2012 Kia Sedona
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 198 |
| 2003 | 163 |
| 2004 | 175 |
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 385 |
| 2007 | 156 |
| 2008 | 170 |
| 2009 | 47 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 38 |
| 2015 | 135 |
| 2016 | 287 |
| 2017 | 131 |
| 2018 | 47 |
| 2019 | 35 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251018
LAST SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2018, SEDONA WAS ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVER WAS WITH HER CHILDREN. ONWER SAW A HUGE SMOKE AFTER SHE LOOKED AT DASHBOARD TEMPATURE GUAGE THAT REACHED OVERHEAT, QUICKLY PARKED, TURNED IT OFF, AND OPENED THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180917
MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITH MY GRANDSON IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND A FIRE STARTED IN THE WIRING BELOW THE DASH ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141009
17% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
LAST SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2018, SEDONA WAS ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVER WAS WITH HER CHILDREN. ONWER SAW A HUGE SMOKE AFTER SHE LOOKED AT DASHBOARD TEMPATURE GUAGE THAT REACHED OVERHEAT, QUICKLY PARKED, TURNED IT OFF, AND OPENED THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180917
14% of complaints: structure — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SLIDING DOORS AND THE REAR HATCH DOOR OPENED HAPHAZARDLY. THE DEALER MADE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111209
8% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT, CRASHED INTO A CURB, AND ROLLED OVER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141118
I WAS REAR ENDED BY AN 18 WHEELER, WHICH CAUSED ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF MY CAR. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PHOTOS CAN BE PROVIDED. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20120501
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to parallel park and gear in drive, the vehicle independently accelerated violently while lightly depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250106
LET ME BEGIN BY PREFACING THAT THIS IS OUR 2ND SEDONA, AND WE PURCHASED BOTH BRAND NEW. WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS, AND IT ONLY HAS APPX. 6000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111211
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 originally sold in, or currently registered in Massa
Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 20
Campaign 13V550000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 16V387000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Campaign 16V389000 — check if this car was fixed
Air bags may be disabled during crash
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.
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.
Campaign 18V363000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 20V101000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Kia Sedona — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V550000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V387000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V389000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V363000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V101000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Kia Sedona reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Kia Sedona is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Sedona?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Sedona have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.