Model yearPark outside

2019 Kia Cadenza

Sedan, gasoline, built in South Korea. Owner complaints on file from May 11, 2021 to Aug 6, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year1380k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints5Below the median 2019 sedan
Severity index0.02019 sedans average 8.1
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2019 Kia Cadenza peaked in 2021, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01232021202220232024202520263
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

40% of complaints about the 2019 Kia Cadenza name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
2
Lighting
1
Driver assistance
1
Brakes
1
Steering
1
Tires
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2019 Kia Cadenza

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Cadenza
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
21V-137Mar 4, 2021Electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartmentPark outsideBrakes379,931Software update
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2019 Kia Cadenza

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

5 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Aug 6, 2026Failure Jul 22, 2026Greenville, SCEngine

    While operating the vehicle, the engine suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, resulting in an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power on the road. A subsequent physical diagnostic scan at an authorized Kia dealership revealed manufacturer trouble code P008800 (Fuel Rail System Pressure-Too High) along with universal engine misfire codes P030100, P030200, P030300, P030400, P030500, P030600. The dealership confirmed that the internal engine failure includes a shattered piston. Code P008800 is the primary mechanical failure indicator for active manufacturer warranty campaign WTY 0034 (High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure). The defective high pressure fuel pump suffered a primary mechanical failure, spiking fuel rail pressures to dangerous limits, causing all six cylinders to misfire, and inducing low speed pre-ignition (LSPI). This extreme combustion anomaly directly fractured the engine's internal piston. The dealership is currently attempting to clear these diagnostic trouble codes and perform an oil change, which would actively destroy the physical and electronic evidence linking the safety recalled component failure directly to the engine's catastrophic destruction. This component failure poses a severe stall hazard and a risk of total engine failure while operating at highway speeds. Photographic proof of the official dealer diagnostic report has been preserved.

    NHTSA complaint 11755245
  2. Filed Jun 17, 2026Failure Jun 16, 2026Waxahachie, TXUnknown or other

    I picked up my Cadenza from the repair shop. They were repairing the sunroof controls because the sunroof was not operating properly. I was 24 miles away from the shop headed home from Temple, TX to Waxahachie, TX on [XXX]. It sounded like a shotgun was fired right above my head and scared me. I am surprised I didn't crash. I pulled over and the sunroof had a 2 foot hole in it. The shade was in the shut position so no glass made into the cab. No rock or any debris hit the vehicle. My mom was driving behind me and she said she saw a huge chunk of glass fly up from my car and hit her car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11744719
  3. Filed Jun 8, 2026Failure May 27, 202674,000 milesShreveport, LAEngine, Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

    The contact owns a 2019 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle later, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the contact was informed that the diagnostic trouble code was associated with a tire sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11742797
  4. Filed Aug 26, 2022Failure Jun 19, 2022Hoover, ALExterior lighting, Blind spot detection, Steering

    Hello, I wasn't notified of the recall on my vehicle. The steering wheel is extremely hard to turn and all of the system lights are on.

    NHTSA complaint 11481339
  5. Filed May 11, 2021Failure May 11, 2021Naples, FLService brakes, Hydraulic

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 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 CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AIRPORT KIA NAPLES (3325 WESTVIEW DR, NAPLES, FL 34104) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST 8, 2021. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO GET A RENTAL VEHICLE SINCE THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

    NHTSA complaint 11416147
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • AQ23002 Audit query, Brakes
    Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
    Opened Nov 17, 2023, still open
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

41 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • PS797 Dec 9, 2025 · Other
    PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating …
  • TSB_TRA046_R5 Apr 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information re…
  • WTY034_TSB_R2 Mar 27, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. …
  • WTY034_TSB_R1 Sep 21, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. …
  • TSB_TRA046_R4 May 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
  • WTY034_TSB May 23, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT (WTY034) - his bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY034) to diagnose the ‘Malfunction Indicator Lamp’ (MIL) accompanie…
  • WTY034_REIMB May 25, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY034) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extens…
  • WTY034_OWNR_YG May 25, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY034) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the high-pressure fuel pump in 2017-2020 MY Cadenza vehicles from…
  • WTY034_QA May 23, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (WTY034) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY034.
  • WTY034_DPSM May 23, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGERS MEMO (WTY034) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to th…
  • WTY034_DP May 23, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY034) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the high-pressure fuel pump for e…
  • TSB_TRA046_R3 Nov 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced,…
  • TSB_ELE209_R3 Aug 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. The KDS is required …
  • PS613_R1 Mar 30, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT AND MILEAGE SETTING WITH KDS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This pitstop provides the KDS ser…
  • PS717 Dec 21, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: PANORAMIC SUNROOF RESET PROCEDURE - This Pitstop provides information to 'reset' the panoramic sunroof operation logic on some 2017-2020MY Cadenza (YG) vehicles, where the panoramic sunroof operation will not relearn.
  • TSB_CHA111 Oct 6, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibit an abnormal noi…
  • TSB_CHA084_R8 Oct 5, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin ar…
  • TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides …
  • PS704 Aug 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in the Forward Colli…
  • TSB_BOD204_R1 Jul 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PANORAMIC SUNROOF SLOW TO CLOSE AND/OR ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN CLOSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bu…
  • TSB_ELE209_R2 Apr 8, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the proced…
  • TSB_CHA084_R7 Mar 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin ar…
  • TSB_ELE209_R1 Mar 11, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the proce…
  • TSB_CHA084_R6 Nov 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin a…
  • TSB_CHA084_R5 Nov 4, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin …
  • PS663 Oct 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: MFC, CONCERNS FOR DISABLED OPERATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding concerns with disabled operation of Multi-Function Camera (MFC) on some Kia vehicles. When normal operation is not possible due to certain outside environment condit…
  • PS299_R4 Oct 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. When servicing windshield wipers on the below…
  • TSB_ELE209 Sep 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster.
  • PS675 Aug 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
  • TSB_ENG219 Jul 27, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most Kia vehicles. If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have t…
  • TSB_TRA046_R1 Apr 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each …
  • TSB_BOD204 Mar 27, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PANORAMIC SUNROOF SLOW TO CLOSE AND/OR ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN CLOSING - This bulletin provides the procedure to repair a panoramic sunroof that exhibits a slow to close condition and/or abnormal noise when closing, on some 2017-2019…
  • TSB_ELE148 Jan 21, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connecto…
  • TSBCHA084_R4 Nov 26, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steer…
  • TSBCHA084_R3 Oct 15, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven P…
  • SC169_TSB_R1 Oct 17, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC169_Rev1): ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and, if necessary, replace the oil fill…
  • PS613 Jun 20, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT, MILEAGE SETTING WITH KDS - This publication provides the KDS service procedure for mileage setting on the listed vehicles with newly replaced instrument clusters.
  • TSBENG197_R1 May 31, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC19) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to extracting "in use performance tracking" emissions data from the Engine…
  • TSBENG197 Feb 21, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC19) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. The Ca…
  • TSBENG083_R1 Jan 18, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection …
  • PS299_R3 Sep 19, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP - CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - When servicing the windshield wipers on the listed vehicles below during PDI, make sure to use the procedure outlined below to raise the wiper arms to the fully vertical position in order to avoid …
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.