Recall 22V022 affects 451 2020 Kia Cadenza vehicles for rear power windows that operate unexpectedly. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 451 2020 Cadenza vehicles because the rear power windows can still operate from the driver's main switch after the ignition is off and a front door is open. Unexpected window movement can increase the risk of injury, and Kia dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The driver door module software in the 2020 Kia Cadenza is the control logic behind the driver's main power-window switch. That switch lets the driver raise or lower the rear windows, while the software is supposed to decide when those rear window controls stay active and when they shut off.
On affected Cadenza vehicles, that restriction logic is missing. After the ignition is turned off and a front door is opened, the driver's main switch still operates the rear power windows. Kia's repair installs software that stops rear window operation from the driver's switch in that shutdown state.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is not a noise, leak, warning light, or part wear that an owner would notice during normal driving.
Who's affected?
The electrical system software and power-window controls both point to the same instrument panel junction box assembly, Kia part 91950-F6230.
| 2020 Kia Cadenza | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Cadenza | visibility component |
| Units affected | 451 |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected rear power window movement increases the risk of injury to anyone near the window. There is no warning sign before it happens. Keep hands and belongings clear of the rear windows and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Kia Cadenza is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free Driver Door Module software update that fixes rear power windows that can operate after the ignition is off and a front door is open.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 22V022 and Kia recall SC225 when you call.
- Keep children and passengers clear of the rear power window switches until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician updates the Driver Door Module software so the rear power windows follow the required shutdown behavior after the ignition is off and a front door is opened. The software update and labor are free under recall 22V022. Owner letters were mailed March 8, 2022, so the remedy is open. If you already paid for a related Driver Door Module or rear power window repair, Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers repair expenses already incurred. Contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or ask the dealer service desk how to submit documentation for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 21, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 2, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| March 2, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 8, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 8, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V022?
Recall 22V022 covers 451 2020 Kia Cadenza vehicles with rear power windows that can still be operated from the driver's main switch after the ignition is off and a front door is open. The issue fails Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118. Kia dealers update the Driver Door Module software for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Kia Cadenza is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 2020 Kia Cadenza is included in recall 22V022. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the Driver Door Module software update. Reference recall 22V022 or Kia recall number SC225 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will update the Driver Door Module software free of charge. Use a franchised Kia dealer, even if you bought the vehicle somewhere else.
What is the safety risk from this Kia Cadenza power window recall?
The rear power windows can operate unexpectedly, which increases the risk of injury. The recall is about window operation after the ignition is off and a front door is open. If your VIN is included, have Kia update the Driver Door Module software.
When were owners notified about recall 22V022?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on March 8, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Kia dealer. Kia customer service is also listed at 1-800-333-4542 for this recall.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V022000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V022 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V022000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →