This page covers 7 recalls, 62 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Kia Sedona.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Minivan - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Complaints about the 2011 Kia Sedona cluster most heavily around the engine and fuel system. On the engine side, owners report stalling, rough running, and unexpected shutdowns, some describing the engine cutting out while driving at highway speeds. Fuel system complaints follow a similar pattern, with owners reporting fuel pump failures and related starting or power delivery problems, often tracing back to failing relays or pump components. Suspension complaints make up the third-largest group, and several owners describe broken strut springs, in some cases the fractured spring puncturing a tire sidewall, which also raises concerns about the lower control arms on higher-mileage examples showing significant rust and wear. A smaller number of reports involve the hood latch fracturing and the hood opening unexpectedly at speed, though that appears in a limited number of filings rather than as a widespread pattern.
62
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Kia Sedona has 7 recalls, the most serious being a cracked fuel rail in the engine compartment that can leak fuel and create a fire risk.
The hood also has a recall: the secondary latch can stick in the open position, and if the primary latch is then accidentally tripped while driving, the hood can fly up and block the driver's view. On the suspension side, the front lower control arms can corrode and break on vehicles registered or originally sold in certain cold-weather states, causing a sudden loss of steering and vehicle control. There is also a safety equipment concern: in a crash, the airbag control unit can short circuit and prevent the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from firing, leaving occupants without that protection at the moment they need it most. Rounding out the list, the brake light switch can fail, leaving the brake lights dark when the driver presses the pedal and preventing cruise control from disengaging, both of which reduce warning to drivers behind.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel rail may develop small cracks, which can cause fuel odor or leaks in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Kia will send you a letter directing you to a dealer, who will replace the fuel rail.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel rail can crack from engine heat, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rail at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may short circuit during a crash, stopping the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an extension wire harness kit to the air bag control unit connectors to restore proper function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The secondary hood latch can stick and fail to fully latch when the hood is closed, leaving it unsecured.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace or clean and lubricate the secondary hood latch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from road salt exposure in vehicles registered in northern and salt-belt states.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models, or replace or add anti-corrosion coating on 2008-2012 models, at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower control arms can break due to rust damage from salt exposure in certain climates, affecting steering and vehicle control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the control arms for corrosion and either apply rustproofing or replace them at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The stop lamp switch may malfunction, causing brake lights not to illuminate when braking, inability to turn off cruise control with the brake pedal, intermittent push-button start operation, difficulty shifting out of Park, and ESC malfunction warning light.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch at no cost when parts become available. Kia will notify owners when the replacement is ready.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
