YearToAvoid

2020 Kia Sedona Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

9/100

#11 most-complained of 12 Sedona years

The 2020 Kia Sedona ranks 11th out of 12 model years with a Complaint Index of 9, earning a "Best" verdict. It has 20 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported to NHTSA.

Complaints
20
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21
18 city / 24 hwy

Top 2020 Kia Sedona problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Structure & Body6 (30%)
  2. Engine5 (25%)
  3. Electrical System4 (20%)
  4. Other3 (15%)
  5. Fuel System2 (10%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (10%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
  8. Brakes1 (5%)

What owners report

  • Third row seats sometimes fail to latch on one side and get stuck, reported soon after purchase.
  • Sliding doors can slam shut or fly open on an incline, jamming and clicking before beeping.
  • Some owners report the engine fails to start on the first attempt in hot weather, then runs normally.
  • Headlights, taillights, and the driver's window have gone inoperable together while driving, along with a check engine light and low oil reading.
  • The brake pedal reportedly sank to the floorboard at low speed while the rear brake lights failed to illuminate.
  • Paint has peeled, flaked, or bubbled on the roof and liftgate edge in multiple spots.
2020 Kia Sedona complaints: complaints filed per month4Sep 2020Jan 2022Feb 2024Apr 2024Jul 2024Jul 2025Nov 2025May 2026
25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2020 to May 2026; peak Jan 2026 (4).

2020 Kia Sedona recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 20V399000Jul 8, 2020Electrical System5,385 vehicles

    Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator

    Kia Motors America (KIA) is recalling certain 2020 Sedona vehicles. The battery positive (B+) terminal nut on the alternator may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly causing it to loosen over time.

    Risk: If the alternator B+ terminal nut loosens, electrical arcing may result, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator B+ terminal nut, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC192.

2020 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.

2020 compared with other Sedona years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Good4548320
2019Caution6438221
2020Best920121
2021Best189021

All Kia Sedona years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Kia Sedona reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Sedona ranks 11th of 12 Sedona model years with a Complaint Index of 9, the second-lowest of all years, giving it a "Best" verdict relative to other Sedonas.
What problems does the 2020 Kia Sedona have?
NHTSA lists 20 complaints for the 2020 Sedona, most concerning Structure & Body issues like sliding doors and seat latches (30% of complaints), followed by Engine (25%) and Electrical System (20%) problems.
Does the 2020 Kia Sedona have a recall?
Yes, one recall (20V399000) was issued for a loose alternator B+ terminal nut. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2020 Sedona compare to the 2016 Sedona?
The 2016 Sedona has a Complaint Index of 100 and an "Avoid" verdict, far worse than the 2020 Sedona's Complaint Index of 9 and "Best" verdict.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Sedona?
The EPA rates the 2020 Sedona at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,100.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.