2010 Kia Sedona Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Kia Sedona, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes919.6%
- Driver assistance715.2%
- Electrical715.2%
- Body & structure48.7%
- Exterior lighting48.7%
- Fuel system36.5%
- Airbags24.3%
- Interior & seats24.3%
- Powertrain (other)24.3%
- Other / unspecified12.2%
- Transmission12.2%
- Seat belts12.2%
- Suspension12.2%
- Tires & wheels12.2%
- Engine12.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Abs pump control module is defective, leaking fluid causing safety issues.This part is hard to find and very expensive, also has to be programmed to your vehicle with no guarantees that it will work.called Kia customer service and asked for help with this issue but was rejected.
My 2010 Kia Sedona has a major problem with the brakes. I had a problem with the brake pedal sinking too far. I took it to a local mechanic. This mechanic installed a new master cylinder. Two days later the brakes started to grab. The brakes were activating without my foot on the brake pedal. I had the Kia towed back to the local mechanic. The local mechanic said the master cylinder was working properly. This mechanic told me to take it to the Kia Dealership to reprogram the ABS Module. I have had the Kia at the Kia Dealership three different times for this same problem. The first time the Kia Dealership did do some reprogramming. They also said there was rust in the master cylinder reservoir. The Kia Dealership has driven the car several miles. They claim they can not duplicate the problem. So they have given the car back to me without doing anything. I have had the problem with the brakes grabbing on three different occasions. Each time I have had to have the Kia towed. This problem with the brakes grabbing is extremely dangerous. I am barely able to pull off the road and get the Kia towed. The car will slow down considerably. The car will be hard to control. All four rims have been very hot each time when I touch them with my hand after pulling off the road. The left front rim had smoke coming off it the first time this happened. I have to put on my hazards lights as I can not keep up with traffic when the brakes grab. Also, the first time the brakes grabbed, the ABS and ESC warning lights came on. The last time the brakes grabbed the ESC Off light came on. The Kia Dealership has told me that there are no codes stored in the computer. I am afraid to drive the car. It is sitting in my driveway now. The Kia only has about 19,000 miles on it. I am trying to find a brake specialist locally that can inspect the vehicle brakes. Not sure what to do now.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle transmission valve body shift solenoid D has malfunctioning causing my engine overheat and nearly explode
DOOR LACHES LOCK, ELECTRICAL STABILITY , ENGINE FILTER
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The sliding doors have a rubber piece that over time, gets stuck and causes the door to not latch and close, leaving the door to come open as you are driving. This has been a known issue with these sliding doors on my Kia Sedona. This is highly unsafe due to the ability of the door to come open as you are driving and potentially causing harm for someone to fall out and or be injured.
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the vehicle independently accelerated before the driver was able to regain control of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brake, Hydraulic); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS NO WAY TO GET OUT OF THE TAILGATE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND NO WAY TO OPEN THE TAILGATE AT ALL. WHILE SITTING STILL, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE TAILGATE WILL NOT UNLOCK IN ANY OF THE THREE UNLOCKING MODES: USING THE REMOTE FOB, USING THE KEY IN THE DRIVERS DOOR, OR OPERATING THE UNLOCK SWITCH ON THE INTERIOR DRIVERS DOOR PANEL. THERE IS NO EXTERIOR KEY ACCESS ON THE TAILGATE, AND NO INTERIOR DOOR RELEASE OR UNLOCKING MECHANISM. THERE IS NO WAY TO GET INTO, OR OUT OF, THE TAILGATE WITHOUT REMOVING THE INTERIOR TAILGATE PANEL. INTERNET SEARCHES INDICATE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. IS IT LEGAL TO HAVE NO ACCESS TO OPEN THE TAILGATE FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE? THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM IS NOW SILENT WHEN TRYING TO GET IT TO OPERATE, AND NO LONGER CLICKS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK IT. THE OWNER'S MANUAL INDICATES THE TAILGATE LOCK IS ON THE SAME FUSE AS THE REAR SLIDING DOORS, AND THEY CONTINUE TO UNLOCK AS NORMAL IN ALL THREE UNLOCKING MODES DESCRIBED ABOVE.
THE TRUNK LATCH DOES NOT WORK TRUNK FLIES OPEN MUST USE CORD TO HOLD CLOSE. LATCH DOES NOT CATCH. WHILE DRIVING OPENS LATCH DOES NOT CATCH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the contact observed that the cruise control independently ceased functioning. The contact stated that the "ESC" light was illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving but had to manually accelerate due to the failure. The contact stated that the cruise control switch was illuminated, but the cruise function would not engage. The contact stated that when he had pulled into a rest stop, he became aware that the rear brake lights were still illuminated even though he had turned the vehicle off and shifted to park(P). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake stop, and brake stop lamp switch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he related the failure to a previously repaired recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V114000 (Exterior Lighting). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. The contact stated that brake switch was replaced by the dealer at no charge the first time. The second replacement was at the owner's expense.
BREAK SWITCH STICKING CAUSING THE BREAK LIGHTS TO STAY ON , ESC DOESN'T WORK CAUSING THE ACCELERATOR TO STOP WORKING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPS WORKING. I WAS PULLING OUT FROM A STOP AND MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO ABOVE AN IDLE. I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, PUT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE I COULD CONTINUE ON MY WAY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE DETACHED WHILE DRIVING, NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COSTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED WHEN SHE LOOK UNDER THE VEHICLE THERE WERE SPARKS AND FLAME. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SAFELY WITH HER CHILDREN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY UNKNOWN.
DOOR LACHES LOCK, ELECTRICAL STABILITY , ENGINE FILTER
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
DOOR LACHES LOCK, ELECTRICAL STABILITY , ENGINE FILTER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, A VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE'S FRONT DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK RECLINED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF DES MOINES (4475 MERLE HAY RD, DES MOINES, IA 50310), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD HELP WITH THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
THE TRUNK LATCH DOES NOT WORK TRUNK FLIES OPEN MUST USE CORD TO HOLD CLOSE. LATCH DOES NOT CATCH. WHILE DRIVING OPENS LATCH DOES NOT CATCH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle transmission valve body shift solenoid D has malfunctioning causing my engine overheat and nearly explode
WAS ON HIGHWAY HEADING INTO CONSTRUCTION ZONE , TAPPED BRAKES TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL, CC DID NOT DISENGAGE. HEAVILY PRESSED BRAKES, CC WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. VEHICLE IS ACTUALLY ACCELERATING EVERY TIME I STEP ON BRAKE. ABS/ESC LIGHTS COME ON. ULTIMATELY ABLE TO DISENGAGE CC ON THE COLUMN BUT NOT BEFORE ACCELERATING TO 80+MPH HEADING INTO WALL OF TRAFFIC MERGING FROM THREE TO ONE LANES AND SLOWING TO 45MPH FOR CONSTRUCTION ZONE. 20 MILES LATER I PULL INTO REST AREA HOPING TO CLEAR ERROR LIGHTS; TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON - COULDN'T GET VAN OUT OF PARK. AFTER ABOUT 100+ RESTARTS FINALLY ABLE TO GET VAN INTO DRIVE. LIMPED HOME, FLATBEDDED TO DEALERSHIP NEXT MORNING. STILL NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ISSUE FROM SERVICE DEPARTMENT 24 HOURS LATER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I TOOK MY 2010 KIA SEDONA TO SEARS TODAY. I HAVE HAD IT AT SEARS BEFORE AND AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. ALL OF MY TIRE KEEPS LOSING AIR. AFTER A BREAKDOWN OF ONE TIRE TODAY, SEARS DETERMINED IT IS A IMPERFECTION OF THE WHEEL IS WELDED TOGETHER. THEY EXAMINED A SECOND WHEEL AND IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO KIA DEALERSHIP FOR THE FOURTH TIME. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THEY SHOULD ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,400.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVERS' SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT WHEN TAKEN OFF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TRAILING CONTROL ARM HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,845. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/02/14*LJ *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA EQUIPPED WITH KUHMO 225/70/R16 (N/A) TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE CONSTANTLY GOING FLAT. AFTER ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE CONTACT WOULD RETURN AND NOTICE THE TIRES WERE FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, AS WELL AS AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE EMERGENCY BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND REMOVING THE KEY. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, A BYSTANDER WAS RUNNING TOWARDS THE VEHICLE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS FINALLY EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .