Which Kia Sedona years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2015, 2016, and 2017 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 82, 100, and 91 respectively — the three highest among all 12 model years covered.

What is the best Kia Sedona year to buy?

2020 and 2021 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 9 and 18, the lowest in the lineup. The 2020 model has 20 complaints and the 2021 model has just 9.

What is the most common problem with the Kia Sedona?

Across all years, Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 368 complaints (40% of the total 926), followed by Electrical System problems at 26%.

Does the Kia Sedona have engine recalls?

The 2016 Sedona has a recall (22V612000) for a faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly. Separately, 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles share a Smart Junction Box software recall (21V725000) affecting the electrical system.

Are 2015-2017 Kia Sedona vehicles connected by any recalls?

Yes. Recall 21V725000 covers 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles for a Smart Junction Box software defect that could affect turn signal function, and recall 19V109000 covers 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles for an occupant detection wiring harness issue.

Kia Sedona Best and Worst Years (2010–2021)

Kia Sedona years to avoid are 2016, 2017, and 2015, with complaint indexes of 100, 91, and 82 — the three highest of all 12 model years. 2020 and 2021 are the best, with indexes of 9 and 18. Engine problems dominate the avoid years.

Avoid 2015 Avoid 2016 Avoid 2017 Best 2020 Best 2021

Model years: 12; 2010–2021
NHTSA complaints: 926
Recall campaigns: 14
Crashes reported: 33
Fires reported: 42
Top problem area: Engine

Sedona Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Kia Sedona problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	27	32	4	3	5	Brakes	19	—
2011	Caution	55	65	3	1	6	Engine	21	—
2012	Caution	73	107	5	5	5	Electrical System	21	—
2013	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—
2014	Good	36	39	2	2	1	Electrical System	20	5★
2015	Avoid	82	138	2	9	3	Engine	20	5★
2016	Avoid	100	296	10	14	4	Engine	20	5★
2017	Avoid	91	134	2	3	4	Engine	20	5★
2018	Good	45	48	1	4	3	Engine	20	5★
2019	Caution	64	38	2	1	2	Engine	21	5★
2020	Best	9	20	0	0	1	Structure & Body	21	5★
2021	Best	18	9	2	0	0	Engine	21	5★

Sedona years to avoid: what went wrong

2016 Kia Sedona Index 100 · 296 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2016 Sedona is the worst year in the lineup, ranked first with a complaint index of 100 and 296 total complaints. Engine problems account for 51% of complaints (152), with a median mileage at failure of 81,950. Owners also reported electrical system issues (25%) and structure/body problems (12%). This year had 10 crashes, 14 fires, and 2 deaths — the only avoid year with fatalities reported. Four recalls apply, including a faulty automatic transmission shift lever and the same Smart Junction Box software defect found in 2015 and 2017.

2016 engine problems →2016 electrical system problems →2016 structure & body problems →

2017 Kia Sedona Index 91 · 134 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2017 Sedona ranks second worst with a complaint index of 91 across 134 complaints. Engine issues make up 47% of complaints (63), with a median mileage at failure of 76,506, the lowest failure mileage among the three avoid years for structure/body issues at 23,000 miles. Owners also reported electrical system (22%) and airbag (10%) problems, with 11 injuries recorded. Four recalls apply, including an Air Bag Control Unit defect and the Smart Junction Box software issue shared with 2015 and 2016.

2017 engine problems →2017 electrical system problems →2017 structure & body problems →

2015 Kia Sedona Index 82 · 138 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2015 Sedona logs 138 complaints and a complaint index of 82, driven mainly by engine issues (53 complaints, 38%) and electrical system problems (47 complaints, 34%), with structure and body issues at 19%. Owners reported fires (9) and crashes (2). Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 86,000; electrical failures showed up around 55,000 miles. Three recalls cover this year, including a Smart Junction Box software issue affecting turn signal function and a power sliding door that may not auto-reverse when obstructed.

2015 engine problems →2015 electrical system problems →2015 structure & body problems →

Most common Kia Sedona problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine368 (40%)
Electrical System241 (26%)
Structure & Body148 (16%)
Other121 (13%)
Airbags70 (8%)
Fuel System51 (6%)
Brakes50 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain44 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires36 (4%)
Steering19 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Kia Sedona years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2015, 2016, and 2017 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 82, 100, and 91 respectively — the three highest among all 12 model years covered.
What is the best Kia Sedona year to buy?: 2020 and 2021 are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 9 and 18, the lowest in the lineup. The 2020 model has 20 complaints and the 2021 model has just 9.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Sedona?: Across all years, Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 368 complaints (40% of the total 926), followed by Electrical System problems at 26%.
Does the Kia Sedona have engine recalls?: The 2016 Sedona has a recall (22V612000) for a faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly. Separately, 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles share a Smart Junction Box software recall (21V725000) affecting the electrical system.
Are 2015-2017 Kia Sedona vehicles connected by any recalls?: Yes. Recall 21V725000 covers 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles for a Smart Junction Box software defect that could affect turn signal function, and recall 19V109000 covers 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles for an occupant detection wiring harness issue.