ProblemsByVin File / 2019-KIA-CADENZA NHTSA data synced 1 day ago

Kia

2019 Kia Cadenza problems

The 2019 Kia Cadenza has 1 active recall campaign on file and only 4 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

The 2019 Kia Cadenza has 4 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Kia Cadenza owner complaints by model year
Model year	Owner complaints	Recalls
2016 Cadenza	14	2
2017 Cadenza	31	2
2018 Cadenza	7	1
2019 Cadenza (this page)	4	1
2020 Cadenza	0	1

Reliability score

Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 4 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2019 Cadenza?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 4 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2019 Cadenza's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2019 Cadenza · steering

Hello, I wasn't notified of the recall on my vehicle. The steering wheel is extremely hard to turn and all of the system lights are on.

08/26/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11481339.0

2019 Cadenza · brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Kia cadenza. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v137000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…

05/11/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11416147.0

Had a problem with your 2019 Kia Cadenza? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 21V137000 March 4, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles

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.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

AQ Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Cadenza reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 4 owner complaints have been filed for the 2019 Kia Cadenza, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2019 Kia Cadenza?

Only 4 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2019 Kia Cadenza without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2019 Kia Cadenza?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2019 Kia Cadenza to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2019 Kia Cadenza a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 4 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2019 Kia Cadenza?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Kia Cadenza has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Kia Cadenza?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 4 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Kia/Cadenza. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.