Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Cadenza, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine13
- Electrical system13
- Unknown or other9
- Visibility5
- Exterior lighting4
- Steering3
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Structure3
- Suspension2
- Visibility/wiper2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 3 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 5 2015 Cadenza vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 3 people died inside them, and 1 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2015 Kia Cadenza failed the safety check 2.30% of the time — 11% more often than the average 2015 passenger car (2.08%). Median odometer at inspection: 77,368 miles.
522first inspections
2.30%failed on safety
77,368 mimedian odometer
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; not yet fully rated. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Cadenza 4 DR FWD | — | 0.0 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- —
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 1 variant: combined 10.7 L/100 km (about 22 mpg US), CO₂ 246 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadenza · Full-size · Regular gasoline | 12.7 | 8.4 | 10.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 2015 Kia Cadenza.
| 2023529 26 Sept 2023 | Brakes Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire ris… |
| 2022124 16 Mar 2022 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, the windshield may not be properly attached. As a result, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Safe… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic25 Sept 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
22V158000 · Visibility15 Mar 2022 · 30,362 vehicles
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2015 Kia Cadenza: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010129 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - 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 associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to th |
| 11006581 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - 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 associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty covera |
| 11001839 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub-assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento (3.3L GDI Lambda), 2014-2017 MY Cadenza (3.3L GDI Lambda), 2015-2016 MY Sedona (3.3L GDI Lambda) vehicles. |
| 11000787 | 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. |
| 11000540 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY039) - 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 extension program launch. |
| 11000357 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY039) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicles engine in 2014-2017 MY Cadenza vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. Under certain severe operating conditions and over time, the engine in the vehicle may develop a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area. |
| 11000307 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension Campaign WTY039. |
| 11000306 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (WTY039) - 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 certain repairs related to the vehicles engine in the following vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 engines: 2014-2015 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 17, 2012 through December 11, 2014, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza vehicles, manufactured from February 1, 2013 through July 12, 2017, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, manufactured from July 21, 2014 through Ma |
| 11000305 | WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (WTY039) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicles engine in the following vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 engines: 2014-2015 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from December 17, 2012 through December 11, 2014, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza vehicles, manufactured from February 1, 2013 through July 12, 2017, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, manufactured from July 21, 2014 through March 17, 2016. This will extend t |
| 10241178 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the front coil springs in certain 2015 MY Kia Cadenza vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, states with high road salt usage. |
| 10226555 | 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, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10225557 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FRONT COIL SPRING REPLACEMENT (SC240) - This bulletin provides information to replace both of the front suspension (LH & RH) coil springs in certain 2015MY Cadenza (VG) vehicles produced from April 11, 2014 through March 3, 2015 that were originally sold in or are currently registered in one of the 28 states with high road salt usage. The 28 states with high road salt usage are: AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI and WV. Front coil spring corrosion can occur on vehicles that are not well mainta |
| 10222828 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to replace the front coil springs in certain 2015 MY Kia Cadenza vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, states with high road salt usage. |
| 10222539 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign (SC240). |
| 10222538 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign for front coil springs on certain 2015 MY Kia Cadenza vehicles manufactured from April 11, 2014 through March 3, 2015 that were originally sold in or are currently registered in one of the 28 states with high road salt usage. |
| 10222537 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign for front coil springs on certain 2015 MY Kia Cadenza vehicles manufactured from April 11, 2014 through March 3, 2015 that were originally sold in or are currently registered in one of the 28 states with high road salt usage. |
| 10220349 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT - 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 regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY026) on some 2014-2018MY vehicles listed in the table below, for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in the eligible vehicles listed below from 10 years/100,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever c |
| 10220346 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - 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 on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equi |
| 10216912 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY026) on some 2014-2018MY vehicles listed in the table below, for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in the eligible vehicles listed below from 10 years/100,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address the Oil Pressure Switch leaking condition |
| 10210272 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form for 14-16 MY Cadenza customers which 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 extension program launch. |
| 10210269 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in 2014-2016 MY Cadenza vehicles equipped with 3.3L GDI Engine from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. |
| 10210268 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the warranty extension (WTY026). |
| 10210267 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers of the warranty extension program for WTY026. Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the repairs related to the Oil Pressure Switch leaking for eligible vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. |
| 10210266 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals of the warranty extension program for WTY026. Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the repairs related to the Oil Pressure Switch leaking for eligible vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. |
| 10202226 | 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 area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia m |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
AQ23002 · Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module opened 17 Nov 2023
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation