2017 Kia Cadenza recalls and problems

The 2017 Kia Cadenza has 2 safety recalls and 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 21V-137 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 Kia Cadenza vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 Kia Cadenza recalls

Recall 21V-137: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Mar 4, 2021 · 379,931 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 17V-190: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Mar 16, 2017 · 47 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.

Risk: Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2017 Kia Cadenza problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	12
Electrical System	6
Unknown or Other	6
Fuel/Propulsion System	5
Wheels	3
Service Brakes	2
Air Bags	2
Suspension	2
Steering	2
Seat Belts	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	2
Vehicle Speed Control	1

Most reported parts

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 17,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2017 Kia Cadenza complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 14, 2026

COMPONENT: Engine oil pressure sending unit/switch (part 94751-3C000, per Kia repair shop) or the oil pressure system on my 2017 Kia Cadenza 3.3L V6, about 95,500 miles. The car and any removed part are available for inspection on request. SYMPTOM/WARNING: The oil pressure warning light first appeared in October 2026 and comes on intermittently when the engine is warm and the car is stopped or idling, then goes off once moving. It is becoming more frequent. No other lamps, messages, noises, or leaks. The engine runs quietly, confirmed by Kia repair shop. No crash, fire, or injury. SAFETY RISK…

Steering · at 165,000 miles · reported Aug 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit (ECU)…

Engine · reported Apr 22, 2026

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 loose but there was no evidence of that.

Engine · reported Mar 21, 2026

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 move to hot. I was thankfully close to home. I turned car off and fan continues to run under the hood. I cannot afford to keep having this part replaced. Please look into this. This is not right.

Engine · reported Mar 11, 2026

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

Other Kia Cadenza years

2020 2019 201820172016 2015 2014

Compare all Kia Cadenza years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Cadenza: 21V-137 (service brakes, hydraulic), 17V-190 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Kia Cadenza?

Owners report engine problems most often (12 reports), followed by electrical system (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 17,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.