Kia Cadenza, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2018 Kia Cadenza recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2018 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
1
Park-it warnings
1
Complaints
7
Latest campaign
Mar 4, 2021

Recall summary by component1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsPark‑itLatestCampaign IDs
Service brakes, hydraulic11Mar 4, 2021
21V137000

Safety recalls1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
1Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Mar 4, 2021Latest campaign
Mar 4, 202121V137000

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip control unit/module

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

Park outside, away from structures
DetailsHide details for campaign 21V137000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 21V137000 · Mar 4, 2021
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Kia recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2018 Kia Cadenza? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component7

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
7Complaints filed
0Involving a crash
0Involving a fire
0Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Engine571000
Unknown or other229000
Air bags114000

An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Air bags

    “The airbag light randomly came on 2 weeks ago and stayed on , indicating that the airbags would not deploy in the event of an accident. I called my mechanic, who confirmed it was not a warranty item.”

    Filed 07/01/2026 · ODI 11747784
  • Engine

    “Complete engine failure due to rods and bearings (same as all other Kia engine recalls currently active). Ironically my car wasn’t included in the recall.”

    Filed 11/18/2025 · ODI 11700022
  • Engine

    “No prior issues/light on dashboard as the car was just serviced for coolant hose replacement. On my way home from work, the car stalled and loss power at the light.”

    Filed 11/16/2025 · ODI 11699682

Other Kia Cadenza model years

Other Kia models

All Kia models and years →

2018 Kia Cadenza recall questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Cadenza have?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign for the 2018 Kia Cadenza. The most recent, 21V137000 (reported March 4, 2021), concerns service brakes, hydraulic. 1 campaign carries a park-it or park-outside warning. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2018 Kia Cadenza?

Engine is the most-reported component, named in 5 complaints out of 7 filed with NHTSA (71%). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2018 Kia Cadenza?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Kia recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Kia dealer.

Check a specific Kia by VIN

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