Is the 2017 Kia CADENZA reliable?

The 2017 Kia CADENZA has 43 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Kia CADENZA?

Top problems: ENGINE (11 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (6 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Kia CADENZA?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Kia CADENZA?

The 2017 Kia CADENZA gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Kia CADENZA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Kia CADENZA is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Kia CADENZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Kia CADENZA has 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 43. The most common issue is engine problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: outside air temp sensor has defect. it reads 32 degrees f. when temps are over 80 f outside. won't allow auto air conditioning to work. the engine emission control warning light comes on and stays on. have had in the dealership 3 times and they keep telling me my gas cap is not sealing. it's reset a. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 4 crash reports 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

11 complaints

26%

• OUTSIDE AIR TEMP SENSOR HAS DEFECT. IT READS 32 DEGREES F. WHEN TEMPS ARE OVER 80 F OUTSIDE. WON'T ALLOW AUTO AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK. THE ENGINE EMISSION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. HAVE HAD IN THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY GAS CAP IS NOT SEALING. IT'S RESET A
• The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed that the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The low oil pressure warning light w
• The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed that the engine oil had leaked onto the ground. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The low oil pressure warning light w

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“OUTSIDE AIR TEMP SENSOR HAS DEFECT. IT READS 32 DEGREES F. WHEN TEMPS ARE OVER 80 F OUTSIDE. WON'T ALLOW AUTO AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK. THE ENGINE EMISSION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. HAVE HAD IN THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY GAS CAP IS NOT SEALING. IT'S RESET A”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Kia CADENZA

Based on 19 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 17K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE04/03/2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Risk: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Kia CADENZA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Kia CADENZA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia CADENZA Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2017 CADENZA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 43 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: OUTSIDE AIR TEMP SENSOR HAS DEFECT. IT READS 32 DEGREES F. WHEN TEMPS ARE OVER 80 F OUTSIDE. WON'T ALLOW AUTO AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK. THE ENGINE EMISSION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. HAVE HAD IN THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY GAS CAP IS NOT SEALING. IT'S RESET A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: OUTSIDE AIR TEMP SENSOR HAS DEFECT. IT READS 32 DEGREES F. WHEN TEMPS ARE OVER 80 F OUTSIDE. WON'T ALLOW AUTO AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK. THE ENGINE EMISSION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON. HAVE HAD IN THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME MY GAS CAP IS NOT SEALING. IT'S RESET A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING LOT HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD RAPIDLY. FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: SHORTLY AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK A STRONG RAW FUEL ODOR EMANATED FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE FUEL DOOR. THE SMELL WAS MOST PRONOUNCED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. INITIALLY I THOUGHT SOME FUEL HAD SPILLED, BUT THE SMELL LASTED SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL THE TANK WAS DEPLETED TO 1/2 FULL, AND IMMEDIATE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)