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.

2016 Kia Sedona

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Kia Sedona
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 296
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2016: 296 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2002	198
2003	163
2004	176
2005	185
2006	385
2007	157
2008	170
2009	48
2010	32
2011	65
2012	108
2013	0
2014	39
2015	139
2016	296
2017	134
2018	48
2019	38
2020	20
2021	9

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

50% · 147 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle radiator exploded while driving on the freeway. Towed to mechanic radiator replaced and housing. Problem persosted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20

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, 2024-03-11

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, 2023-09-06

Electrical system

16% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show 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, 2016-09-05

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, 2026-08-06

Also filed under Structure

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, 2026-07-10

Also filed under Latches/locks/linkages

Exterior lighting

13% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing switch and headlights.

CRASHINJURY

Structure

8% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing body and door.

FIREINJURY

Air bags

6% · 19 reports

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2016Complaint volume 296 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2018-06-18Electrical system, structure18V338000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-03-19Electrical system19V109000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-11-12Electrical system, exterior lighting21V725000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-10-07Power train22V612000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2024-02-27Defect petitionClosed 2024-03-05 3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Kia Sedona — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 147 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 46 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 37 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 18V338000 · Electrical system, structure
Recall 19V109000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V725000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
Recall 22V612000 · Power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.