Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Cadenza, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 11 | 10% |
| Engine | 11 | 10% |
| Service brakes | 11 | 10% |
| Unknown or other | 9 | 8% |
| Steering | 9 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 7 | 6% |
| Structure | 5 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 3% |
| Steering | 2 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
my car caught on fire while driving, i was never notified of the recall
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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 failu
NHTSA complaint: Visibility
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 refu
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
Interior door handle chrome has delaminated. Both my wife and my hand have been sliced open on it.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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 si
NHTSA complaint: Engine
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
NHTSA complaint: Visibility
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 wa
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadenza vehicles manufactured February 1, 2013, through August 27, 2013, and equipped with 19" non-chrome aluminum wheels. The wheels on the affected vehicles may fracture from impacts such as large, deep potholes.
Risk: A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with new wheels, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number f
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.
Risk: A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1
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
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of
| Reliability raw | 67 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 73 | good |
| Maintenance | 82 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 57 | average |
| Performance | 56 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and visibility is the most reported area with 11 of them (10%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 67/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 73/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2014 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.