2017 KIA CADENZA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the buildup as the main issue isn’t properly being addressed. The issue occurred about 300 miles ago where the dealership erased it. Then told the vehicle did not have any issues. Brought it back to the Kia dealership where they finally gave a proper diagnosis after being told nothing was wrong with car. I am concerned as there are lots of owners online experiencing the same issues with their Kia cadenzas and nothing done about it. Took the vehicle in after it stalled in traffic, but, as seen, the repair cost is high and a temporary band aid.

I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the buildup as the main issue isn’t properly being addressed. The issue occurred about 300 miles ago where the dealership erased it. Then told the vehicle did not have any issues. Brought it back to the Kia dealership where they finally gave a proper diagnosis after being told nothing was wrong with car. I am concerned as there are lots of owners online experiencing the same issues with their Kia cadenzas and nothing done about it. Took the vehicle in after it stalled in traffic, but, as seen, the repair cost is high and a temporary band aid.

This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT. On 11/10/2025 car showed engine overheating. In fear, I immediately brought to closest mechanic stating same problem, ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR HOSE WHICH GOES HAND IN HAND. Before work began I left voice mails and emails with the service manager of Rohrman Kia in Schaumburg, Il. No one reached out. I spoke with Jim at same location on 11/10/2025 at 4:00 pm who told me it was my responsibility because the part was no longer under warranty. I filed a complaint (24149522) with BBB. on 11/13/2025 after I had to pay my mechanic $1000 to fix problem which obviously is a defect. On 12/3/2025 I spoke with Mike from Kia who said part was no longer under warranty and will not reimburse. I asked him to prove the previous thermostat was installed correctly according to the service action sa 346 and he said they have certified techs and they do not have to prove that to me. I would like Kia to accept responsibility for this part. Also carfax does not show all times Kia replaced that thermostat.

This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT. On 11/10/2025 car showed engine overheating. In fear, I immediately brought to closest mechanic stating same problem, ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR HOSE WHICH GOES HAND IN HAND. Before work began I left voice mails and emails with the service manager of Rohrman Kia in Schaumburg, Il. No one reached out. I spoke with Jim at same location on 11/10/2025 at 4:00 pm who told me it was my responsibility because the part was no longer under warranty. I filed a complaint (24149522) with BBB. on 11/13/2025 after I had to pay my mechanic $1000 to fix problem which obviously is a defect. On 12/3/2025 I spoke with Mike from Kia who said part was no longer under warranty and will not reimburse. I asked him to prove the previous thermostat was installed correctly according to the service action sa 346 and he said they have certified techs and they do not have to prove that to me. I would like Kia to accept responsibility for this part. Also carfax does not show all times Kia replaced that thermostat.

Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed to pay for the fan wires that kept the engine cool because they had melted in the process.i have had issues with right brake fluid and boot as well. Changed brakes.most of the time It has been loss of oil or engine knocking then needed to rebuild the engine which I had to pay $4000. Im sad and upset that most of the time I have had my car it has been in the shop or having to be parked for a length of time.( avg. 3-20 days) was called back to say it was another issue.Took to another dealer who repaired . had to take in for repeat engine issues and knocking sounds the wasn’t “reproduced” it was clearly heard when manager drove it but service provider said no. So frustrated that I have spend a lot of money for engine issues and haven’t had a chance to enjoy the vehicle, frustrated it is performed less than what I expected.have never taken my car to any other but dealership and kept up with maintenance. the rest was slow to accelerate(even after just picking up from dealership) a lot of knocking .Engine was “rebuilt” and It’s still in the shop today. Driving without oil loss notification.Now radiator hose is swollen/soft at top unsure if oil or water. And I need to pay for hose $400 now another $1000? braking feels unusual after they replaced. I notified KIA customer support/emailed all receipts and return call was told no recalls about a year ago and she would call dealership. Car was at dealership for a while at that time.