Summary
The Kia Sedona has 41 recalls spanning the 2002–2020 model years, with the most serious recent issue being a loose alternator terminal nut on 2020 models that can arc electrically and start a fire, even while parked.
The 2020 model year also appears under a separate filing for the same arcing and fire risk from that same loose alternator connection. On 2019 models with an 8-passenger configuration, the second-row middle seat belt buckle can be installed on the wrong side, making the 3-point belt unusable in a crash. The 2016 model year has a transmission shift lever assembly that can fail to lock, allowing the vehicle to roll away on its own.
The 2015–2018 model years carry several recalls. On vehicles with power sliding doors, the door can fail to reverse when obstructed, closing on an occupant. On 2015–2018 models with manually adjusted front passenger seats, the passenger seat sensor wiring under the seat can break from normal use, preventing the airbag system from disabling the front passenger airbag when a child seat is installed there. The 2015–2017 models have a software issue where the turn signal can activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intends. There is also a 2015-only recall covering an optional trailer wiring harness that can let water into its control module, shorting out and cutting the trailer lights.
Going back to the 2011–2012 model years, the fuel rail can crack from engine heat, leak fuel, and create a fire risk. The 2007–2011 model years have a brake light switch that can fail, leaving the brake lights dark when the pedal is pressed and preventing cruise control from disengaging.
The 2006–2014 model years share a hood latch issue where the secondary latch can corrode or bind and remain unlatched, allowing the hood to fly open while driving if the primary latch is released. On 2006–2012 vehicles, particularly those registered in salt-belt states, the front lower control arms can corrode and fracture, causing sudden loss of steering control. The 2006–2010 model years have an anti-lock brake module that can allow moisture inside, short circuit, and start an engine compartment fire even when the vehicle is off. The 2006 model year also has misrouted rear brake caliper hoses that can rub against the suspension, eventually wearing through and leaking brake fluid, and a brake hydraulic control unit that can similarly short from moisture intrusion and catch fire while parked.
The 2003 model year has two related throttle cable issues: water can get into the cable housing and freeze in cold weather, causing the throttle to stick open and the vehicle to keep accelerating after the driver lifts off the pedal. The 2003 ABS control module also has a software logic error that reduces braking force at speeds below 25 mph, lengthening stopping distances.
The 2002 model year has throttle cable issues where the cable can twist out of position or freeze, causing the engine to stay at speed rather than returning to idle. On 2002 models with power seats, misrouted wiring under the front seats can be pinched and repeatedly trip a fuse diode. The second and third row seat strikers on 2002 models can break in a crash, and the rear seat belt anchor bolts do not meet strength requirements, meaning the belts may not hold occupants in a hard impact.
