Kia Sedona reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 929 complaints about the Kia Sedona with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and electrical system. Kia has filed 16 warranty extensions and 22 service campaigns for it, and there are 14 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Kia Sedona? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Sedona a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 929
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 16
- Filed by Kia
- Service campaigns
- 22
- Filed by Kia
- Safety recalls
- 14
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Sedona with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 | Cruise control and speed control (22%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | 20 | Engine (25%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | 38 | Engine (29%) | 2 | 2 |
| 2018 | 48 | Engine (44%) | 3 | 4 |
| 2017 | 134 | Engine (45%) | 4 | 5 |
| 2016 | 297 | Engine (50%) | 4 | 11 |
| 2015 | 139 | Engine (36%) | 3 | 21 |
| 2014 | 39 | Electrical system (31%) | 1 | 8 |
| 2013 | 0 | — | 1 | 8 |
| 2012 | 108 | Electrical system (31%) | 5 | 14 |
| 2011 | 65 | Electrical system (18%) | 6 | 13 |
| 2010 | 32 | Brakes (22%) | 5 | 6 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Sedona model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Kia
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Kia filed with NHTSA for the Sedona, in its own words. A warranty extension means Kia pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionJun 2024· Engine· model years 2015–2016
OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY039) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for certain repairs related to the vehicle’s engine in 2014-2015 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L V6 Engines from…
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2019–2021
OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY034) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for the high-pressure fuel pump in 2019-2021 MY Sedona vehicles from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles,…
- Warranty extensionAug 2022· Airbags· model years 2017–2018
SIDE AIRBAG (SAB) WARNING LIGHT ON WITH DTC(S) B1378/B1382 - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY025) to diagnose and repair certain airbag warning light 'ON' conditions for 2017-2018MY Sedona (YP) vehicles produced from March…
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2015–2018
WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in 2015-2018 MY Sedona vehicles equipped with 3.3L GDI Engine…
- Warranty extensionMar 2022· Seat belts· model years 2015–2018
3RD ROW CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WEBBING GUIDE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the 3rd row center seat belt retractor webbing guide associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY024) on 2015-2018MY Sedona (YP) vehicles…
- Warranty extensionJan 2022· Airbags· model years 2017–2018
WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension (WTY025) program launch.
- Warranty extensionJul 2021· Electrical system· model years 2015–2016
WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch.
- Warranty extensionJul 2021· Steering· model years 2015–2016
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of multi-function switch Assembly associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY022) on 2015-2016MY Sedona (YP) vehicles produced from July 21, 2014 through March 17, 2016.
- Warranty extensionMar 2021· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2011–2014
POWER SLIDING DOOR (PSD) OPERATION INSPECTION AND REPAIR - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of certain Power Sliding Door (PSD) system parts associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY018) on some 2011-2014MY Sedona (VQ) vehicles produced from…
- Warranty extensionMar 2021· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2015–2017
POWER SLIDING DOOR (PSD) OPERATION INSPECTION AND REPAIR - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of certain Power Sliding Door (PSD) system parts associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY019) on some 2015-2017MY Sedona (YP) vehicles produced from…
- Warranty extensionOct 2016· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2014
TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November…
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Engine· model years 2010–2014
Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program regarding the evaporative canister in your vehicle.
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2015
Tsb: Voluntary emissions service campaign: Evaporative canister inspection and/or replacement (SC135) - this bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some optima (tf) vehicles, produced from september 2, 2010 Through november…
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2014
Dealer principal memo (SC135) - attention: All dealer principals, kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2014
Dealer parts & service manager memo (SC135) - attention: All dealer parts and service managers, kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2014
Q and a (SC135/WTY009) - evaporative canister voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program
- Service campaignOct 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2019
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC169_Rev1): ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and, if necessary, replace the oil filler cap on some vehicle…
- Service campaignFeb 2016· Steering· model years 2015–2016
Is conducting a voluntary service campaign to install a bracket in certain 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles to maintain an appropriate clearance between the power steering hose and the exhaust manifold.
- Service campaignFeb 2016· Steering· model years 2015–2016
Power steering hose bracket installation (SC127) - this bulletin provides the procedure for installation of a bracket to hold the power steering hose in 2015 And 2016MY Sedona (yp) l, lx and ex vehicles, produced from june 17, 2014 Through december 7, 2015.
- Service campaignFeb 2016· Engine· model years 2015–2016
Dealer principal memo (SC127) - kia motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign to install a bracket in certain 2015 And 2016 MY Sedona l, lx, and ex vehicles, manufactured from june 17, 2014 Through december 7, 2015.
- Service campaignFeb 2016· Steering· model years 2015–2016
Dealer parts and service manager memo (SC127) - kia motors america, inc.
- Service campaignFeb 2016· Steering· model years 2015–2016
Questions and answers (SC127) - 2015-2016 MY Kia sedona l, lx, and ex vehicles power steering hose voluntary service campaign q & a
- Service campaignMay 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2015
Dear kia sedona owner: - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary service campaign to replace the drum gear in the power sliding door release actuators to improve the functionality of the power sliding doors in certain 2015 Model year sedona vehicles.
- Service campaignMay 2015· Body and structure· model years 2015
Tsb: Voluntary service campaign - power sliding door release actuators (SC120) - this bulletin provides the procedure to replace the drum gear in the power sliding door release actuators to improve the functionality of the power sliding doors in 2015MY Sedona ex, sx, sxl, and…
- Service campaignMay 2015· Body and structure· model years 2015
Attention: All dealer principals - kia motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, to replace the drum gear in the power sliding door release actuators to improve functionality of the power sliding doors in 2015 MY Sedona ex, sx, sxl, and certain lx…
- Service campaignMay 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2015
Attention: All kia parts & service managers - kia motors america, inc.
- Service campaignMay 2015· Body and structure· model years 2015
Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign SC120 - 2015 MY Sedona ex, sx, sxl, and certain lx model vehicles power sliding door release actuators voluntary service campaign
- Service campaignFeb 2015· Engine· model years 2012–2014
Dealer principal memo: Attention: All dealer principals - kia motors america, inc.
- Service campaignDec 2014· Electrical system· model years 2015
Tsb: Voluntary service campaign: BCM logic reprogramming (SC109) - this bulletin provides information related to the reprogramming of the body control module (BCM) of some 2015 MY Sedona (yp) vehicles (ex, sx and sxl only), produced from july 21, 2014 Through november 20, 2014…
- Service campaignDec 2014· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2015
Is conducting a voluntary service campaign to reprogram the body control module logic in the 2015 Model year kia sedona vehicles with the ex, sx and sxl (limited) trim packages.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Sedona model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine333 (36%)
- Electrical system190 (20%)
- Other or unspecified116 (12%)
- Body and structure112 (12%)
- Exterior lights73 (8%)
- Airbags62 (7%)
- Transmission and drivetrain34 (4%)
- Brakes33 (4%)
Safety recalls
14 recalls cover at least one Sedona model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver…
The battery positive (B+) terminal nut on the alternator may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly causing it to loosen over time.
The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak.
Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
The seat belt buckle for the second-row middle seat may have been improperly installed on the wrong side of the seat, preventing the proper use of the 3-point seat belt.
Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.
In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to salty environments.
Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP24002Defect petition· opened Feb 2024, closed Mar 2024· Engine· model years 2016
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
- EA19001Engineering analysis· opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024· Airbags· model years 2014
Electrical overstress
Led to recall 20V024.
- PE18003Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2018, closed Aug 2019· Airbags· model years 2011–2012
Air bags may be disabled during crash
Led to recall 18E043000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2021 Kia Sedona has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A Kia service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a Kia's service historyCommon questions
Is the Kia Sedona reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 929 owner complaints, 16 warranty extensions and 22 service campaigns Kia filed, and 14 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2016 (297), 2015 (139), 2017 (134). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Kia Sedona?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (36%), electrical system (20%), other or unspecified (12%). Kia has filed 16 warranty extensions covering the Sedona, listed on this page.
Which Sedona model years have the most complaints?
2016 (297), 2015 (139), 2017 (134). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Sedona with each other rather than with other models.
Has Kia extended the warranty on the Sedona?
Yes: engine (model years 2015–2016); fuel and propulsion (model years 2019–2021); airbags (model years 2017–2018), and 13 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Sedona?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 14 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.