The 2017 Kia Cadenza has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 379,978 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC21V1370002021-03-04379,931 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
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…
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC17V1900002017-03-1647 affected
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
Consequence
Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC146.
Complaints by component
ENGINE
10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6
1fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6
1crashes1fires
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5
WHEELS
3
AIR BAGS
2
1crashes1injuries
SEAT BELTS
2
SERVICE BRAKES
2
2crashes
SUSPENSION
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1
Total complaints43
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being…”
“I currently have a complaint 11709255 regarding the electric thermostat. I just had that part replaced in november of 2025 for the 3rd time. Last week, again I had a warning of engine problem. The next day there was cold air blowing when the heat was on. The dash thermostat immediately began to…”
“The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for hecu fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . Part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed…”
“I have and am the original owner of a kia cadenza 2017 with the 3.3l lambda engine (same engine as the sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance…”
“I have and am the original owner of a kia cadenza 2017 with the 3.3l lambda engine (same engine as the sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance…”
“Check engine was flashing in front of my house in brookhaven pa. Took to mechanic around the corner, diagnosed with a blown head gasket & oil in my anti freeze over flow. Internal engine failure. Had towed to kia dealership in nj”
“This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (electronic thermostat). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light…”
“This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (electronic thermostat). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light…”
Defect investigations
InvestigationAQ23002 Opened 2023-11-17 · open
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2017 Kia Cadenza as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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