TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT (WTY026 REVISION 2) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY026) on some 2014-2018MY vehicles listed in the table below, for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in the eligible vehicles listed below from 10 years/100,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Kia Cadenza engine problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 14 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Kia Cadenza, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Kia Cadenza we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 14.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 - REVISION 7) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 REVISION 6) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,00
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, whichever comes f
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY: INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, w
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Cadenzas consistently report engines that burn oil rapidly and fail prematurely, often between 80,000 and 177,000 miles. Multiple complaints describe the engine light coming on, followed by loss of power, burning smells, and smoke from the hood—sometimes while driving at highway speeds. Dealers have diagnosed piston ring failures, damaged cylinders, and antifreeze leaking into the combustion chamber. Several owners were quoted $5,000–$10,000 for engine replacement, which KIA refuses to cover under warranty, citing the model year (2013) versus purchase date.
Timing chain tensioners rattle at cold startup across multiple vehicles, and owners found a KIA service bulletin addressing the problem for 2014–2016 models, yet dealerships refuse to perform the work. Some engines stall without warning at 35–70 mph, cutting power steering and forcing drivers to coast to safety—a life-threatening condition. One owner reports an engine replaced twice for defective cylinder head bolts, yet the same failure recurred, burning his foot and arm with hot fluid escaping through air vents. Another describes a complete engine failure with no prior warning light. Owners consistently state KIA knows the problem is widespread but refuses to issue a recall or provide assistance once the vehicle is out of the original warranty period.
Same Kia Cadenza engine reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption and internal engine damage
Engine burns oil rapidly, leading to low or no oil conditions, internal cylinder and piston damage, and catastrophic failure. Multiple owners report dealers diagnosing piston ring failure, damaged cylinders, and antifreeze leaking into the combustion chamber.
When: 98,625 miles to 177,000 miles; also reported at 80,000 and 136,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine light (MIL) on; loss of power while driving; burning smell; smoke from engine compartment; engine stalling
Codes mentioned: P0021
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement quoted at $5,000–$10,000 by KIA dealerships; short block replacement required in some cases. Multiple owners unable to afford repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KIA denies warranty coverage citing elapsed time since original sale date (2013 model year cars sold used in 2015). Dealership service bulletin (TSB) exists for timing chain rattle but dealers refuse to apply it. KIA states no engine replacements available and servicing expires after vehicle is paid off.
Timing chain tensioner rattle and premature wear
Timing chain tensioner fails prematurely, causing startup clatter and internal engine damage if left unaddressed. Owners report KIA acknowledged the issue via service bulletin for 2014–2016 model years but no recall was issued.
When: Present on cold start; reported at various mileages up to 136,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: clicking or clatter noise at cold startup; ticking sound from engine; burning odor
Repairs/costs cited: Service bulletin (TSB) available for repair, but dealerships reportedly refuse to perform the work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued for 2014–2016 model years. No recall issued despite owners stating the issue was known to be widespread.
Sudden engine stall and limp-mode activation
Engine unexpectedly stalls or enters limp mode at highway speeds (35–70 mph) without warning, causing loss of power steering and inability to accelerate. Poses serious safety risk in traffic.
When: No specific mileage documented; occurred during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: engine stall without warning; loss of acceleration; limp mode activation; multiple warning lights on dashboard; loss of power steering
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; vehicles towed but not diagnosed or serviced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case but advised dealer service; vehicle not covered under recall or warranty.
Carbon buildup on intake valves causing power loss
Carbon accumulation on intake manifold or valves reduces engine airflow and power output, causing the engine to cut out or decelerate unexpectedly under acceleration or cruise.
When: Reported at highway speeds (70 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: loss of engine power; engine cutting out during acceleration; deceleration in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided by owners.
Re-acceleration delay after stop-and-go driving
Engine hesitates or fails to immediately re-accelerate when restarting after a brief stop in stop-and-go traffic, creating a hazardous condition when entering traffic from stopped position.
When: During stop-and-start driving patterns
Symptoms owners cite: delayed re-acceleration from stop; hesitation when pressing accelerator after brief stop
Cylinder head bolt failure causing repeated engine damage
Defective cylinder head bolts allow head gasket failure and allow hot exhaust gases and fluids to escape into passenger compartment. At least one owner reports engine replacement twice for this same issue.
When: At 136,000 miles in documented case; likely recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: abnormal sounds at startup; burning odor; smoke and hot fluid from air vents; ABS and traction control warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced twice for this fault; fluid burns came through air vents.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided; not covered under warranty.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The vehicle has been carefully maintained and received the 144,000-mileage thorough maintenance service which was performed at the KIA dealership in August 2023 three months prior to the incident. While driving in November 2023 the Malfunction Indicator Light came on. I took the vehicle to the same dealership. After 3 days in the service department, I was told the engine is burning oil. They…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle made abnormal sounds while starting. A burning odor was also detected while starting and driving the vehicle. The ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's left foot and left arm were burned by smoke and an unknown fluid coming from the air vents. Medical attention was not…
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. I had the vehicle brought to the dealership for the windshield recall and asked them to please apply the service bulletin since the timing chain has the discussed rattle at startup. They will not fix the issue. even knowing that it is causing…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 Kia Cadenza?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Kia Cadenza?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 91,938 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Kia/Cadenza.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.