Kia Cadenza stalling problems

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Engine · SC

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.

Filed Feb 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

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.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Engine · TX

My 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated overheating, coolant loss, and eventually white exhaust smoke consistent with internal coolant intrusion. The issue began mid-2025 and worsened over time. Despite reporting overheating and coolant loss to Central Kia of Plano, the dealership failed to diagnose the problem, did not escalate to Techline, and did not check or apply Kia Service Action WTY039, which was active. They returned the vehicle to me still overheating, forcing me into multiple out-of-pocket repairs for coolant, radiator, radiator fan, and water pump replacement. None resolved the issue, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive due to rising temperature and smoke. A second dealer, Mesquite Kia, performed a proper diagnosis. Kia Corporate approved an engine replacement under WTY039 on 11/6/25, and the repair was completed on 11/29/25, confirming the overheating was caused by a covered engine defect. Kia Corporate later denied reimbursement for prior repair attempts by blaming “3rd party repairs,” ignoring that the dealership’s misdiagnosis forced me to seek outside help. This defect created safety hazards including overheating while driving, risk of stalling, coolant intrusion, and visible smoke. I am requesting the federal safety agency review Kia’s handling of this defect and the failure of Central Kia of Plano to diagnose or escalate a known engine issue, which allowed a safety defect to worsen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 16, 2025 · Engine · WA

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. The signs were giving engine failure due to losing power then a clicking/ticking noise. After pulling over and giving the car a break I tried to restart it, at that point the noise had change from the clicking to a weird knocking noise. I had the car towed to my trusted mechanic shop. He advised me that the engine indeed did fail and that it would need to be replaced. Verbatim he said: “The diagnosis is that the noise is an internal engine failure, rod bearing and connecting rods.” This was a major safety concern because the engine could have caught fire during that short drive I had home risking my life and surrounding vehicles. Aware of the Kia engine recalls already, I called Kia just for them to tell me it’s not on their recall list so it’s going to be an out of pocket repair. I asked if there was a way for it to be included in the engine recall as an exception due to low mileage (technically early engine failure) and the customer service rep was rude and condescending about how it’s not Kia’s problem.

Filed Sep 4, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) and Kia’s repeated failure to properly diagnose or repair a serious overheating/safety defect despite this being a well-documented and known issue affecting these engines. Vehicle and Service Information •Vehicle: 2016 Kia Cadenza (VIN: [XXX] ) •Mileage: ~129,608 •Dealer Involved: Central Kia of Plano (Plano, TX) •Repair Order #: [XXX] •Dates: [XXX] Issues 1.Overheating / Known Engine Defect •My vehicle overheats, especially with the A/C on or at idle. •Kia has already been directed to issue extended warranties on these engines due to systemic defects (including bearing wear, engine failure, and overheating). •Despite this, Kia continues to deny or delay proper repairs and instead authorized the dealer to replace only a cooling fan relay, which did not fix the defect. 2.Dealer Misconduct •Central Kia of Plano kept my vehicle for 10 days, charged me $269.92, and returned the vehicle still overheating. •I was told a Techline case would be submitted, but I have confirmed this was never done. 3.Incomplete Recall Repairs •I requested completion of open recalls: •SC232 – Windshield Bonding •SC284VG – HECU Fire Risk •The dealer marked one as complete and the other as pending, but I have no confirmation in Kia’s system that either was properly completed. 4.Corporate Inaction •I have multiple open cases with Kia Corporate, but they have failed to escalate or reassign me to a reputable dealer. •Despite the extended warranty obligation, Kia has not replaced the engine or confirmed a permanent repair. Why I Am Contacting the federal safety agency •This is not an isolated issue — it is a known safety defect across these engines. •Kia has been required to extend warranties for this exact defect but is failing to honor that coverage by stalling, misdiagnosing, and leaving vehicles unsafe. •My vehicle remains unsafe to drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 26, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · NJ

The same engine in these 2015 - 2016 Kia Cadenzas is the same engine present in the Kia Sorentos which have been being investigated for early failure, My kia cadenza stalled at 63 miles per hour on route 73 in new jersey and ever since I've been terrified of it, the dealer (Burlington Kia of South Jersey) told me this is common, and they have stingers and most cars with this same 3.3 engine in for the same failure and it just boggles my mind, I was driving and stalled at 68 while cars are flying by me all because of a known failure? Something that is common and known? I looked up what my diagnosis of my engine was when it was towed into the dealer and my searches lit up with the same problems and the same story from others, I'm just more concerned on how this isn't a recall, if it's known the vehicle can smoke overheat and stall while moving why not warn anyone? If I would of known this I could of done something rather then be put in a situation where I bought a $11,000 car with no warranty as it had only 85k miles, and it blows up in less then a year due to something that is known. The only reason I came to find out about how common this is, is because my mechanic (a secondary shop) told me this is very common with these 3.3 Lambda engines, yet kia still fails to let people know.

Filed Dec 6, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · 113,925 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Cadenza. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the heat was activated, and the contact became aware that the temperature gauge was inoperable. The contact stated there was no heat blowing out of the vents and the radio volume on the steering wheel was also inoperable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,925.

Filed Nov 30, 2023 · Brakes · 56,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke coming from the engine compartment, and the electronics started behaving erratically, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydraulic electronic control unit which was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 56,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Engine · 98,625 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, she heard a ticking sound coming from an unknown location on the vehicle. The contact stated that while she proceeded to drive, she noticed a gray cloud of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer three days later where it was diagnosed that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,625.

Filed Jul 7, 2022 · Engine · IL

Engine light is on the dashboard and can not conduct the Emission Test. I was told it's a oil consumption problem. And that the same problem that the sorento and sportage is doing. That is currently have a lawsuit going on. I was told the engine may start knocking soon. I was also told at shop that can cause the sensors to get false reading and send error signals to the engine also. If the engine cut off while driving or stall it can put my life and others in danger and cause a major accident. It was confirm at shop and I was told it's a recall on the engine. The dealership tells me not for the credenza and it's doing the same things as the models that is being look at and had a lawsuit going on. My cadenza is wrll6keot and under miles and should not be having this problem. Kia should help me with this problem. Please help me with this mattet.