2016 Kia CADENZA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
14 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
42,674 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 14 complaints (28.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 2 | 14.3% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 14.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 7.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4 |
| Visibility | 3 |
| Visibility:Windshield | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Structure:Body | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
Engine: 4; Visibility: 3; Visibility:Windshield: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Electrical System: 1; Structure:Body: 1; Suspension: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 11 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
2016: 1; 2021: 2; 2022: 2; 2023: 3; 2024: 2; 2025: 4
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11684923 · 2025-09-04 (September 4, 2025)
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) and Kia’s repeated failure to properly diagnose or repair a serious overheating/safety defect despite this being a well-documented and known issue affecting these engines. Vehicle and Service Information •Vehicle: 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) •Mileage: ~129,608 •Dealer Involved: Central Kia of Plano (Plano, TX) •Repair Order #: [XXX] •Dates: [XXX] Issues 1.Overheating / Known Engine Defect •My vehicle overheats, especially with the A/C on or at idle. •Kia has already …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11684923 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11702878 · 2025-12-03 (December 3, 2025)
My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the problem, did not escalate to Techline, and did not check or apply Kia Service Action WTY039, which was active. They returned the vehicle to me still overheating, forcing me into multiple out-of-pocket repairs for coolant, radiator,…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11702878 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11561041 · 2023-12-20 (December 20, 2023)
The contact owns a 2016 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 time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11561041 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11585916 · 2024-04-29 (April 29, 2024)
The contact owns a 2016 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 time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms pa…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11585916 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11432257 · 2021-09-09 (September 9, 2021)
The Windshield is a defect on the cadenzas, as the seals break on them. It lifts up while driving or even shutting my doors, which I see as a safety hazard. It causes water to leak into the car by where my feet are and from the top of the windshield as well. I believe this is causing my car and other cadenzas to also have electric issues since i’ve had, 7 speakers blew, back up camera glitched and stopped working, sunroof stopped working and i’ve had signals / sounds stop working as well a shot throttle all before 24,000 miles.. Kia has been gi…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11432257 at NHTSA ↗