This page covers 4 recalls, 285 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Kia Sedona.
20 mpg combined
11.8 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.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine problems dominate complaints for the 2016 Kia Sedona, making up a large share of what owners report. The most consistent engine-related patterns include excessive oil consumption, oil leaks, engine knocking, and coolant loss into the exhaust, several owners describe needing to top off oil on a near-weekly basis before eventually experiencing complete engine failure. Misfires come up repeatedly as well. Exterior lighting is the second most-reported system, though at roughly a third of the engine complaint volume. Electrical system issues round out the top three, with owners describing various intermittent faults. The engine complaints tend to cluster around the same core symptoms: unusual noises at relatively modest mileage, oil burning faster than expected, and in some cases engines seizing or failing outright well before what most buyers would consider high mileage.
285
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
14
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Kia Sedona has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the automatic transmission shift lever, which can fail to lock in park and allow the vehicle to roll away on its own.
Two recalls affect electrical systems tied to passenger safety. On vehicles with manually-adjusted front passenger seats, the wiring under that seat can break over time from normal use, disabling the sensor that detects whether a child seat is present. Without that sensor working, the front passenger airbag can deploy in a crash even when a child is in that seat. On vehicles with a power sliding door, a software issue means the door may not reverse itself when something is blocking it from closing, which can result in the door closing on a passenger. There is also a software issue affecting the turn signals: the signal can activate in the opposite direction from what the driver intends, which could mislead other drivers about where the vehicle is headed.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission shift lever assembly may not lock properly, allowing the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the shift lever assembly components at no cost.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
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 Smart Junction Box software may misinterpret signals from the multifunction switch, causing the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction from what you intend.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Smart Junction Box software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Occupant Detection System wiring harness under the front passenger seat may break over time from seat use, affecting the system's operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent breaking. If damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power sliding door may fail to automatically reverse when something blocks it while closing.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the power sliding door module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
