2016 Kia Cadenza Recalls & Complaints

Incident: August 1, 2025 · Filed: 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, radiator fan, and water pump replacement. None resolved the issue, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive due to rising temperature and smoke. A second dealer, Mesquite Kia, performed a proper diagnosis. Kia Corporate approved an engine replacement under WTY039 on 11/6/25, and the repair was completed on 11/29/25, confirming the overheating was caused by a covered engine defect. Kia Corporate later denied reimbursement for prior repair attempts by blaming “3rd party repairs,” ignoring that the dealership’s misdiagnosis forced me to seek outside help. This defect created safety hazards including overheating while driving, risk of stalling, coolant intrusion, and visible smoke. I am requesting NHTSA review Kia’s handling of this defect and the failure of Central Kia of Plano to diagnose or escalate a known engine issue, which allowed a safety defect to worsen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: August 25, 2025 · Filed: 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 been directed to issue extended warranties on these engines due to systemic defects (including bearing wear, engine failure, and overheating). •Despite this, Kia continues to deny or delay proper repairs and instead authorized the dealer to replace only a cooling fan relay, which did not fix the defect. 2.Dealer Misconduct •Central Kia of Plano kept my vehicle for 10 days, charged me $269.92, and returned the vehicle still overheating. •I was told a Techline case would be submitted, but I have confirmed this was never done. 3.Incomplete Recall Repairs •I requested completion of open recalls: •SC232 – Windshield Bonding •SC284VG – HECU Fire Risk •The dealer marked one as complete and the other as pending, but I have no confirmation in Kia’s system that either was properly completed. 4.Corporate Inaction •I have multiple open cases with Kia Corporate, but they have failed to escalate or reassign me to a reputable dealer. •Despite the extended warranty obligation, Kia has not replaced the engine or confirmed a permanent repair. Why I Am Contacting NHTSA •This is not an isolated issue — it is a known safety defect across these engines. •Kia has been required to extend warranties for this exact defect but is failing to honor that coverage by stalling, misdiagnosing, and leaving vehicles unsafe. •My vehicle remains unsafe to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: May 12, 2022 · Filed: 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 unsecured and almost separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the windshield could be pushed forward. The contact was able to put the windshield back into place. The dealer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Incident: March 18, 2025 · Filed: March 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.

Incident: June 27, 2023 · Filed: 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 failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Incident: April 29, 2024 · Filed: 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 parts not available.

Incident: September 25, 2023 · Filed: 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.

Incident: November 1, 2022 · Filed: October 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the front windshield was cracked and declined to perform the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted again and informed the contact that the cracked windshield nullified the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Incident: May 24, 2023 · Filed: May 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V158000 (Visibility) 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Incident: July 8, 2022 · Filed: July 8, 2022

Per the Kia dealer head bolts have loosened up which have resulted in engine failure.