2011 Kia Sedona Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2011 Kia Sedona has a complaint index of 38, ranking 11th out of 17 model years, and earns a Good verdict relative to other Sedona years. It has 65 complaints, 6 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #11 of 17 Sedona years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 65
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2011 Kia Sedona problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine18 (28%)
- Fuel System13 (20%)
- Electrical System12 (18%)
- Structure & Body10 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (14%)
- Brakes6 (9%)
- Other5 (8%)
- Airbags4 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Sudden unintended acceleration or loud engine roar while making low-speed turns, in one case pushing the van through posts in a driveway.
- Engine deceleration at highway speed with the check engine light on and visible smoke, sometimes leaving the vehicle undrivable.
- Hesitation or surging on acceleration from a stop, with dealers unable to reproduce or diagnose the issue.
- Brake pedal feeling loose and swaying side to side due to a fractured weld in the pedal assembly at low mileage.
- ABS, ESC, and brake warning lights illuminating together after wheel speed sensors stop transmitting signals.
- Front axle fracture producing a loud bang and grinding noise while stopped at an intersection, paired with power window failures.
2011 Kia Sedona recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V101000Feb 21, 2020Fuel System51,465 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 18V363000Jun 1, 2018Airbags507,587 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 16V387000Jun 1, 2016Suspension, Wheels & Tires97,884 vehicles
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 and originally sold in, or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk: 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.
2011 Kia Sedona fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Kia Sedona reliable?
- Relative to other Sedona model years, the 2011 rates Good, with a complaint index of 38 and rank of 11th out of 17 years tracked. It has fewer complaints (65) than several other Sedona years.
- What problems does the 2011 Kia Sedona have?
- Owners most often report Engine issues, 28% of complaints, followed by Fuel System at 20% and Electrical System at 18%. Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 79,660.
- Does the 2011 Kia Sedona have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2011 Sedona, covering the fuel system, airbags, suspension, structure, and electrical system. None are classified as do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Kia Sedona?
- EPA rates the 2011 Sedona at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100.
- How does the 2011 Sedona compare to other years?
- The 2011 Sedona's complaint index of 38 is far below Avoid years like 2016 (100) and 2006 (94), and it ranks better than most other Sedona model years.