DecodedCars2016 Kia Cadenza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- /Premium 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,660 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints14 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 111 for similar models.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Kia Cadenza is a large car offered with a 3.3L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,660 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2016 large car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Cadenza — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Cadenza →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| /Premium 4dr Sedan | 195.7 in | 72.8 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,660 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadenza | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +4% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Kia Cadenza.
Similar 2016 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Cadenza (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Visibility › Windshield · Mar 15, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V158000 · 30,362 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling all 2014-2016 Cadenza vehicles. During manufacturing, the front windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
- Risk
- A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the front windshield glass. If necessary, the windshield will be removed and reinstalled. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC232.
Not every 2016 Kia Cadenza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Kia Cadenza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Visibility › Windshield — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Visibility — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,674 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Cadenza. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cadenza years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2018 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2017 Cadenza | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 33 |
| 2015 Cadenza | 22 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2014 Cadenza | 22 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 106 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →