2017 Kia Cadenza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Kia Cadenza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 31 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Kia Cadenza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2017 Kia Cadenza.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2017 Kia Cadenza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Kia Cadenza has 31 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Cadenza
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 31
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Kia Cadenza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Kia Cadenza?
The 2017 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 2017 Kia Cadenza
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for any reported engine or electrical repairs.
- Test drive the vehicle to check for unusual engine behavior or electrical glitches.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for any reported engine or electrical repairs.
- Test drive the vehicle to check for unusual engine behavior or electrical glitches.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 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
Based on 31 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Kia Cadenza, the data suggests that engine problems and electrical faults are the most frequently reported issues. However, with only one model year analyzed and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (11 out of 31).
- Electrical faults are the second most reported component (6 complaints).
- There are 4 crash-related complaints among the total.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Fuel/Propulsion System
All 2017 Kia Cadenza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Cadenza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — |
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 2017 Kia Cadenza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was …
I currently have a complaint 11709255 regarding the electric thermostat. I just had that part replaced in November of 2025 for the 3rd time. Last week, again I had a warning of engine problem. The next day there was cold air blowing when the heat was on. The dash thermostat imme…
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
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 t…
This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for c…
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 dealers…
I am submitting a complaint regarding my 2017 Kia Cadenza related to an ongoing airbag system failure and Kia’s refusal to cover the repair under their existing airbag warranty extension. My VIN is included in Kia’s WTY027 warranty extension, which extends coverage for repairs …
While driving 80 mph on Interstate 25 in Wyoming, my wife, great granddaughter (in a car seat), and I (driver) suddenly heard a LOUD bang, followed by wind noise coming from the top of the car. I opened the moonroof and found that the sunroof had exploded and shattered. We were…
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 DOWN TO PIGTAIL HARN…
Actuator in Drivers door has failed. Unable to Lock or Unlock car door.
Problem unknown, i was driving to my friends house with 2 kids, about 2 mins from the house the steering wheel light started flashing on my dashboard, nothing major happening, so slowed down got to the house. When at the house realized a light come from the engine bay. A fire sta…
Strong fuel odor after filling up fuel coming from the driver side, and can still be smelled inside the vehicle.
I purchased my 2017 Cadenza, Sept 2022. I've always had problems with the engine. Coolant loss, smoke from the engine after drving , loss of power and oil loss. This past August 2023 I had to replace my AC valve for 3800. My engine has gotten worse. smoke constantly comes from th…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed that the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The low oil pres…
Unknown
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the front passenger’s seat belt failed to latch or retract as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper and lower seat belt retractor had failed and needed to be replaced. The v…
McGrath Arlington Kia in Palatine, Illinois stated I had a recall I live over 55 miles from this location. Base on the distance my contract states I can pick a closer location. When I contacted Bill Walsh Kia in Ottawa, Illinois. Service department stated they can not find the …
This is about a recall not solved in timely manner by KIA Van Nuys Dealer and must include the Corporate Office since they were informed by me that the dealer did not respond to my inquiries after many attempts, from my side, in order to resolve the recall. The original letter fr…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet ava…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Kia Cadenza.
2017 Kia Cadenza Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Cadenza. 2 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.
2017 Kia Cadenza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Kia Cadenza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 31 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 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 2017 Kia Cadenza?▾
#1: Engine Problems (11 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (6 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Kia Cadenza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Kia Cadenza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Kia Cadenza, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 31 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Kia Cadenza. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE. 2 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 2017 Kia Cadenza?▾
The 2017 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 2017 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.