2016 Kia Cadenza recalls and problems

The 2016 Kia Cadenza has 2 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-652 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Kia Cadenza vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Kia Cadenza recalls

Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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 the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Recall 22V-158: Visibility

Reported Mar 15, 2022 · 30,362 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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 13, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC232.

2016 Kia Cadenza problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Visibility7
Engine4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Unknown or Other2
Structure1
Suspension1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Windshield — 3
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,674 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Kia Cadenza complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Dec 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, radiator fan, and water pump replacement. None…
Engine · reported Sep 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 been directed to issue extended…
Visibility · reported May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water and air leaking through the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility); however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the repair was not necessary. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the car wash, a significant amount of water leaked through the windshield, causing the contact to be soaked. The contact stated that upon attempting to wipe the interior of the windshield, the windshield was…
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 18, 2025
While driving down the highway, I heard a loud boom and my sunroof exploded sending glass everywhere all through the car with my kids in the backseat. Driving straight on the highway at 60 miles per hour and nothing to hit the glass, Something is definitely wrong with the pano sunroof on these cars.
Visibility · reported May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front windshield, after which she observed that the windshield had begun to crack and was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield bonding. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) the VIN was included, and the vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…

Other Kia Cadenza years

Compare all Kia Cadenza years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Kia Cadenza: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 22V-158 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Kia Cadenza?

Owners report visibility problems most often (7 reports), followed by engine (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,674 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.