Kia Sedona problems
The Kia Carnival (Korean: 기아 카니발) is a minivan manufactured by Kia since 1998. It was marketed globally under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Sedona.
The first generation Carnival was introduced in January 1998, and was marketed in a single, short wheelbase version. Second generation models were marketed (2006–2014) in short and long wheelbase variants. A rebadged variant of the second generation was offered in North America as the Hyundai Entourage (2007–2009). Beginning in 2010, the second generation model received updated equipment, including Kia's corporate Tiger Nose grille, as introduced by its then new design chief, Peter Schreyer. Kia introduced its third generation minivan in 2014, solely in a long wheelbase format. The fourth generation was introduced in 2020, when Kia also began using the Carnival nameplate worldwide.
First generation (KV-II; 1998)
The first generation model was manufactured and marketed differently for specific regions, including under a joint venture in the Chinese market with Dongfeng Yueda Kia, as well as the Naza Ria in Malaysia.
In Indonesia and the Philippines, both Carnival/Sedona names were used. Initially introduced as the Carnival in 2001, from 2003 onwards, it was renamed as the Sedona.
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Kia Sedona model years
Common Kia Sedona problems
The Kia Sedona is a popular minivan that has been on the market for over two decades. While most Sedonas are known for their reliability and ability to last up to 250,000 miles with general maintenance, there are certain model years and common problems that owners should be aware of.
One of the most problematic model years for the Sedona is 2016, which is the only model year from the third generation to make the list of years to avoid. The 2016 Sedona has been plagued with electrical concerns, including blinkers that react with the wrong rear light and headlights that abruptly go off, significantly increasing the likelihood of a nighttime collision. Additionally, the 2016 Sedona has been known for expensive repair costs, making it not worth the money.
Another problematic model year for the Sedona is 2002, which was subjected to a slew of safety recalls immediately after its launch. The 2002 Sedona has been known for awkward handling, an underpowered engine, and faulty seat belts that were unable to offer effective restraint in the event of a collision. The most recent recall was issued in 2005 to repair wires that touched the metal beneath the front seats, causing occasional flames.
The 2012 Sedona was infamous for a low roof strength rating and safety concerns if the vehicle was to overturn. Additionally, the construction and safety rating for the vehicle cage only received a "satisfactory" grade. The 2012 model year has also been known for electrical wiring issues from soy-based material, which attracted animals to the undercarriage causing damage to the electrical system.
Common problems with the Sedona include trouble starting the engine, noisy AC, engine misfire, non-functioning gears, malfunctioning turn signals, noisy braking, leaking power steering pipes, air conditioning problems, poor engine idling, and fuel pump failure. These problems can be caused by a faulty switch in the selector lever, uneven brake callipers, leaking power steering pipes, a faulty condenser, a faulty throttle position sensor, and a defective vehicle immobiliser control module.
To fix these problems, owners can replace the switch, selector lever, brake system, power steering pipes, condenser, throttle position sensor, and vehicle immobiliser control module. These parts can be found on BreakerYard.com, where there are also tutorial videos available online to help with the installation process.
In conclusion, while the Kia Sedona is known for its reliability, there are certain model years and common problems that owners should be aware of. By being informed and taking the necessary steps to address these issues, Sedona owners can ensure that their minivans are safe, reliable, and running smoothly.
Do Kia Sedona have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely and always change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Kia Sedona transmission will quickly slip.
Are Kia Sedona's reliable?
The Kia Sedona has a decent reliability rating. According to withclutch.com, the Sedona has a score of 59.2. This number makes it a vehicle with decent reliability and one of the better selections from the Kia brand. It's also ideal to have a secondary perspective on the reliability of the product.
What is the life expectancy of a Sedona?
What is Kia Sedona lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Kia Sedona is 226,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Are Kia Sedonas expensive to repair?
A KIA Sedona will cost about $8,160 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular minivan models by $1,171.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Sedona years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Sedona cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Kia Sedona model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Sedona model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Sedona years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Sedona car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Sedona , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Sedona vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sedona model years
A total of 122 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sedona model years
There were a total of 135 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sedona model years
There were a total of 167 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Sedona model years
There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 2324 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Sedona . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Sedona vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia Sedona 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: KNDMB5C14G6
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: I continued to loose engine oil at a rapid speed. Oil loss was excessive for the amount of driving.
Kia Sedona 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: KNDME5C17F6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Complete engine failure, knocking like crazy, fuel smell in the oil, The shop said the fuel in the oil broke it down and allowed the motor to fail. We were driving down the highway when it happened with family and kids which was not safe at all. No warning message at all, no check engine light, the shop has inspected and said it’s failed. The kia dealership has said many of the Kia’s have been recalled for engine failure but not ours? But others with the same motor have been.
Kia Sedona 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: KNDMB5C11G6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Air conditioning became less cool over the summer. Early October 2024, slight rattling noise heard in engine on acceleration. Approximately a week later, the battery died and was replaced. In the following days, rattling noise became louder and also heard a tapping sound. No warning lights, check engine light, etc. Taken to a local mechanic who inspected and informed us the timing chain is nearly completely worn and it has rubbed a hole in the side of the engine. A complete engine replacement is needed!
Kia Sedona 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: KNDMB5C19H6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My engine seized. When I took it to my mechanic they stated it was due to low compression and that Kia engines were known for this issue. He suggested I take it to a Kia dealer to have them replace the engine. I took it and I was denied the replacement. I did some research and found that this issue was in fact very popular among Kia owners. Some expressing their engines actually ignited. I also found there was a class-action lawsuit against Kia for this exact issue. I noticed all Kia models were included in the suit except for the Sedona. During my research I found a mass of Sedona owners who had the same compression issues. It baffles me why my car wasn't included when it has the exact isdues as the other models made by the same manufacturer. I would like to file a complaint in hopes that other Sedona owners have done the same, and we can bring light to this issue, and possibly a solution.
Kia Sedona 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: KNDME5C16G6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine is completely shot. I make all oil changes on time and the engine failed. It was burning oil. Only 111k miles.
Kia Sedona 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: KNDMB5C10K6
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: On [XXX] at [XXX] the following incident happen with my 2019 KIA Sedona. The ABS and Traction Control Warning lights came ON when I applied the brakes when approaching a 4 way stop sign intersection, I heard a loud grinding sound from the back of the Sedona. The Sedona took longer to come to a stop, a full vehicle length past the stop bar. I was put at risk by the Sedona being in the intersection, instead of stopping at the stop bar. After clearing the intersection, I pulled over the Sedona, turned it off and then restarted it. Both the ABS and Traction Control Lights came back ON. I called the Jackson Kia Dealer in Cocoa Florida and got an answering machine for the service department. I left a message letting them know about the alarm lights and that I had already has at least 2 ABS modules replaced. I asked for an appointment as soon as possible to fix the problem. I had been told previously by KIA that it was safe to drive, but that I would have manual brakes in the rear and to apply breaks earlier, plus get the Sedona in for repair at the next opportunity for an appointment. As of yet the dealership has not seen the Sedona to diagnose the exact problem and cause. This is when these systems first appeared, and I had no other indications of a problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Sedona 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: KNDMB5C13H6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine had sudden unexplained loss of oil followed shortly after by Engine failure due to broken rod
Kia Sedona 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: KNDME5C19F6
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: When driving on freeways and using my cruise control….. If I need to use my brakes to disengage cruise control when traffic slows and then use the “resume” feature on the C.C. my vehicle continues to accelerate until I shut the cruise off and reset it. If I am resuming to say 65 MPH I can reach 85 MPH in a couple seconds. This happens more than 50 % of the times I use my C.C. As I continue to age and my reflexes slow, this issue becomes a safety issue for me.
Kia Sedona 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: KNDMA5C10H6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: my engine blew while driving on the highway April 2023. my connecting rod snapped. no check engine light or oil warning light ever came on prior to this happening. I had maintained oil changes every 2000 miles since purchase. oil levels were within normal range when this incident occurred. the car showed no symptoms of this happening prior to it happening. Kia has engine recalls but my vehicle was not listed in this recall.
Kia Sedona 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: KNDMB5C17F6
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I got an oil leak and it was covered but it caused a coolant leak and the dealership wants to charge me for this when it should be covered . Also I went a couple of times for my door coming open while I am driving and they didn’t fix it .
Kia Sedona 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-05
- VIN: KNDMB5C14G6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Car seemed to be running as normal except for a slight rattle sometimes when starting. No warning lights, overheating etc. After listening to radio while parked, Car acted as if battery was dead. AAA couldn't get it started. Had it towed to dealership and was told it was a catastrophic engine failure.
Kia Sedona 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-04
- VIN: KNDMC5C11G6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Car would not accelerate while driving, while this did not cause an accident in this incident there was definitely the potential for that outcome. Upon inspecting the vehicle, found the vehicle was low on oil by 4 quarts, and no warning lights were on indicating there was a problem with the vehicle. Monitored the vehicle over the next several days to determine if there were any visible oil leaks and there was not. Further inspection by the dealership confirmed there was no visible oil leak and was followed by an oil consumption test by the dealership. Dealership determine that 2 quarts of oil were consumed by the engine over the course of 1,000 mile which is indicates a failure of the test and problems within the engine.
Kia Sedona 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
- VIN: KNDMC5C13J6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I took the vehicle to get serviced to check the engine light coming on. The Kia dealership stated that the CVVT Assembly and Oil Control Valve had to be replaced. The entire engine would have to be replaced if there was engine damage. The check engine would turn off for a couple of days and then turn back on. When the light would turn off, there was a lack of power, causing a lag in the throttle control.
Kia Sedona 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: KNDMB5C14G6
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine Seized
Kia Sedona 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: KNDMB233286
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the control arm was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Latest 5 recalls Kia Sedona
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 68 recalls for different components of the Kia Sedona.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Sedona 2016
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-10
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. 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.
- Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC246.
- Model: Kia Sedona 2019
- Report Received Date: 2022-01-25
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. 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.
- Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
- Model: Kia Sedona 2017
- Report Received Date: 2022-01-25
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. 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.
- Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
- Model: Kia Sedona 2018
- Report Received Date: 2022-01-25
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. 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.
- Consequence: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
- Model: Kia Sedona 2017
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-17
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. 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 intended.
- Consequence: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.
Latest negative Kia Sedona car reviews
Latest positive Kia Sedona car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2007
My wife and I looked at almost every van on the market and found that the Kia was the best performing, best handling, and best riding van for the money. Although the Sienna had a few options that we liked, we ultimately decided that it was not worth the extra money. We have also been averaging 18 MPG with the constant stop and go, even with the A/C system running. I am really impressed with the torque that the Kia has. Overall, we are very happy with our purchase. I never thought I would go with a Korean made vehicle, but they really did it right with this one.
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Vehicle year: 2011
I previously owned a 2004 Chrysler T&C that required frequent maintenance from the day I bought it. So, I decided to trade it in for a Kia Sedona. I purchased a 2010 Sedona EX with Luxury and entertainment packages. I have owned my Sedona for a month now and I must say, it is a really nice vehicle, especially compared to my T&C. It's very comfortable, the ride is extremely smooth, and the amenities are terrific. I would definitely purchase this vehicle given a second opportunity.
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Vehicle year: 2020
The interior is both sharp and comfortable, while the exterior is more reminiscent of a crossover than a van. When you step on the gas, it really goes! My only disappointment is that Kia has been slow to introduce a vehicle with remote start, which is something that the competition offers at similar trim levels. The trunk space is fantastic, but I do wish it had a stow and go seating option. I really appreciate the option for an 8th passenger.
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Vehicle year: 2006
The Sedona has been with us for 2 years now and has proven to be an incredibly reliable and comfortable minivan. With its seats folded, it can carry an impressive amount of cargo, as I experienced firsthand during my recent move. Despite some minor drawbacks such as fuel mileage and cheap plastic interior parts, the Sedona comes with an extensive list of standard equipment, particularly in terms of safety features. It is worth noting that the steep depreciation of this minivan is not something Kia can directly control. Overall, I am confident in recommending the Sedona as a reliable and practical choice for anyone in need of a spacious and comfortable minivan.
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Vehicle year: 2017
This vehicle has been problem-free. I bought it because of the 100,000mi warranty, but it looks like I won't be needing it.
Are you having problems with your Kia Sedona?
Judson Waters 2024-11-23
Vehicle year: 2020
We've had our 2017 Sedona for almost a year now and have put about 12,000 miles on it. This is our third Sedona, and we've had other vehicles in between. We liked the first two, but they were both the older body style and I never was completely crazy about it. However, when this new style came out, we were excited to give it a try. We really like the body style, but it's hard to compare it to our previous vehicle after driving it for three years. There were a few reasons we went back to Kia after leasing a Toyota Sienna, and I'll discuss those shortly. One of the main reasons we went with the Sedona was the value. We were able to get out the door for less than $37000, including all taxes, fees, and negative equity due to purchasing a year-end model. Compared to other van models, the price was several thousand lower. However, the gas mileage is a bit disappointing. No matter how easy I drive it, I can't get more than 16 around town and 20 on the highway. If I had it to do over, I would consider the long-term cost of gas before making a purchase. In terms of performance, it's not the best. It's a bit sluggish upon acceleration, and the computer system can be glitchy at times. However, we understand that no car is perfect, and we're willing to deal with these minor issues. Overall, we're happy with our Sedona and would recommend it to others.Although we haven't been stranded yet, I have noticed that the exhaust emits a strong smell of gas and is always thick, even on hot days. I plan to mention this at my oil change tomorrow. On the bright side, the Sedona has a stylish interior and exterior. However, compared to our previous vehicle, the Toyota Sienna, the Sedona has less leg room in the back and significantly less cargo room behind the third row. One of the reasons we chose the Sedona this time around was because the second row seats fold straight up to the front row, providing more cargo room for larger items. In contrast, with the Sienna, the second row seats had to be completely removed, which was no easy task. In terms of quality, it's just typical, as cars are being made with cheaper materials overall, regardless of whether it's a Kia or a Toyota. As for comfort, it seems to be pretty comfortable for everyday commuting, but we have yet to test it on a longer road trip. The only downside is the shortage of packing room, which means we'll have to buy cross bars for the roof rails to carry everything we need. While we wouldn't buy this van again, it's important to note that the Sienna outshines the Sedona by miles, even with the second row inconvenience.
Enrique Goyette 2024-11-19
Vehicle year: 2020
Decent drive. Mostly average or slightly above average power. However, I would like to share my personal experience with this car. Unfortunately, my car was stolen from my driveway even though the doors were locked. The thieves bashed in the side windows, ripped off the steering column cover and used a USB to drive away. Therefore, I would recommend being cautious and taking extra security measures if you decide to purchase this car.
Chaz Abbott 2024-11-18
Vehicle year: 2019
1. I've noticed that the rear wheels tend to slip a bit when starting off on wet or damp roads. 2. I've found that the gas mileage is not quite as good as advertised or as calculated by the instrument panel. Even when using the ECO setting, I've experienced a reduction in mileage of 8% to 14% compared to the computer's figure, and it's considerably less than the EPA estimates. 3. I've noticed that there are at least five blind spots, and unfortunately, the cameras don't eliminate any of them. Finally, I've found that the climate control system can be a bit tricky to use and requires resetting because it changes.
Halle Gleason 2024-11-17
Vehicle year: 2015
The car has a faulty engine that broke down before it reached 10000 miles. I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle, especially if you plan to use it outside of a small town.
Terrence VonRueden 2024-11-16
Vehicle year: 2015
I had some trouble with my local dealer, but unfortunately I didn't do enough research before choosing them. They suggested that I needed a new engine due to a lack of spark plug maintenance, but I was surprised to learn that head gaskets can actually blow before spark plugs need replacing. I've been trying to get in touch with someone to help me out, but unfortunately I haven't received a response yet. It's frustrating to have to pay for a new engine when I'm still making payments on the car, but I'm hopeful that I can find a solution soon. I'm considering looking into other car brands with more reliable engines, but I'm still open to finding a solution with KIA. I appreciate any help that can be provided. Thank you.