2014 Kia Sedona

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving in sunlight, the contact became aware of bubbles on the windshield, causing blurred vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ID

11721501

Incident

Feb 23, 2026

Mileage

127,000 mi

Intermittent brake light reporting since November and repaired for leaking Fluid. December it continued and been leaking brake fluid. 3 seperate repair companies assessed and found the same issue that the brake module needs to be replaced and electrical compromised. The vehicle is currently at the Kia dealership (Cowboy Kia, Conroe, TX) awaiting repairs.

NHTSA ID

11567429

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

TWO ISSUES: 1. Latch on rear hatch back 2. Buttons on ceiling for side doors became inoperative Problems started after my first recall, but these were sporadic, so it was easy to dismiss it because the dealer was cooperative and professional. But now, I noticed there are no recalls other than complaints about the same issues. I suspect that there is a "switch" or command in the program that reverses, but I don't have a clue, other than it is irritating that I have to wait for some upgrade but it does not seem to be listed in order to resolve these issues that are not my fault, but have something to do with the original side door issue, and then a software security upgrade that I am supposed to wait and get before these are fixed. Who contacts us, in writing about these issues?

NHTSA ID

11550031

Incident

Oct 15, 2023

Mileage

106,080 mi

Had anti-theft software installed. Campaign cs2308a by dealership. After install, console buttons for power sliding rear doors don't work. Dealership had vehicle for 5 days and couldn't find fix. Recall campaign is a joke. Causes more problems than fixing issue of thief.

NHTSA ID

11529921

Incident

Jun 16, 2023

PLEASE DO RECALL ON THIS 2014 KIA Sedona, only 53,000 miles, for bad airbag system 2014 KIA airbag light on instr panel comes on, then off, then stays on. I took it to kia dealer and they said it was the ocs (passenger occupant sensor) in the seat, BUT when i sit in the drivers seat and with both seatbelts latched, i can press down on pass seat and the passenger airbag off light on the middle dash next to clock goes off (doesn't this say the sensor mat in the seat "is" working ? )... I wondering if they mis-diagnosed it. Any ideas how to get the instr airbag light to go off ? I checked 2 airbag fuses under dash, both good. Interestingly around the same time as the instru airbag light started staying on, the 2nd cigarette light blew a fuse (related? ) ... THANKS if you can please text me when any answer is posted [XXX]... thx or email me so I know to check. Dealer said $1,000 to fix it ?? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11514072

Incident

Mar 8, 2023

Fire and smoke appeared from crevice of right side of hood while driving.Temp.gauge shot up and engine over heated.Shut car off at hotel and restarted Kia Sedona next morning to take to a Tulsa,OK nearby dealership.It performed weakly with a thumping sound albeit without over heating.Service dept at midtownkia on 4747 S Yale; informed me I need an engine replacement costing around $16,000.

NHTSA ID

11479554

Incident

Jan 17, 2022

The sliding doors of the Van do not stay closed. We could be driving down the road when they open and the chime starts going off. We find this is commonly associated with the scenerios right after the auto-close mechanism closes the door. (This is another issue as it does not reliably close the door.) To resolve the door suddenly opening situation, we have to stop, put the vehicle in park, and usually end up having to have the driver or front passenger get out of the car, wait for the auto-close system to get close to closing and then slam the back end of the door into place to get it to hold. We did try to take it to the Kia Dealership in Ogden Utah but the service manager there said he could not reliably replicate it so could not fix it. Apparently slamming the door is considered a viable alternative to the auto-close mechanism. We were told it is not a defect and that these things happen. It should be noted for other drivers, that the auto-close mechanism does appear to be closed. The door sensor does not chime to give warning that it is not seated all the way. Instead, as mentioned, we will be driving down the road when the door will rattle and open a little ways and the chime immediately starts going off. You will slow down and it the chime will stop, but once you pull over and take a look you will see the back end of the door is open a centimeter or so. Further to this point, if you dont immediately pull over, the door can pop open the rest of the way. What is most concerning is that it can happen anytime. I ahve not found any logical rhyme or reason for the issue. However I have had kids sitting near the door when the door opened on me. Luckily the seatbelts kept them in the car even though we were caught off-guard by the suddeness of the issue.

NHTSA ID

11476732

Incident

Jul 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the passenger’s side sliding door failed to open as needed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing a control module replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the sliding door was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11437834

Incident

Oct 5, 2021

Mileage

52,000 mi

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) did receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whole Integrated Body control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) did receive the Ant-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. Kia has developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade and can be installed at the ignition cylinder location to provide additional protection against the social media theft method. Prior notifications stated that this modification had to be performed by July 1, 2025, but the subject vehicles are now eligible until March 31, 2027, to have the ignition cylinder protector installed—if requested—at no cost through an authorized Kia dealership. (Mailing of these notifications to vehicle owners will be completed from December 19, 2025 through December 31, 2025)

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 19, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) did receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. A software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method has been made available to owners of eligible Kia model vehicles free of charge at authorized Kia dealers since 2023. In addition to the anti-theft software, a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade has been developed and can be installed at the ignition cylinder location to provide additional protection against the social media theft method. Because the subject Kia vehicles were not factory-equipped with an engine immobilizer and were previously eligible for the software upgrade, these vehicles are eligible until March 31, 2027, to have the ignition cylinder protector installed—if requested—at no cost through an authorized Kia dealership. (Mailing of these notifications to vehicle owners will be completed from December 17, 2025 through February 27, 2026)