2021 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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Common 2021 Kia Sedona problems
The Kia Sedona, a popular minivan model, has had its fair share of issues throughout the years. While the 2021 model has fewer overall complaints compared to some previous years, there are still some common problems that have been reported by owners.
- Electrical Concerns: Electrical problems are another common issue with the Kia Sedona, particularly in the 2016 model year. Owners have reported issues such as blinkers reacting with the wrong rear light, headlights abruptly going off, and turn signals not responding correctly. These electrical concerns can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, especially during nighttime driving.
- Power Sliding Door Motor Failure: The power sliding door motors in some 2015-2021 Sedonas are prone to premature failure, causing the sliding doors to only open and close manually . This can be inconvenient and may pose a safety risk, especially for families with young children.
- Climate Control Module Malfunction: The climate control module in the Sedona is prone to malfunctioning over time, requiring replacement . This can lead to issues with maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle and may affect the overall driving experience.
- Rear Tailgate Latch Actuator Motor Failure: Some Sedonas, particularly those from 2015 to 2021, have reported issues with the rear tailgate latch actuator motor, which can malfunction and experience premature failure . This can make it difficult to open and close the tailgate, affecting the vehicle's functionality and convenience.
These are some of the common problems reported by Kia Sedona owners, particularly for the 2016 and 2021 model years. While these issues can be concerning, it is important to note that not all vehicles of these model years will experience these problems. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
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.
Is the Kia Sedona reliable?
The severity of repairs is low, and these issues are less frequent than average, so the Sedona is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
How long do Kia Sedonas last?
With that said, a well-maintained Kia Sedona can typically last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Some owners have even reported reaching up to 273,000 miles without dealing with major problems, and there's confidence that it could reach 300,000 miles with proper care.
Is Kia Sedona fuel efficient?
The Sedona is rated by the EPA at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
2021 Kia Sedona car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sedona problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Kia Sedona vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Kia Sedona complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Kia Sedona.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-23
- VIN: KNDMB5C17M6
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The first of four tire failures (all the same DOT Number) of the OEM tires that were on the 2021 Kia Sedona when purchased in April, 2021. The first tire belt broke when on an approximate 1000 mile drive and was replaced on an emergency basis on January 24, 2024 with 16,760 miles on the vehicle. The second tire belt broke on the trip home and was replaced on an emergency basis on March 8, 2024 with 18,927. After arriving home, the tires were inspected, found to have defective belts and were replaced with a warranty adjustment by Discount Tire in Oswego with 19,191 miles. Kumho has still not honored the warranty by sending checks for the first two defective tires. (Can't find receipt from warranty replacement by Discount Tires but will continue looking. Have many photos of defective tire if desired.)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-06
- VIN: KNDMC5C15M6
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sedona equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen, Tire Size :235/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of tread separation to the driver’s and passenger’s side rear tires. The tires were replaced. The tires were the original tires. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNDMB5C14M6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicle is easily stolen, and is a safety risk for others. Kia's are getting stolen at an alarming rate and should be recalled! Not only are they getting stolen but they pose a major safety risk because the people stealing them are crashing them, running from police, etc. Damage to my own property as well as others (mine had mysterious damage but I have no idea who or what they hit). Something must be done!
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-22
- VIN: KNDMC5C18M6
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: DATE OF INCIDENT: 22 APR 2021, THURSDAY DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT: WHILE DRIVING ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 45 MPH ON A WELL-PAVED TWO-LANE ROAD WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES OR OBSTACLES PRESENT IN EITHER LANE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AUTOMATICALLY DECELERATED SHARPLY, CAUSING THE FRONT END TO PLUNGE. SIMULTANEOUSLY, SEVERAL ALERTS, BOTH IN WORDS AND SYMBOLS FLASHED ON THE DASH. THESE INCLUDED 'CHECK COLLISION ALERT' AND LIGHTS SHOWING A SKIDDING VEHICLE AND A SECOND SHOWING THE FRONT OF A VEHICLE IN A CRASH. ALTERNATING MY ATTENTION BETWEEN THE ALERTS/MESSAGES ON THE DASH AND DRIVING THE VEHICLE, I STEERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. ALL ALERTS AND SYMBOLS WERE EXTINGUISHED. AN INSPECTION OF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHOWED NOTHING COVERING OR OBSTRUCTING ANY PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. I ACCELERATED BACK ONTO THE ROAD AND RETURNED TO A SPEED OF 45 MPH WITHOUT USING CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL DRIVING WITH NO ALERTS OR WARNING SYMBOLS. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER 20 MILES, WITH TWO PERIODS OF PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS AGAIN ENGAGED AT 45 MPH ON AN OTHERWISE EMPTY ROAD. WHILE I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE FOLLOWING-DISTANCE CONTROL FEATURE, THE VEHICLE AGAIN BRAKED SUDDENLY WITH THE SAME SET OF ALERTS AND SYMBOLS AS DURING THE FIRST INCIDENT. AGAIN STEERING TO THE ROAD SHOULDER, THE ENGINE WAS STOPPED AND RESTARTED WITH ALL ALERTS/SYMBOLS EXTINGUISHED EXCEPT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.
Negative 2021 Kia Sedona car reviews
Positive 2021 Kia Sedona car reviews
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This van is a great value for your money. It offers many safety features and an unbeatable Kia warranty of 5 years and 60,000 miles, plus an additional 100,000 miles on the powertrain. As a senior, I highly recommend taking it for a test drive. You won't be disappointed. Consider buying or leasing it today!
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Firstly, I must say that while the gas mileage may not be the best, the Kia Sedona is an excellent choice for those in need of a spacious vehicle that can accommodate 7-8 people. In fact, most vehicles that can carry this many people tend to have similar gas mileage. However, if you drive normally, you can achieve the fuel efficiency that Kia promises, or even better. The ride quality is exceptional, and the vehicle is incredibly comfortable, especially when transporting 4 adults and 2 children. The engine performs effortlessly, and the transmission is far superior to that of my mother-in-law's Chrysler Pacifica. We opted for the EX model with the rear entertainment system, which the kids absolutely adore, and it allows my wife and I to have a conversation without any distractions. Overall, the Sedona is a well-built and sturdy vehicle, and we hope it will remain that way for many years to come.
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When our lease for the '14 Sienna was about to expire (which was a great car, by the way), I searched for a new and improved vehicle. We previously owned a '09 Odyssey followed by a '12 Odyssey. Although these cars were good, especially the 2009 model, the 2012 model was harder to use and much worse to drive. We considered the Pacifica, but we didn't like the driving experience. I didn't love the Sienna's interior quality, so I didn't want another one. Honda's redesign was not to my taste, so our options were either the Sedona or the Quest. After researching the Quest, my parents and I ruled it out. When I told my mom that our best choice was a Sedona, she asked what brand it was. I said it was a Kia, and she couldn't stop laughing for 5 minutes. But after discussing it and seeing it at the LA car show, she became very interested in it. We found one in Cerritos and recently purchased it for about $375 per month. We mostly use it for driving to the store, school, work, etc., so the mileage is pretty bad. However, it is really comfortable and everything works well. One downside is that the 'Tune' button is far from the driver, making it impossible to reach while driving. Another issue is the Lane Departure Warning & BSM. We want to keep it on because it can be extremely helpful, but it makes annoying beeps if we are within 2 inches of the yellow line. It also sometimes thinks it 'sees' things that it doesn't, which results in the LDW going off sometimes while pulling into our driveway. All in all, it's an awesome car!
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Congratulations on your 2017 Sedona LX Plus! It sounds like you've had quite a history with vans, and this one is surely the nicest. With 28650 trouble-free miles, it's clear that this van is reliable and well-built. While the ride can be a little stiff on rough roads, it's a pleasure to drive on the highway, with comfortable seats and a quiet ride. The controls are simple and handy, making it easy to operate. With 276 hp 3.3L six, it has plenty of power, and the gas mileage on the highway has improved up to 26 MPG with a light load. It's great that the middle row outer seats are not removable but slide up and stand against the front seats, making it easier on your back. It's wonderful to hear that you've had no mechanical issues with the Sedona in the four years you've had it, and it has come in handy helping your son with his house remodel. You can even fit a standard tub or a pre-hung exterior door for trips from Home Depot! Thank you for sharing your positive experience with the Sedona, and we hope it continues to serve you well. Stay safe and healthy!
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I bought my Kia Sedona in 2017 and it has been a fantastic minivan. It runs perfectly and the advanced electronic features make for a great ride. I always look forward to getting into it and driving away. I needed a minivan that could hold all my professional gear and the Sedona does the job well. Although it has a bit less cargo space than my previous Dodge Grand Caravan, I chose the Sedona for its safety features. Unfortunately, it doesn't have fold down seats in the 2nd row like the Grand Caravan did, but that's a minor issue. Overall, it's been a wonderful purchase and my opinion of it has not changed. I still love driving it and it has kept me safe. With only 22,000 miles on it over the past five years, it will last me for many more years to come!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Kia Sedona problems:
2021 Kia Sedona Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 Kia Sedona? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Kia Sedona Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Top Kia Sedona Problems · Starting difficulty due to defective anti-theft control module · Updated Timing Chain Tensioner to Correct Noise on Startup · Failure of ...
2016 Sedona reliability over time....? | Kia Forum
Mar 19, 2021 ... Now they have it rated as 'average' for reliability and they claim that the 2016 can have major engine/transmission problems. Feel free to let ...
Q&A: Kia Sedona Battery Size & Common Problems | 2015 Kia ...
Feb 11, 2019 ... 2015 kia sedona. Battery drains overnight. Been changed last month. Dealer said battery bad. Month later same problem.
Other years of Kia Sedona
Are you having problems with your 2021 Kia Sedona?
Jamir Stamm 2025-10-23
The radio has been malfunctioning since the day of purchase, with frequent cutouts. Additionally, the passenger side mirror and tail light remain on, and the HVAC system operates without reflecting on the instrument panel. Despite the installation of a new radio system, the issue persists, and it appears to be associated with the auxiliary input/connection. While some blind spots take getting used to, the vehicle's maneuverability is fantastic, and the engine is a beast. The car is also very comfortable for long-distance travel. However, it is disappointing that the passenger front seat lacks power adjustment despite having heated seats.
Conrad Baumbach 2025-10-18
I carefully examined both vehicles and ultimately decided to purchase the Sedona for several reasons. Not only did it have all the features I was looking for, but it was also priced 6 thousand dollars less than the other option. Although I had read some reviews that mentioned a stiff and bumpy ride, I regret not taking a longer test drive to experience it for myself. Unfortunately, the ride was indeed quite uncomfortable and even aggravated my back. As a result, I made the difficult decision to sell the vehicle just three months after purchasing it, which resulted in a significant financial loss.
Garrett Streich 2025-02-21
We chose the Kia Sedona over the Toyota Sienna because it had more features for a lower price. However, during the test drive, I noticed a serious flaw in the transmission. When accelerating from a stop, the gears shift back and forth causing the van to shake, almost like the engine is misfiring. As someone who worked as an auto technician for several years, I found this issue to be quite frustrating. Despite taking it back to the dealer, they were unable to find anything wrong with it. However, when I asked one of their technicians to ride with me, he immediately noticed the issue and informed me that it is the same problem that the Kia Sorrento has, and there is currently no fix for it. Although there aren't many complaints online about the Sedona having this issue, there are plenty of complaints about the Sorrento's transmission. I contacted Kia customer service to express my dissatisfaction and inquire about a solution. Unfortunately, they were unable to provide any information on whether or not they were working on a solution. While the van is great in every other aspect, the transmission issue is a significant problem that needs to be addressed.
Faustino Spinka 2024-09-24
I bought a brand new 2017 Kia Sedona in June of that year and was excited to put the first miles on it. Unfortunately, in March of 2020, I was informed that my tires were cupping at only 36k miles, despite my regular maintenance and tire rotations. I replaced the tires in July of 2020, including an alignment, but was disappointed to learn that my tires are cupping again. This is my third Kia, and I have never had any issues with the previous two Sorento models. I tend to agree with the technician that this may be a design flaw in this particular model. I am extremely upset that my tires are going bad again after only 8 months (technically 6 due to COVID).
Stephon Flatley 2024-09-08
We purchased a 2020 Sedona EX model in March of the same year and have driven it for 2800 miles so far. We have mostly driven it in town with one road trip across the state. As someone who is used to Toyotas and Hondas, I have a fairly high standard, but cost was an important factor for us. Fortunately, the Sedona EX model was about $6000 cheaper than comparable models from other brands, which was a great start. We even liked its appearance and design better, which was a bonus. Overall, it has been fine with no service issues yet, but it just does not have the same quality feel that Toyotas and Hondas tend to have. Our biggest issue is with the engine/transmission that surges and hesitates when cold. It feels like we are driving a 40-year-old carbureted van with the way it misses and the transmission has to keep downshifting to have any power. Driving it smoothly is almost impossible. The transmission, even when warm, never seems to be in the right gear and is constantly upshifting with most any press of the throttle. Having 9 gears seems silly when a properly calibrated 5-speed would be much smoother and simpler. However, gas mileage is okay, around 20 in town and 25 on the highway, and it is able to cruise effortlessly at 75MPH with little cabin noise. The steering is a bit vague with lots of roll and swaying, but it is a van after all. The seats are very comfortable, and the radio works well once you learn how to use it, although it is a little complicated. The brakes work well, although the almost thumping sound of the ABS when it engages is a bit disconcerting. Having the cold down seats in the back is great and gives lots of flexibility. The kids love to drive in it with the bucket seats in the 2nd row. It would have been nice to include USB or even a cigarette lighter outlet for the 2nd or 3rd rows, but oh well. In conclusion, it is a very serviceable van that does its job, just with a few rough edges. Perhaps the new model will be better with the larger engine.