Sedan · Gas
Kia Cadenza 2015-2016
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $35,100–$44,400
- MPG
- 22
- Strength: Strong cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Below-average running costs
- Watch-out: Below-average driving fun
How it scores for you10 scores
Near-luxury hush, space, and a stout V6 for mid-size money — a comfort-first cruiser whose thirst and anonymous image kept it niche.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; 1 of its 2 recalls was serious. About 3% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Limited history so far, so this score may move as more recalls are filed. Adjusted +2 points for its wider reputation.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $2,950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 35% of cars we track.
15.9 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 73% of other sedans we track.
Full-size rear legroom and a usable 15.9 cu ft trunk.
A smooth 293-hp V6 in a soft front-drive cruiser; zero sporting intent.
Loaded for the money — nav, UVO, ventilated seats — though driver aids were sparse by later norms.
A hushed cabin and cushy ride were its calling cards.
Typical resale value for a sedan.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls4 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
4 recalls · 4 common complaint areas across 2015–2016
- Electrical — 11 complaints (2015)
- Recall — Visibility: windshield (2016)
- Engine — 10 complaints (2015)
2016
- RecallVisibility: windshield22V158000
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.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V652000
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
- Complaint clusterVisibility6 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY
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 conta
2015
- RecallVisibility: windshield22V158000
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.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V652000
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
- Complaint clusterElectrical11 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2015 Kia Cadenza Issue: Open HECU Safety Recall — Fire Risk I am the owner of a 2015 Kia Cadenza with an open HECU recall related to a known fire risk. I have been experiencing a burning smell inside the cabin of the vehicle, consistent with the recall defect. Upon contacting Kia Consumer A
- Complaint clusterEngine10 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Engine seized. 3.3L Lambda II GDI. This is the 2nd Hyundai/KIA product that the engine has seized on me. Both with bearing failure. Neither on the list of recalled engines. You need to do a more thorough investigation into Hyundai/KIAs engines. The brands share the same power trains across the
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other8 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To date comma manufacturer has failed to address the n h t s a recall number 23 v 652. Received interim recall notice in approximately September October of 2023, to date. There has been no action or contact from manufacturer as to when this vehicle should be brought in for service.
- Complaint clusterVisibility5 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY
While driving on the freeway my rearview mirror suddenly came down causing a Crack across the windshield. "Recall on windshield"So I looked up recalls seen there is one for a loosening windshield. I took it to the dealership he said that couldn't happen and there is no way he can take windshield off
Cost to own$27,700 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$35,100–$44,400
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,950/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
19
Highway MPG
28
Combined MPG
22
Horsepower
293 hp
Doors
4
Length
195.7 in
Width
72.8 in
Height
58.3 in
Wheelbase
112.2 in
Curb weight
3,660 lb
Cargo volume
15.9 cu ft
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