Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2019 KIA Sedona with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the KIA Sedona. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
61% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
633.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
422.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
422.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
211.1%
150,000+ miles
15.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2019peak 4Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2019 KIA Sedona
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
22V031000
AIR BAGS
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.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
19V207000
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sedona vehicles equipped with an 8-passenger seat arrangement. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A seat belt that cannot be properly used increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024549647,384 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Kia has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202202358,054 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, a defect in the airbag control unit could cause the airbag warning light to turn on. If this happens, the airbag system may not work properly, and the airbags may not inflate in a crash. Safety Risk: An airbag system that does not work properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the airbag control unit software. If the airbag warning light is on because of diagnostic trouble code B1620, the dealer will replace the airbag control unit.
Recall 20216809,612 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: Certain vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer wiring harness that could fail. Over time, water could leak into the control module and cause a short circuit. If this happens, there could be loss of the trailer lights. Note: This recall affects trailer wiring harness kits that may have been ordered at the time of a vehicle purchase, or purchased separately from a dealer as an aftermarket accessory. Safety Risk: A loss of trailer lights could make the trailer less visible. In addition, other drivers may not recognize that the vehicle ahead is braking or intends to turn. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the trailer wiring harness. If the harness is from the lot (batch) affected by this problem, the dealer will replace it. Kia recommends that you should always check to ensure that trailer lights work properly before towing.
Recall 20182909,578 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the power sliding door control module may not be calibrated correctly. As a result, a closing door may not stop and reverse direction if blocked by an object, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the power sliding door control module software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 75,000 milesManassas, VACrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle was suddenly rear-ended when the other vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the vehicle was pushed into the vehicle in front. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. After the impact, the contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The paramedics evaluated everyone at the scene of the accident. The contact and his family were not injured. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. A lawyer was contacted, and the lawyer would inform the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesSaint Louis, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Side impact airbag didn't deploy causing head injury to driver. Van was hit at high speed by impaired driver who ran a red light. Van has hit from the driver's side in the engine compartment just in front of the driver. The engine was basically laying in the street after the impact.
NHTSA complaint #11592169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHamilton, OH2 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving, he became aware of a strong and unpleasant fuel odor that made him and his granddaughter sick. The contact stated that the check engine warning light flashed on and off several times. The vehicle was taken on several occasions to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak and several parts related to the fuel leak failure were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the failure had been for a year and the dealer had not been able to repair the vehicle properly. The vehicle was also inspected by an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure and stated that the exhaust was very hot which could cause a fire. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11590999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley, AL1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was shutting the door and my hand was still in the door way. Sensor failed and closed my hand into the door and latched. I had to press the open door button to get it to release my finer. I had to go to ER and orthopedic doctor, resulting in a break in two parts of my finger. If it would have been one of my small children instead of me, it would have been much worse. The only issue we have had was a failed motor in the door but it was fixed and inspected months ago by the Kia dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11522286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLondon Mills, ILFire1 injured
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 70 mph up a hill, he heard an abnormal noise, and then the vehicle was seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the size of the vehicle and when exiting the vehicle felt heat exiting under the vehicle. The contact stated he saw fire located on the engine. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher he had available. The fire department filed a fire report. The contact stated an ambulance was able to attempt him and transport him to the hospital for smoke and fire extinguisher chemical in his lungs. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location by the insurance company and deemed the vehicle was a total loss. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11452719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 146,000 milesWaverly Hall, GA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine head bolts had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition coil had failed. The ignition coil and spark plug seals were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHamilton, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the heat and A/C control knobs had melted twice, and the contact had purchased and personally replaced the entire control panel. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the low-pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors were replaced on separate occasions. However, the failure recurred while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, after the repair, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds. Additionally, the contact stated that the abnormally strong fuel odor had worsened. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved, and the contact was advised to pick up the vehicle. The contact expressed safety concerns that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11745095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHamilton, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the heat and A/C control knobs had melted twice, and the contact had purchased and personally replaced the entire control panel. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the low-pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors were replaced on separate occasions. However, the failure recurred while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, after the repair, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds. Additionally, the contact stated that the abnormally strong fuel odor had worsened. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved, and the contact was advised to pick up the vehicle. The contact expressed safety concerns that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11745095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterfield, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Both sliding doors will not open using door buttons. Both doors stopped latching on their own before this occurred. Needed to push doors manually for the door to latch.
NHTSA complaint #11734427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Crescent, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Driver's side power sliding door stopped latching and alarms, but doesn't hinder the vehicle from moving. This is an obvious safety risk, especially when our kids sit in the back next to that door. Evidence indicates that this was a known issue for the previous years of this vehicle, but the recall didn't include 2019 models, even though the issue looks to be the same.
NHTSA complaint #11732039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesManassas, VACrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle was suddenly rear-ended when the other vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the vehicle was pushed into the vehicle in front. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. After the impact, the contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The paramedics evaluated everyone at the scene of the accident. The contact and his family were not injured. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. A lawyer was contacted, and the lawyer would inform the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
Sliding doors have an issue where the car alarms like the doors aren’t shut. Took it in and paid a diagnostic for them to tell me a sensor was bad, it still beeps. Seems to beep more when turning away from that door (driver sliding door beeps more when turning right or when stopping, passenger beeps more when turning left or stopping). This was a problem with previous generation to where the warranty was extended and seems a decent amount of complaints for this model are related to the same.
NHTSA complaint #11709206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Bernardino, CA
ENGINE
My 2019 kia sedona showed the exact same symptoms for the oil pressure switch recall red oil light on the dash and a leaking oil pressure switch.2010 to 2018 sedona why was the 2019 model not added to the list
NHTSA complaint #11706319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, IL
ENGINE
Oil consumption high and engine needs to be replaced after 75k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11693240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor, CO
ENGINE
Engine failed.hole in bottom engine housing approx. 2x2”
NHTSA complaint #11680929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
When using the power sliding doors, specifically the driver's side, it will not close and latch 100% of the time. It usually beeps and indicates it has not closed and has to be manually closed but on two occasions has opened on it's own. Fortunately it's been while parked, which poses a whole different issue, but I've read that others are having this happen while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11672196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coon Rapids, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Sliding mini van doors fail to latch when closing. This is a well known and documented problem. The NHTSA has issued remedies for the previous year but not this one.
NHTSA complaint #11655275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarkston, GA
ENGINE
The engine seems to be burning oil. After my last oil change, I had to replace three quarts of oil after driving 2,500 miles. Once previously, the engine oil got dangerously low (no oil showing on dipstick) even without the vehicle giving any indication of low oil. This could lead to engine failure while operating the vehicle, which could have disastrous consequences.
NHTSA complaint #11634804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barrington, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
Right power sliding door stopped closing all the way and would constantly beep. Now, power sliding door opens too far which has broken the motors causing the beeping to resume. This is an safety issue as anything hanging out the window would be crushed (such as a child's head or extremity). We have done a fuse reset as suggested by Kia, then also replaced the motor and the actuator, and it still opens too far which broke the motor again. We again brought it to Kia and they do not know what to do. Now, the left hand door is starting to have the same problem. Yesterday, the door stopped mid-way. When replacing the door actuator system, we learned that the left side door actuator was in the right side door. It was not made correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11630722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Merritt Island, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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)
NHTSA complaint #11619808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesSaint Louis, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Side impact airbag didn't deploy causing head injury to driver. Van was hit at high speed by impaired driver who ran a red light. Van has hit from the driver's side in the engine compartment just in front of the driver. The engine was basically laying in the street after the impact.
NHTSA complaint #11592169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHamilton, OH2 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving, he became aware of a strong and unpleasant fuel odor that made him and his granddaughter sick. The contact stated that the check engine warning light flashed on and off several times. The vehicle was taken on several occasions to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak and several parts related to the fuel leak failure were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the failure had been for a year and the dealer had not been able to repair the vehicle properly. The vehicle was also inspected by an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure and stated that the exhaust was very hot which could cause a fire. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11590999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cary, NC
ENGINE
My car made a rattling noise when hitting the accelerator. The mechanic said that I only had one quart of oil left in my engine. No sign of leaks and no error codes. The engine light never came on. The oil has been changed regularly. The mechanic said the pistons were not firing correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11589189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesHamilton, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the high-pressure fuel regulator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The high-pressure fuel regulator was replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 39,000.
NHTSA complaint #11584547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitley City, KY
SEAT BELTS
Passenger side seat belt don’t want to click in contacted don franklin kia and they stated they couldn’t fix it until there was a recall
NHTSA complaint #11582848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Prospect, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I have needed to replace the drivers side brake light almost every 3 months. I have seen many Kia Sedonas with that brake light out
NHTSA complaint #11567730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Prospect, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have needed to replace the drivers side brake light almost every 3 months. I have seen many Kia Sedonas with that brake light out
NHTSA complaint #11567730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Prospect, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
I have needed to replace the drivers side brake light almost every 3 months. I have seen many Kia Sedonas with that brake light out
NHTSA complaint #11567730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley, AL1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was shutting the door and my hand was still in the door way. Sensor failed and closed my hand into the door and latched. I had to press the open door button to get it to release my finer. I had to go to ER and orthopedic doctor, resulting in a break in two parts of my finger. If it would have been one of my small children instead of me, it would have been much worse. The only issue we have had was a failed motor in the door but it was fixed and inspected months ago by the Kia dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11522286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Prospect, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I had to replace the left brake light 4 times already. I see other Kia Sedonas that have the same brake light out all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11522140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.