2019 Kia Cadenza Safety Report

2019 Kia Cadenza: Low complaint volume, but critical HECU fire recall unaddressed in some vehicles; no NHTSA crash test data available.

2Complaints
1Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Steering,Exterior Lighting,Lane Departure (1)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Kia Cadenza

The 2019 Kia Cadenza presents a somewhat ambiguous safety profile due to a lack of comprehensive crash test data from NHTSA, with all ratings listed as 'N/A'. However, the vehicle has a very low number of reported complaints to NHTSA, totaling only 2, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This low complaint volume suggests that widespread safety issues are not prevalent. The primary safety concern for the 2019 Cadenza stems from a single, but significant, recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000) concerning the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). This recall affects 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles, where an electrical short-circuit in the HECU can lead to an engine compartment fire, significantly increasing the risk of injury. One of the two complaints specifically references this recall, indicating a delay in parts availability for the repair. Beyond the recall, the two complaints mention issues with 'STEERING' and 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE', with one complaint also referencing 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' in relation to the HECU recall. While the complaint volume is too low to establish strong patterns, the HECU recall is a critical safety item that potential owners should verify has been addressed. The absence of crash test ratings means that the vehicle's performance in actual collision scenarios is not publicly assessed by NHTSA.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Kia Cadenza receives a reliability score of 65 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 2019 Kia Cadenza

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Kia Cadenza:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (Hecu) Short-Circuit Leading To Fire Risk
An electrical short in the HECU can cause an engine compartment fire. This is subject to NHTSA recall 21V137000. One complaint noted delays in recall part availability.
High Occasional 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 2019 Kia Cadenza:

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 50% of complaints

One complaint directly references the HECU recall, which falls under this component category, indicating a potential fire risk.

Steering 50% of complaints

One complaint reported the steering wheel being extremely hard to turn, accompanied by system lights illuminating.

Exterior Lighting, Lane Departure 50% of complaints

One complaint mentioned issues related to exterior lighting and the lane departure system.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Kia Cadenza

Is the 2019 Kia Cadenza safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Kia Cadenza has a very low complaint count (2 total) and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths outside of the recall context. However, it lacks NHTSA crash test ratings, making a comprehensive safety assessment difficult. A significant safety concern is the HECU recall (21V137000) which poses a fire risk; ensure this recall has been completed.

What are common problems for the 2019 Kia Cadenza?

With only two complaints, common problems are not statistically robust. However, the most reported issues include concerns related to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) due to a recall for fire risk, and one complaint each for hard steering and issues with exterior lighting/lane departure systems.

What is the recall history for the 2019 Kia Cadenza?

The 2019 Kia Cadenza has one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000) for the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). An electrical short in the HECU can cause an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of injury. This recall affects 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles.

How does the 2019 Kia Cadenza perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Kia Cadenza has not received overall, frontal, side, or rollover safety ratings from NHTSA, with all categories listed as 'N/A'. Therefore, its crash test performance is not publicly assessed by this agency.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but critical HECU fire recall, verify that recall 21V137000 has been completed before purchasing a 2019 Kia Cadenza, and be aware of the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Kia Cadenza

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Kia Cadenza. The data includes 2 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 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.