Vehicle 1

KIA Cadenza

210 complaints · 12 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

KIA Cadenza vs Toyota Camry: The Cadenza has 210 complaints over 7 years (30/year) and 12 recalls, while the Camry has 1900 complaints over 10 years (190/year) and 26 recalls. The Cadenza's top issue is engine (59), the Camry's is power train (340). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
KIA Cadenza
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryKIA CadenzaToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
210
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
12
✓ lower
26
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
8
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
30.0
✓ lower
190.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

KIA Cadenza

1. ENGINE59
2. SERVICE BRAKES35
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER31
5. VISIBILITY25

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The KIA Cadenza has far fewer complaints per year (30.0 vs 190.0) and fewer recalls (12 vs 26), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Cadenza's data covers only 7 years versus 10 for the Camry, so direct comparison requires caution.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported issues per year and lower recall count, the KIA Cadenza appears better. If you prefer a model with a longer track record and more data, the Toyota Camry may be more predictable. Check specific component histories for your decision.

Key Differences
  • Cadenza averages 30.0 complaints/year vs Camry's 190.0/year.
  • Cadenza has 12 recalls; Camry has 26 recalls.
  • Cadenza's top issue is ENGINE (59); Camry's top is POWER TRAIN (340).
  • Camry has 165 crash complaints; Cadenza has 8.
⚠ Watch on KIA Cadenza
  • Engine complaints (59) are the most common issue on the Cadenza.
  • Service brakes (35) and electrical system (33) also have notable complaints.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Power train complaints (340) are very high on the Camry.
  • Air bag complaints (218) are a significant concern.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific VIN.
  • Review service history for engine or transmission repairs.
  • Test drive and listen for unusual engine or brake noises.
  • Inspect air bag warning lights and recall status.
  • Compare complaint trends for the model year you are considering.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA CadenzaToyota Camry
2020
0
259
2019
2
369
2018
6
708
2017
31
145
KIA Cadenza vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA Cadenza vs Toyota Camry
KIA Cadenza total complaints
210
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
KIA Cadenza total recalls
12
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
KIA Cadenza avg complaints/year
30.0
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
KIA Cadenza
KIA Cadenza top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

KIA CadenzaReliability & Problems

210 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific KIA Cadenza or Toyota Camry?

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