2016 Kia Sedona
This year had more than double the complaints 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 | 157 |
| 2008 | 170 |
| 2009 | 48 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 39 |
| 2015 | 138 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 133 |
| 2018 | 48 |
| 2019 | 36 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
50% of complaints: engine — 145 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The vehicle radiator exploded while driving on the freeway. Towed to mechanic radiator replaced and housing. Problem persosted.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260820
No lights on the dash, no maintenance or check engine lights. The van began making noises under the hood and then blowing white smoke from the exhaust. The electrical connectors to the fan were melted and hot. To the cooling fan, radiator, etc.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240311
The vehicle started making a rattling noise, but there were no lights on the dash at all!. My husband checked the oil and there was no oil.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230906
15% of complaints: electrical system — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
MY MOTHER AND HER FRIEND WERE DRIVING APPROX. 35 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WENT OFF THE ROAD CAUSING THEM TO GO INTO THE FRYING PAN RIVER IN BASALT, CO. THERE WAS APPROX. 42.1 DEGREE SLOPE. MY MOTHER WAS THE PASSENGER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160905
Also filed under AIR BAGS and SEATS
2016 Kia Sedona with power sliding doors. Both rear power sliding doors fail to completely latch upon closing. Doors make loud clicking sounds while attempting to close and require manual pushing to latch.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260806
Also filed under STRUCTURE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the climate control panel became inoperable, failing to distribute heat and air conditioning.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
Also filed under LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and headlights.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: structure — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
FIRE INJURY6% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHSAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.
Campaign 18V338000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent the wiring harness from breaking. If the harness is found damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Campaign 19V109000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.
Campaign 21V725000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 22V612000 — check if this car was fixed
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Kia Sedona — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (145 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V338000 (electrical system, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V109000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V725000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V612000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Kia Sedona reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia Sedona is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Sedona?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sedona have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.