2017 Kia Cadenza Safety Report

2017 Kia Cadenza faces fire and braking risks from recalls, alongside persistent engine and fuel system complaints.

29Complaints
2Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Unknown Or Other (3)Electrical System (2)Seat Belts (2)Service Brakes (2)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Air Bags (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Kia Cadenza

The 2017 Kia Cadenza presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to significant recall activity and a pattern of engine-related complaints, despite a relatively low overall complaint count. With 29 total complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury reported to NHTSA, the vehicle's incident rate is not excessively high for its age. However, two critical recalls address serious safety concerns: one for a potential short-circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can cause an engine compartment fire, and another for a kinked brake vacuum hose that can reduce braking performance and increase crash risk. These recalls directly impact fundamental safety systems. Complaint data reveals a concerning pattern of engine issues, accounting for 4 reports, with additional complaints under 'ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' and 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE'. Specific complaints detail blown head gaskets, oil in antifreeze, carbon buildup leading to fuel injector malfunction, multiple oil/knocking issues, and oil pressure sensor failures. These suggest potential long-term reliability and safety concerns related to the powertrain. Furthermore, 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' also has 4 complaints, including strong fuel odors after filling up, indicating potential fuel system integrity issues that could pose fire risks. Brake-related complaints are also notable, with 2 reports under 'SERVICE BRAKES' and specific incidents describing brake pedal going to the floor, reduced braking performance, and unintended acceleration leading to crashes. These align with the brake vacuum hose recall, highlighting a real-world impact of the identified defect. While NHTSA did not provide specific crash test ratings for the 2017 Cadenza, the presence of recalls addressing fire and braking performance, coupled with actual crash and fire incidents in the complaint data, underscores areas of concern. The overall safety picture is therefore tempered by these significant, documented risks.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Kia Cadenza receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Kia Cadenza

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Kia Cadenza:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Hecu Short-Circuit Leading To Fire
Recall 21V137000 addresses a potential electrical short in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can cause an engine compartment fire, increasing injury risk.		 High Common N/A miles
Kinked Brake Vacuum Hose
Recall 17V068000 identifies a defect where the brake vacuum hose may kink, reducing braking performance and increasing crash risk.		 High Common N/A miles
Engine Internal Failure (Head Gasket, Oil Issues)
Multiple complaints detail blown head gaskets, oil in antifreeze, oil burning, knocking, and oil pressure sensor failures, indicating significant engine reliability concerns.		 High Occasional 30000-70000 miles
Fuel System Odor/Leak
Strong raw fuel odor reported after filling up, emanating from the driver's side, suggesting potential fuel system leaks or integrity issues.		 Medium Occasional 9000-20000 miles
Airbag System Failure
Complaint regarding ongoing airbag system failure and Kia's refusal to cover repair under warranty extension, despite VIN being included.		 High Rare N/A miles
Seat Belt Retraction Failure
Driver and passenger seat belts failing to latch or retract, posing a significant safety risk in a crash.		 High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Kia Cadenza:

Engine 13% of complaints

Reports of blown head gaskets, oil in antifreeze, carbon buildup, oil burning, knocking, and oil pressure sensor failures.

Fuel/Propulsion System 13% of complaints

Strong fuel odors after filling up, indicating potential leaks or system integrity issues.

Service Brakes 6% of complaints

Brake pedal going to the floor, reduced braking performance, and unintended acceleration leading to crashes.

Seat Belts 6% of complaints

Failure of seat belts to latch or retract properly.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Issues like electric thermostat failures and door actuator failures.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Kia Cadenza

Is the 2017 Kia Cadenza safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Kia Cadenza has two significant safety recalls addressing potential engine compartment fires and reduced braking performance. While the overall complaint count is low (29 total), there are recurring patterns of engine and fuel system issues, along with specific brake failures reported. These factors suggest notable safety concerns despite the lack of specific NHTSA crash test ratings.

What are common problems with the 2017 Kia Cadenza?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Kia Cadenza are related to the ENGINE (13.8% of complaints), including blown head gaskets, oil consumption, and knocking. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues (13.8%) like strong fuel odors are also common. Additionally, SERVICE BRAKES (6.9%) and SEAT BELTS (6.9%) have notable complaint patterns.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Kia Cadenza?

Yes, the 2017 Kia Cadenza has two recalls. One (NHTSA ID 21V137000) is for a potential short-circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can cause a fire. The other (NHTSA ID 17V068000) is for a brake vacuum hose that may kink, reducing braking performance.

Does the 2017 Kia Cadenza have engine problems?

Yes, engine problems are a significant concern for the 2017 Kia Cadenza, accounting for the highest percentage of complaints. Issues reported include blown head gaskets, oil in antifreeze, carbon buildup, oil burning, knocking noises, and oil pressure sensor failures.

What are the risks associated with the 2017 Kia Cadenza's recalls?

The recall for the HECU short-circuit carries a high risk of an engine compartment fire, which can lead to serious injury. The recall for the kinked brake vacuum hose poses a risk of reduced braking performance, which can lengthen stopping distances and increase the likelihood of a crash.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical safety recalls for fire and braking issues, coupled with recurring engine and fuel system complaints, potential buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and thoroughly inspect the engine and braking system before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Kia Cadenza

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Kia Cadenza. The data includes 29 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.