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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Notable Issues

2014 Kia Cadenza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2014 Kia Cadenza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 109 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.

109
Complaints
3
Crashes
2
Fires
8
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
3
Recalls

2014 Kia Cadenza Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2014 Kia Cadenza.

19
MPG City
28
MPG Hwy
22
MPG Combined
404
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.

2014 Kia Cadenza Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Kia Cadenza has 109 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.

2014 Kia Cadenza β€” key reliability facts
Make
Kia
Model
Cadenza
Model year
2014
NHTSA owner complaints
109
Crash-related complaints
3
Safety recall campaigns
3
Top reported component
Engine Problems
Reliability signal
Notable Issues
EPA MPG combined
22
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 28
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Most Common 2014 Kia Cadenza Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
28
complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1
Injuries:3
#2
24
complaints

Brake System

#3
16
complaints

Hydraulic

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2014 Kia Cadenza?

The 2014 Kia Cadenza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Kia Cadenza

Inspection Focus

  • Request service records for engine and brake system repairs.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine and brakes before purchase.
  • Check for any hydraulic system leaks or visibility defects.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Request service records for engine and brake system repairs.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine and brakes before purchase.
  • Check for any hydraulic system leaks or visibility defects.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2014 Kia Cadenza, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2014 Kia Cadenza are concentrated in engine problems and brake system issues, with a moderate number of hydraulic and visibility complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with these components, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.

Key Findings
  • Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints among the 2014 model year.
  • Brake system issues are the second most reported component.
  • Hydraulic and visibility complaints also appear frequently.
Top Concerns
  • Engine Problems
  • Brake System
  • Hydraulic
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low confidence level indicates the data may not be representative of all vehicles. Only 109 complaints for a single model year limit the reliability of conclusions.

All 2014 Kia Cadenza Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems28β€”1β€”
Brake System24β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic16β€”β€”β€”
Visibility14β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults13β€”2β€”
Uncategorized Issues12β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects12β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems81β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain7β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System4β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration3β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions32β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility11β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 109 most recent complaints

VisibilityOct 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving through a car wash, there was water entering the vehicle through the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield bonding agent. The vehicle was not re…

Uncategorized IssuesOct 1, 2025

I was driving down the highway at 65 mph when suddenly the sunroof exploded in an outward fashion causing me to pull over. I believe there is a defect in the sunroofs of 2011 to 2014 models. I've contacted Kia. They refused to cover it. Nothing hit the windshield. It just spontan…

Engine ProblemsMay 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle independently went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel. The…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 17, 2025

Interior door handle chrome has delaminated. Both my wife and my hand have been sliced open on it.

Engine ProblemsApr 16, 2025

The engine started smoking and knocking really bad. Took it to the kia dealership and was told a piston o ring and gasket went bad because of heavy oil consumption that caused antifreeze to leak inside the motor while sitting still and this was causing the burning smell because t…

VisibilityApr 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the windshield was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility), and it was determined that the windshield had not detached so the windshield was not replaced. The contact stated that after the windshie…

Brake SystemApr 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 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 local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that parts were…

Brake SystemDec 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. After the repair was completed, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before …

Brake SystemDec 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza V6. The contact stated that water leaks into the windshield whenever it rains. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds the vehicle would hesitate before accelerating and when attempting to turn left or right the vehicle would bri…

Steering DefectsJun 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while reversing, he became aware that the electronic power steering briefly seized in position while turning, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the …

Electrical FaultsMay 27, 2024

8 MONTHS AND NO FIX FOR THE RECALL. HOW IS THAT A TIMELY RESPONSE. WHAT CAN I DO ?

Brake SystemMay 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 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 ti…

Brake SystemMay 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 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 ti…

Brake SystemMay 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 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 tim…

Steering DefectsMay 2, 2024

UNKNOWN

Brake SystemApr 9, 2024

See attached document for complaint

Brake SystemApr 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 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 tim…

Electrical FaultsMar 27, 2024

I received an Interim Notice of Safety Recall Number 23V652 dated November 14, 2023 from KIA regarding the HECU unit having a possibility of an electrical short circuit which could cause a fire. The recall notice recommends parking outside. It is now entering April of 2024. I sen…

Engine ProblemsMar 22, 2024

A few weeks ago we were driving into town and the car had a light turned on and the smoke was coming out of the front and it smelled burnt. Then the car completely stopped. We almost wrecked. I was pregnant at the time and shod know what could have happened if we wrecked because …

Uncategorized IssuesMar 7, 2024

Nothing Happened yet ! I own a 2014 Kia Cadenza and there’s a open recall for engine compartment fire which makes me cautious as it states can catch on fire in park or in motion and to leave it not close to my house or other vehicles which also makes me cautious. I’ve been waitin…

Page 1 of 6

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Kia Cadenza.

2014 Kia Cadenza Recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Cadenza. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

14V28900030/05/2014
WHEELS

22V15800015/03/2022
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

23V65200025/09/2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Compare Kia Cadenza Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2014 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

20182017201620152014

2014 Kia Cadenza Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2014 Kia Cadenza reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 109 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Kia Cadenza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Cadenza?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (28 complaints). #2: Brake System (24 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (16 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Kia Cadenza?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2014 Kia Cadenza?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Kia Cadenza, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 109 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2014 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Kia Cadenza. A major recall area is WHEELS. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2014 Kia Cadenza?β–Ύ

The 2014 Kia Cadenza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Kia Cadenza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2014 Kia Cadenza based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.