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2014 Kia Cadenza Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Kia Cadenza carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wheels and windshield. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield detachment and water leak.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

WHEELS

Campaign #14V289000 · May 30, 2014

Issue: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadenza vehicles manufactured February 1, 2013, through August 27, 2013, and equipped with 19" non-chrome aluminum wheels. The wheels on the affected vehicles may fracture from impacts such as large, deep potholes.

Risk: A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with new wheels, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC107.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Campaign #22V158000 · Mar 15, 2022

Issue: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #23V652000 · Sep 25, 2023

Issue: 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 data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 Kia Cadenza.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    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 Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield detachment and water leak

VISIBILITY

13 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2025-10

“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving through a car wash, there was water entering the vehicle through the front windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield bonding agent”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693699
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated he noticed an abnormal rattling sound while driving at various speeds however, he was unsure where the sound was coming from”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442398
“WHILE DRIVING AROUND 40MPH, WENT TO PASS A VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD POP... AFTER EXITING VEHICLE FOUND A 5 INCH LINE CRACK WITHIN THE WINDSHIELD ON THE LOWER RIGHT HAND SIDE (PASSENGER)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11299096

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof spontaneous shattering

STRUCTURE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2025-10

“THE FRONT GLASS ROOF PANEL/SUNROOF EXPLODED WITH NO EVIDENCE OF ANY OUTSIDE FORCE OR FACTOR. CAR IS A 2014 KIA CADENZA PURCHASED USED IN 2017 WITH 10,000 MILES. MILEAGE AT TIME OF INCIDENT WAS 17,629”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062161
“SUNROOF EXPLODED IN A VERY LOUD MANNER. NO OBJECT HIT THE SUNROOF, IT JUST EXPLODED. VEHICLE WAS UNDERWAY GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD ON A HIGHWAY. NO OVERPASS OR VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011327
“I was driving down the highway at 65 mph when suddenly the sunroof exploded in an outward fashion causing me to pull over. I believe there is a defect in the sunroofs of 2011 to 2014 models”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690817

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

MDPS steering coupling clicking and failure

STEERING

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2024-06

“The MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) FLEXIBLE COUPLING in the steering system has been making noise, clicking and leading to a sense of slipping in the vehicle steering for several months”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11559238
“MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING FAILED. TURNING IN DRIVEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11416557
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at speeds exceeding 60 MPH, the steering wheel would violently shake and vibrate. Additionally, there was a clicking noise was present while turning in either direction”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11468132

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel and tire fracture or blowout

WHEELS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2022-09

“THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL FRACTURED COMPLETELY AROUND THE WHEEL AFTER DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE AT A SLOW SPEED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. THIS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10788551
“I HAD A TIRE RIM FRACTURE AND RESULTED IN A BUBBLE IN SIDE WALL. ORIGINAL RIMS. THE SAME AS THE RECALL FOR 19 INCH RIMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11105299
“Continental pure contact LS 245/40r19. The inner sidewall of the rear passenger tire disintegrated while traveling after approximately 5 hours. The speed at blowout was 80mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486519

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure, stalling, and knocking noise

ENGINE

28 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2026-07

“The engine failed. There was no warning lamp or message of the problem prior to the engine blowing up. I now can’t use my car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543581
“There is a clatter at startup of the engine. I researched the issue and KIA has a service bulletin about the issue and a resolution for the problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11551821
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle independently went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11662295

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

HECU brake recall parts delay and fire risk

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

20 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2025-04

“The contact owns a 2014 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 local dealer was contacted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652363
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and the electronics started behaving erratically”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557766
“I received an Interim Notice of Safety Recall Number 23V652 dated November 14, 2023 from KIA regarding the HECU unit having a possibility of an electrical short circuit which could cause a fire. The recall notice recommends parking outside”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579803

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic parking brake auto-hold lockup

SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2021-01

“PARKING BRAKE USED ON DECLINE TO PARK AT STORE PARKING LOT WHEN TRIED TO RELEASE TO MOVE FORWARD WOULD NOT ENGAGE. PER MANUAL RELEASED FOR A FEW YARDS THEN AUTOHOLD YELLOW WARNING LIGHT & ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AFTER LOUD BRAKE NOISE & SMOKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389014
“BACKED INTO A PARKING SPOT AND ENGAGED THE EPB. I HEARD THE USUAL MOTOR SOUND EXCEPT IT KEPT SOUNDING FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. I DISENGAGED THE EPB AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL FORWARD AND THE AUTO HOLD AND ELECTRICAL POWER BRAKE (EPB) GOT STUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11349770
“PARKING BRAKE GOT STUCK WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE AFTER LOOKING AT MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS % SEVRAL ATTEMPTS ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE PB WENT OFF THEN THE AUTOHOLD LIGHT IN YELLOW AND ABS WENT ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11378097

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

17 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2014 Kia Cadenza reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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