Last updated: 2026-07-26
Cadillac vs KIA: Reliability Compared
Cadillac
5 models tracked
KIA
10 models tracked
Comparing Cadillac and KIA on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
KIA currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 70/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than KIA?
| Metric | Cadillac | KIA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 17 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 201 | 691 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $866/yr | $492/yr |
Cadillac vs KIA: The Verdict
KIA holds a modest reliability advantage over Cadillac — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Cadillac scores 70/100 across 5 models, while KIA comes in at 73/100 across 10 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, KIA is cheaper to maintain at $492/year versus $866/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1870 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for KIA owners.
Where Cadillac and KIA Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | KIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 61/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 77/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — KIA outscores by 12 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Cadillac vs KIA: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($866/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
KIA
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 145 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Cadillac and KIA Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
KIA
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or KIA?
Based on independent repair cost data, KIA is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $866/year for Cadillac. That's a difference of $374/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$783 – $1007/yr
Average: $866/yr
KIA Repair Cost Range
$437 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Cadillac vs KIA Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | KIA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 7 models) | 70/100 | 72/100 | KIA |
KIA wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs KIA
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Cadillac | KIA |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 31%288 | 21%1,275 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%147 | 18%1,122 |
| POWER TRAIN | 16%147 | 15%895 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%66 | 16%974 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%4 | 5%320 |
| STEERING | 4%38 | 4%228 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%37 | 4%227 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%49 | 3%165 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%47 | 3%166 |
| STRUCTURE | 0%4 | 3%183 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Cadillac vs KIA Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Cadillac owners reported 43 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 26 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. KIA owners reported 315 crash-related, 145 fire-related, and 307 injury-related complaints. Cadillac has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Cadillac
43
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
KIA
315
Crash reports
145
Fire reports
307
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and KIA Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Cadillac Models
KIA Models
Cadillac vs KIA Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Cadillac's reliability has been stable across the years we track. KIA's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
| Model Year | Cadillac | KIA | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(4) | 78/100(6) | KIA |
| 2025 | 73/100(5) | 79/100(8) | KIA |
| 2024 | 69/100(5) | 75/100(8) | KIA |
| 2023 | 69/100(5) | 70/100(9) | KIA |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 70/100(9) | KIA |
| 2021 | 68/100(4) | 71/100(8) | KIA |
| 2020 | 69/100(4) | 71/100(6) | KIA |
| 2019 | 71/100(3) | 72/100(5) | KIA |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 71/100(5) | Cadillac |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or KIA?
The data favors KIA, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the KIA Carnival leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that KIA costs less to maintain — $492/year vs $866/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1870 in savings.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Cadillac vs KIA: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than KIA?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Cadillac or KIA?
Which make has more recalls, Cadillac or KIA?
What are the most reliable models from Cadillac and KIA?
What are the least reliable models from Cadillac and KIA?
What are the most common problems with Cadillac and KIA vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Cadillac or KIA?
How many Cadillac and KIA models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Cadillac or KIA?
Are Cadillac and KIA getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Cadillac or KIA?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Cadillac or KIA?
Comparing Cadillac vs KIA? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.