Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 6 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

6 total · 6 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Fuel system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 20V101000 · Feb 2020

A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.

Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC188.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18V363000 · Jun 2018

If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Suspension recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V387000 · Jun 2016

A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models. 2008-2012 models will either have their front lower control arms replaced or additional anti-corrosion coating will be applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC133.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V389000 · Jun 2016

If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy
Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Suspension recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 13V550000 · Nov 2013

A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Exterior lighting recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 13V114000 · Apr 2013

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

65 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
30

Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

fluid leaks 14sudden stalling 3
A recent report: My fuel rail assembly in my 2011 kia sedona is cracked and leaking causing a gas smell. I'm confused why only some of the kias from 2011 got recalled when it seems like a lot more have this issue.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11748681 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
6

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

sudden stalling 2software faults 1electrical shorts 1
A recent report: PURCHASE A 2011 KIA VAN FROM AUTO CONNECTION NORFOLK VIRGINIA THE VAN STARED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT SHUT UP PROPERLY SOMETIMES IT WOULD TAKE 10 to 15 TO SHUT UP…
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PURCHASE A 2011 KIA VAN FROM AUTO CONNECTION NORFOLK VIRGINIA THE VAN STARED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SLIDING DOOR WOULD NOT SHUT UP PROPERLY SOMETIMES IT WOULD TAKE 10 to 15 TO SHUT UP STEERING WHEEL LOCKING UP WAS TOLD BY A LOCK SMITH THAT THE VAN HAD SOME MAJOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES START LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ADDING A QUART A DAY TOOK IT TO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOP WAS INFORMED THE VAN BRAKE LINES WAS IN BAD SHAPE ALSO THE VAN HAD A BUSTED CV JOINT ON FRONT DRIVERS SIDE THE VAN ALSO HAD A STRONG ODOR OF BLACK MOLD LIKE IT HAD BEEN IN A FLOOD ASK DEALERSHIP TO TRADE ME OUT WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT DO THAT ASK THEM FOR A LOANER THEY SAY THEY COULD NOT DO THAT EITHER THE VAN IS SITTING IN THERE REPAIR SHOP THEY ARE DEMANDING MONEY TO START WORKING ON THE VAN I BELIEVE THE VAN WAS NOT PROPERLY INSPECTED HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE BBB THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE ALSO THE FTC THE DEALERSHIP IS PUTTING VEHICLES ON THE LOT FOR SALE WITHOUT PROPER STATE INSPECTION PLACE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED THEY HAVE A GUY IN THE REPAIR SHOP THAT PUT THE INSPECTION STICKERS ON HIS NAME IS KEVIN PLACE IS RIPPING POOR WORKING CLASS FOLKS OFF WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11568497 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
5

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

loss of braking 2fluid leaks 1unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: First, the fuel pump was acting up was told the relay was going bad replaced the relay, Than we have "ESC" and ABS light come one for a bout a week took it to get the code read and they said all four…
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First, the fuel pump was acting up was told the relay was going bad replaced the relay, Than we have "ESC" and ABS light come one for a bout a week took it to get the code read and they said all four wheel sensors (abs) were not transmitting signals ans that my steering angle sensor was bad which I dont think it is equipped with one now today as of 1/6/2024 ESC, ABS and BRAKE all light up and solid at the same time and tI lost my brakes. no we had no inspections we had warning lights the ESC ABS & BRAKE with a warning alarm

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11563973 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
8

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 2corrosion 2
A recent report: I had no prior knowledge of this problem. When backing my van out of the garage my front driver side tire blew out. This was caused by the strut spring breaking and poking a hole through the sidewall…
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I had no prior knowledge of this problem. When backing my van out of the garage my front driver side tire blew out. This was caused by the strut spring breaking and poking a hole through the sidewall of the tire. I also discovered that the bottom control arm needed immediate replacement as it has rusted so much that a failure was imminent. I also discovered that the sun-frame mount for mounting the control arm to the sub-frame so badly rusted that it was unsafe to attempt a repair, as it would break away in short order if I were to replace the control arm and drive the van. While deciding what to do with the van I was storing it in my barn. Within a few weeks, I discovered the front passenger tire was flat. It too was impaled when the strut spring broke and poked a hole in the sidewall. I was really lucky that I was driving on a road, as serious crash could have occurred. If this failed while driving, loss of control would have occurred. I consider this a major safety issue and may be present in other Sedonas without the owners' knowledge. I contacted the dealer that I purchased the vehicle from and was told they could do nothing.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11536638 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
2

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying.

airbags not deploying 2
A recent report: In getting the ACU recall fixed, it was found that the Airbag Module is not responding. The ACU cannot be fixed unless the airbag module is fixed. It is my understanding that this is the part before…
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In getting the ACU recall fixed, it was found that the Airbag Module is not responding. The ACU cannot be fixed unless the airbag module is fixed. It is my understanding that this is the part before the ACU. This is at a cost of $959 and not covered under the current recall.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11743437 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Worth reading
12

Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 1 mention an injury.

electrical shorts 1
A recent report: The sliding doors do not latch/close all the way. The light on the dash does not show the doors are not closed. The doors have opened while driving with children in the back seat. The same for the…
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The sliding doors do not latch/close all the way. The light on the dash does not show the doors are not closed. The doors have opened while driving with children in the back seat. The same for the trunk.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11743442 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
2

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 2
A recent report: Recall appointment was set with Ken Ganley Kia auto iNew Port Richey , FL. It was set for two weeks out. They told us what the recall was before we got there. They didn’t order the part to fix it…
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Recall appointment was set with Ken Ganley Kia auto iNew Port Richey , FL. It was set for two weeks out. They told us what the recall was before we got there. They didn’t order the part to fix it. Now It’s been since March 23rd and we have never heard from them. I feel they’ve had ample opportunity to get the part required to fix it. Since this is a safety issue I am very aggravated . On top of that, my husband wasted an entire day and they gave us a $10,000 estimate on a car worth maybe $1000. It is my opinion they have done nothing required by law to fix this. Since it is regarding a safety concern I wanted to report this issue..

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11732212 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 65 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2010 and 2026, roughly 4 a year, which is fewer than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 65 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (32) and fewer than the 2012 (107). Of the 10 model years of the Kia Sedona we cover, the 2016 has the most (295). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.