While operating the vehicle, the engine suffered a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, resulting in an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power on the road. A subsequent physical diagnostic scan at an authorized Kia dealership revealed manufacturer trouble code P008800 (Fuel Rail System Pressure-Too High) along with universal engine misfire codes P030100, P030200, P030300, P030400, P030500, P030600. The dealership confirmed that the internal engine failure includes a shattered piston. Code P008800 is the primary mechanical failure indicator for active manufacturer warranty campaign WTY 0034 (High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure). The defective high pressure fuel pump suffered a primary mechanical failure, spiking fuel rail pressures to dangerous limits, causing all six cylinders to misfire, and inducing low speed pre-ignition (LSPI). This extreme combustion anomaly directly fractured the engine's internal piston. The dealership is currently attempting to clear these diagnostic trouble codes and perform an oil change, which would actively destroy the physical and electronic evidence linking the safety recalled component failure directly to the engine's catastrophic destruction. This component failure poses a severe stall hazard and a risk of total engine failure while operating at highway speeds. Photographic proof of the official dealer diagnostic report has been preserved.
The worst 2019 Kia Cadenza problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Lights1
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Lights1
- Steering1
- Tires1
Recalls 1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is 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.
Recall number 21V137000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2019 Kia Cadenza
Defect investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V‑520, 20V‑543, 21V‑161, 21V‑160, 21V‑303, 22V‑056, 22V‑810, and 23V‑651. Kia recalls 16V‑815, 20V‑518, 20V‑519, 21V‑137, 21V‑331, 22V‑051, 22V‑800, and 23V‑652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
AQ23002
Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Kia Cadenza 41
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- High-pressure fuel pump replacement (WTY034)
- Owner notification (WTY034)
- Reimbursement form (WTY034)
- Dealer principal memo (WTY034)
- Dealer parts & service managers memo (WTY034)
- Question and answer (WTY034)
- High-pressure fuel pump replacement (WTY034)
- Pitstop: technical operations: external damage to ultrasonic sensor
- Transmission fluid application guide
- This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity...
2019 Kia Cadenza fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | FWD | 20 | 27 | 23 |
What 2019 Kia Cadenza owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I picked up my Cadenza from the repair shop. They were repairing the sunroof controls because the sunroof was not operating properly. I was 24 miles away from the shop headed home from Temple, TX to Waxahachie, TX on [XXX]. It sounded like a shotgun was fired right above my head and scared me. I am surprised I didn't crash. I pulled over and the sunroof had a 2 foot hole in it. The shade was in the shut position so no glass made into the cab. No rock or any debris hit the vehicle. My mom was driving behind me and she said she saw a huge chunk of glass fly up from my car and hit her car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle later, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the contact was informed that the diagnostic trouble code was associated with a tire sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Hello, I wasn't notified of the recall on my vehicle. The steering wheel is extremely hard to turn and all of the system lights are on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 kia cadenza. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 21v137000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Airport kia naples (3325 westview dr, naples, fl 34104) was made aware of the issue, and informed the contact that the part was not available until august 8, 2021. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and informed the contact to get a rental vehicle since the parts were on backorder. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Compare the 2019 Kia Cadenza
Other model years
Questions about the 2019 Kia Cadenza
Is the 2019 Kia Cadenza reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2019 Kia Cadenza, fewer than a typical Cadenza model year.
What is the 2019 Kia Cadenza year score?
The 2019 Kia Cadenza scores 94 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Cadenza: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Kia Cadenza?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Cadenza have?
1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.
What year does the Kia Cadenza have bad engine?
The Kia Cadenza model years with the most engine complaints are 2014 (29 complaints), 2015 (13 complaints) and 2017 (12 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Cadenza get?
Official estimates for the 2019 Kia Cadenza range from 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.3L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 27 highway.
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