top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN