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2016 Kia Cadenza Base

The 2016 Kia Cadenza Base is a 293-hp 3.3-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $32,990 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.

It makes 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 255 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).

The Cadenza measures 195.7 inches long on a 112.0-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$32,990 ($44,674 *)
MSRP with Destination$33,840 ($45,825 *)
Destination Charge$850
Engine
Engine TypeTransverse 3.3L V6 DOHC Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Displacement3.342 L
Horsepower293 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque255 lb-ft
ValvetrainDOHC, 24 valves/cylinder, Machanical valve lash adjuster
Bore and Stroke92 x 83.8
Compression Ratio11.5:1
Injection TypeGasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Final Drive3.041
Fuel Economy
City19 MPG
Highway28 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tank Capacity18.5 gal
Brakes
Front Brake DiscDual-diagonal, split-circuit, power-assisted braking system
Dimensions & Weight
Length195.7 in
Width72.8 in
Height58.1 in
Wheelbase112 in
Cargo Volume15.9 ft³
Interior
Headroom Front40 in
Headroom Rear37.8 in
Legroom Front45.5 in
Legroom Rear36.8 in
Shoulder Room Front58.3 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.5 in
Hip Room Front56.3 in
Hip Room Rear55.5 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2016 Kia Cadenza 4 DR FWD).

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia CADENZA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

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.

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V652000

Mar 15, 2022 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

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.

Consequence: A front windshield that detaches from a vehicle can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V158000

14 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia CADENZA

Owner Complaints

14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia CADENZA. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Visibility6
Engine4
Hydraulic2
Service Brakes2
Unknown Or Other2
Electrical System1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Dec 3, 2025 · Engine
“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…”
Sep 4, 2025 · Electrical System, Unknown Or Other, Engine
“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…”
May 12, 2025 · Visibility
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water and air leaking through the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA…”
Mar 18, 2025 · Unknown Or Other
“While driving down the highway, I heard a loud boom and my sunroof exploded sending glass everywhere all through the car with my kids in the backseat. Driving straight on the highway at 60 miles per…”
May 2, 2024 · Visibility
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front windshield, after which she observed that the…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2016 KIA CADENZA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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