Free Preview
#BS-2017-KIACAD-3F362017 Kia CadenzaProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 47 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 47 complaints, 5 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 recalls.
Top reported problems
soy wiring harness chewed by rodents
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
engine knocking metal shavings in oil
1 complaints • Severity 10/10
oil pressure sensor failure
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
sounded like a rear bearing was going bad
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
13 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 23K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (13 reports) • Median: 23K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (13 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2017 Kia Cadenza: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 28% of all reports filed for the 2017 Kia Cadenza, with 13 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 22,500 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 23K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2017 Kia Cadenza, with 6 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2017 Kia Cadenza, with 5 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to fuel system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Wheels & Tires Issues
Wheels & Tires complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2017 Kia Cadenza, with 4 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to wheels & tires-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2017 Kia Cadenza. Recent trend: increasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2017 Kia Cadenza NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
Not ratedFrontal crash
Not ratedSide crash
Not ratedRollover
Not ratedFrom NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
1 investigation still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
The worst model year for the Kia Cadenza is the 2014 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2017 Kia Cadenza vs. Class Average (Large Cars)
This vehicle
47
Class avg
71
Below the class average — fewer complaints than typical large cars vehicles. A good sign.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 47 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
2017 Kia Cadenza: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Kia Cadenza?
Is the 2017 Kia Cadenza reliable?
How much does it cost to fix 2017 Kia Cadenza problems?
Does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have any recalls?
What mileage do Kia Cadenza problems start?
When was the 2017 Kia Cadenza data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2017 Kia Cadenza Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 47 owner reports. Know before you buy.