Model year guide

2016 Kia Cadenza

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 Kia Cadenza is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2016 Kia Cadenza at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints14
Combined22 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2016 Kia Cadenza recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · manufacturer #SC284 · 25/09/2023

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 experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 202…

Visibility:windshield NHTSA Campaign #22V158000 · manufacturer #SC232 · 15/03/2022

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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 9 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2016 Kia Cadenza common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2016 Kia Cadenza MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,050
EPA size classLarge Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Passenger volume107 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2016 Kia Cadenza costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,250
Fuel only$15,250
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
195.7 in
Width
72.8 in
Height
58.3 in
Wheelbase
112.2 in
Curb weight
3,660 lb
Front track
63.0 in
Rear track
63.0 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2016 Kia Cadenza. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires Open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and di…

NHTSA #AQ23002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Nov 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 76

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 76.

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 mar…

Bulletin WTY026_TSB_R2 · Engine · Mar 2026

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 bulleti…

Bulletin WTY039_TSB_R7 · Engine · Dec 2025

PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating dis…

Bulletin PS797 · Back Over Prevention · Dec 2025

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…

Bulletin WTY039_TSB_R6 · Engine · Dec 2025

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 assoc…

Bulletin WTY039_TSB_R5 · Engine · Nov 2025

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 i…

Bulletin WTY039_TSB_R4 · Engine · Oct 2025

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - 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 relat…

Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R5 · Power Train · Apr 2025

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: 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 ar…

Bulletin WTY039_TSB_R3 · Engine · Dec 2024

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 in…

Bulletin WTY039_TSB_R2 · Engine · Nov 2024

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: 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 ar…

Bulletin WTY039_TSB_R1 · Engine · Aug 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CADENZA FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Cadenza. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Brakes

Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park…

Transport Canada #2023529 · Sep 2023

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the windshield may not be properly attached. As a result, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: A windshield that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Additionally, a windshield that detaches from a moving vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Co…

Transport Canada #2022124 · Mar 2022

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Kia Cadenza

The Kia Cadenza, also known in South Korea as Kia K7 is a full-size/executive car manufactured by Kia, produced from 2009 to 2021. It was first launched in 2009 to replace the Opirus/Amanti.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2016 Kia Cadenza vehicles on record

Other Kia Cadenza model years

2016 Kia Cadenza — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Kia Cadenza have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Cadenza. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Cadenza?

Across all 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, engine, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Cadenza get?

The 2016 Kia Cadenza has a U.S. EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined (19 city / 28 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.