NHTSA vehicle safety data

2019 Kia Cadenza Recalls & Complaints

The 2019 Kia Cadenza has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 5 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2019 Kia Cadenza. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2019 Kia Cadenza owner complaints

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Cadenza, describing incidents dated May 11, 2021 to July 22, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 2 complaints
  • Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
  • Lane Departure 1 complaint
  • Service Brakes 1 complaint
  • Steering 1 complaint
  • Tires 1 complaint

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11755245 · Filed

    While operating the vehicle, the engine suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, resulting in an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power on the road. A subsequent physical diagnostic scan at an authorized Kia dealership revealed manufacturer trouble code P008800 (Fuel Rail System…

  • ODI #11744719 · Filed

    I picked up my Cadenza from the repair shop. They were repairing the sunroof controls because the sunroof was not operating properly. I was 24 miles away from the shop headed home from Temple, TX to Waxahachie, TX on [XXX]. It sounded like a shotgun was fired right above my head and scared me. I am…

  • ODI #11742797 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2019 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle later, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was…

Read all 5 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2019 Kia Cadenza in 1 investigation. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Engine Compartment Fire

NHTSA #21V137000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module · NHTSA notice

Reported March 4, 2021 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 379,931 vehicles

Repair completion: 90.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC206 · Owners notified April 30, 2021

Recall group: Hyundai and Kia ABS module fires

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Safety consequence

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Kia Cadenza model years

Check your 2019 Kia Cadenza VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kia Cadenza at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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