2018 Kia Cadenza recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Kia Cadenza; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — control unit/module. Owners filed 7 complaints, most often about engine. 1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Among the 7 model years of this model in the database, 2018 ranks #5 for number of recalls.

Recalls1

Complaints7

Do-not-drive / park-outside1

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (1)

Service brakes, hydraulic — Control unit/moduleCampaign 21V137000 · 04 Mar 2021

Park outside — fire risk

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 7 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine5 · 71%

Unknown or other2 · 29%

Air bags1 · 14%

When complaints were filed

20181

20191

20254

20261

From owner complaints

Complete engine failure due to rods and bearings (same as all other Kia engine recalls currently active). Ironically my car wasn’t included in the recall. Also I’ve noticed that Hyundai has extended the warranty for this same engine in the 2018 Santa Fe basically acknowledging it has a problem but didn’t include the…
Engine · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

No prior issues/light on dashboard as the car was just serviced for coolant hose replacement. On my way home from work, the car stalled and loss power at the light. The signs were giving engine failure due to losing power then a clicking/ticking noise. After pulling over and giving the car a break I tried to restart…
Engine · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

We became more concerned after seeing a report about fires involving kias this morning. Our new 2018 kia cadenza had about 1,750 miles on the odometer on october 11, 2018, when the following occurred: we were on a city street, stopped at a stop light, when we saw some small, light strands of smoke that seemed to be…
Unknown or other · Oct 2018 · NHTSA complaint record

Vehicle has been properly maintained and at 78k miles, while at a stop sign, the engine seized. No warning signs from vehicle appeared.
Engine · Sep 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2018 Kia lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

2016 Kia Cadenza Car specs
2014 Kia Cadenza Car specs
2018 Kia Cadenza Car specs
2019 Kia Cadenza Car specs
2017 Kia Cadenza recalls and complaints Recalls
2016 Kia Cadenza recalls and complaints Recalls
2015 Kia Cadenza recalls and complaints Recalls