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Which Years Of Used Kia Cadenzas Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability
Kia Cadenza in a parking spot

Kia Cadenza by Elise240SX - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Kia Cadenza first appeared on the market in 2009, offering a full-size option for a sedan from a well-known manufacturer. It offered more than a decade of models, providing plenty of room for individuals to pick from an abundance of used options. You might wonder - what is the most reliable Kia Cadenza year available?

It’s no small matter to purchase a vehicle, whether it’s your first time or your fifth. There are good selections and bad for dependability. The worst years will cost you time and money as you drive. Maybe you want the best year for the Cadenza - which is where we come in. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Kia Cadenza year and other information.


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Most Reliable Years for The Kia Cadenza

The Kia Cadenza has a unique style, a smooth riding experience, and exceptional amenities. Although there are some less-than-ideal years, some sail above the rest. We’ve compiled a list of the most dependable selections to help you determine which to purchase.

Here are the best years available for the Kia Cadenza:

  • 2016 Kia Cadenza
  • 2017 Kia Cadenza
  • 2018 Kia Cadenza
  • 2019 Kia Cadenza
  • 2020 Kia Cadenza
  • 2021 Kia Cadenza

If you’re searching for the most reliable Kia Cadenza year, these six will provide you with the best ownership experience.

With any vehicle purchase, it’s critical to buy dependable choices with the fewest customer complaints and the best reviews online. These have the best history and will cost the least for you as the owner.

Are Kia Cadenzas Generally Reliable?

There are several excellent years for the Kia Cadenza, but good years don’t speak for the overall reliability of the vehicle. What does dependability look like when considering all years? Is the Kia Cadenza worth the investment at the end of the day?

According to motorbiscuit.com, the Cadenza is considered a generally reliable car. However, it’s vital to note it’s been recalled twice for serious trouble in the system. According to consumerreports.org, the Kia Cadenza is a credible and competent competitor among other sedans on the market.

The Kia Cadenza might not have lasted long on the market, but it scores well amongst drivers and professional reviewers. If you’re interested in this vehicle, you can feel confident in its reputation for dependability on the road.


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Which Kia Cadenza Years Are the Least Reliable?

There are many excellent used choices for the Cadenza you should consider purchasing. However, there are also several that you should avoid if possible. They have poor reviews and more issues than their competitive counterparts over the years.

Here are the worst years available for the Kia Cadenza:

  • 2014 Kia Cadenza
  • 2015 Kia Cadenza


If you’re looking for the most reliable Kia Cadenza year, keep away from these two selections during your search.

These years had extensive complaints from customers. A few of the most prominent include trouble with the electrical system, a jerky acceleration, clunking sounds amongst the components, and even paint flaking or chipping of the machine. If you buy the 2014 or 2015 Cadenza, you will likely pay more than anticipated throughout the car’s life.

Are Kia Cadenzas Expensive to Maintain?

According to repairpal.com, the Kia Cadenza has lower-than-average repair costs of about $491. You will pay much less to fix this sedan than you would with other similar vehicles, placing it as one of the best of its kind.

There is an average likelihood you will need to take the Cadenza in for repairs. Even if you do, there is only a typical likelihood the trouble will be severe. There is little need to stress with this car.


THE KIA CADENZA YEARS TO AVOID

There are several excellent years for the Kia Cadenza, but no vehicle is perfect. Read on to learn more about the Kia Cadenza years to avoid, the worst year for the car, and other critical information. 


If you are the owner of a Kia Cadenza, do your part and take your vehicle in for regular maintenance. The better you care for your vehicle over time, the longer it will last for all your driving needs.

Which Kia Is Most Reliable?

Maybe you’re interested in a Kia, but you only want the best available. Although the Cadenza scores well, three Kia selections come in above the Cadenza for reliability. 

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are the most reliable Kia options:

  • Kia Forte
  • Kia Soul
  • Kia Rio

These are the best from the Kia name.


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The Cadenza should not be your first choice if you intend to purchase the most reliable vehicle Kia offers. The Forte, Soul, and Rio come in far above this option. However, if you’re set on the Cadenza, it’s still an excellent buy.

What Are the Most Common Kia Cadenza Problems?

Some issues appear across the years, good and bad, for the Kia Cadenza. It’s helpful to be aware of these before making your investment.  

According to motorandwheels.com, here are the most common Kia Cadenza issues:

  • Sunroof troubles
  • Knocking at the start-up
  • Poor acceleration
  • Lack of daytime running lights

Watch for these if you have a Kia Cadenza.

These may make themselves known in the worst or best years for the Cadenza. However, they are most likely to surface in the least reliable selection.

Is The Kia Cadenza Worth It?

If you want a full-size sedan from Kia, the Cadenza is an excellent place to look. There are many reliable choices, and the car dates to 2009, so you can be sure you will find it for a quality price.

Kia has many top-notch choices for customers. The Cadenza is a good one, though not the best from the manufacturer. 

Final Thoughts

The Kia Cadenza scores well in reliability and is a quality choice for a full-size sedan. We recommend the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021 selections for the best results. These will keep money and time on your side.

We hope this information is valuable! It can be frustrating to pick the ideal years, so our knowledge should make the process much simpler and help you narrow down your dream used vehicle in no time.



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