CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Kia Cadenza has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Visibility (7 reports).
2016 Kia Cadenza recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Windshield May Detach, Raising Crash and Injury Risk
The front windshield on certain vehicles may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle during manufacturing, so it can come loose and detach while driving.
Most common 2016 Kia Cadenza problems
Problem areas named in the 14 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Visibility | 7 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Structure | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
What owners report
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 sec
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) and Kiaâs 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 â¢Vehicle: 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) â¢Mileage: ~129,608 â¢Dealer Involved: Central Kia of Plano (Plano, TX) â¢Repair Order #: [XXX] â¢Dates: [XXX] Issues 1.Overheating / Known Engine Defect â¢My vehicle overheats, especially with the A/C on or at idle. â¢Kia has already been directed to issue extended warranties on these engines due to systemic defects (including bearing wear, engine failure, and overh
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 f
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.
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.
2016 Kia Cadenza questions
Does the 2016 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2016 Kia Cadenza: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Windshield May Detach, Raising Crash and Injury Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Cadenza?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility (7), Engine (4), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Kia Cadenza has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.