RoadVitals

2015 Kia Sedona

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
137
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Sep 17, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
11
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 137 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Kia Sedona, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 146 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Sep 17, 2021
88,576 units potentially affected
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
The risk: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Kia Motors AmericaManufacturer number SC217View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Feb 19, 2019
94,389 units potentially affected
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.
The risk: If a child is in a child seat in the front seat, a broken ODS wiring harness will not prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the child.
The 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. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC175.
Kia Motors AmericaManufacturer number SC175View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

May 23, 2018
106,428 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.
The 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.
Kia Motors AmericaManufacturer number SC164View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2026

The check engine light illuminated with diagnostic code P0018 (crankshaft/camshaft position correlation, Bank 2), first recorded on a scan XXX. The vehicle was taken to a franchised Kia dealership in [XXX] on XXX at 88,719 miles. The dealer performed an engine teardown and provided a written diagnosis on XXX: metal debris on the exhaust camshaft position sensor, damaged camshaft phasers, a sheared camshaft pin, and metal contamination throughout the engine. The dealer states the engine requires either a major timing-system repair or complete engine replacement. This failure mode can cause sudden loss of motive power while driving. There was no crash, no injury, and no fire. The engine remains disassembled at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The problem was confirmed by a franchised Kia dealer in writing. NHTSA previously examined loss of motive power in this 3.3L V6 engine family in PE23-019, which named 2015-2021 Kia Sedona vehicles with 3.3L engines as peer vehicles. Warning prior to failure: check engine light only. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11755079
Incident
Jul 30, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2026
Fire reported

Was driving down the road with zero issues known, no check engine light, and only 114K miles. There was a sudden noise that was quiet so I turned down the radio, and then within 2 seconds or so a loud bang occurred, followed by a lot of smoke. I looked in the side mirrors and noted flames coming from underneath the van. Pulled over and got my family out.

NHTSA ID
11749889
Incident
Jul 10, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Jun 13, 2026

Right side sliding became stuck in closed position. Door was not openable by inside nor outside door handles. Not openable by automatic means such as push button. This situation slowed egress and could be a safety issue during emergency evacuation. During repair, KIA mechanics informed me that the forward latch (not the rear latch) of the sliding door was mechanically locked in closed position. The latch had to be destroyed from inside of vehicle to release latch to open door to be able to repair.

NHTSA ID
11743899
Incident
Apr 15, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 3, 2026

Our 2015 Kia Sedona VIN [XXX] developed CAN Bus fault codes U0001 U0100 U0101 rendering it completely undrivable following an incomplete warranty extension repair under WTY019 by Kia of Des Moines on [XXX] RO# [XXX]. The power sliding doors have been a persistent safety concern. The incomplete warranty extension repair left the sliding door not closing properly creating a safety hazard. The vehicle subsequently developed CAN Bus communication faults making it completely undrivable. After 28 days at Kia of Des Moines from May 4 to June 1 2026 under RO# [XXX] the CAN Bus fault was never diagnosed or addressed. The power sliding door still does not function after two warranty extension repairs. Upon retrieval June 1 2026 the vehicle continues to exhibit active CAN Bus warnings BDS warning lights flickering humming sound and rough driving. We believe the sliding door safety issues and CAN Bus failure are directly connected and represent a safety concern for other 2015-2017 Kia Sedona owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11741708
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 20, 2026

My Husband was driving my van with me and my 2 children inside the vehicle and the vehicle lost all power and stalled in the middle of the road and would not restart there was no warning light no noise from the motor or anything. The problem has been confirmed by a independent garage and a Kia dealer this happened on 12/20/25

NHTSA ID
11712246
Incident
Dec 20, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 30, 2025

Van was well cared for. Engine failure occurred while on interstate, causing immediate high-pitched squealing. Problem with 2015 models seems to be known to Kia, and they told us we'd have to replace the engine entirely. No warnings, messages, or symptoms prior to or following failure. Still turns on but afraid to hurt engine further while driving with the terrible noise. We are crushed that such a good vehicle, having been well taken care of and serviced, should have such a distinct, unavoidable, and irreversible loss. Grateful that we were able to pull over, despite the numerous cars surrounding us, and to be safely towed. Won't trust Kia the same way in the future.

NHTSA ID
11696575
Incident
Jul 10, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 16, 2025

Engine burned up all oil. No check engine lights. No active leaks confirmed by dealership. Engine is now damaged

NHTSA ID
11693901
Incident
Mar 13, 2025
Engine
Filed Sep 29, 2025

The car has 107,000 miles, and one day while driving, the coolant temperature suddenly spiked. I scheduled an appointment at Kia service (Glassman Kia Michigan), and the available appointment was in four weeks. The local mechanic checked the water pump and, after removing it, determined it was good, but he installed an aftermarket gasket because that's the only one available in local stores. At Kia, they replaced the pump with a new one, but the overheating problem persisted. After the car spent five weeks at the service center, they determined it was the head gasket. They offered me an engine replacement (costing $10,000). They never contacted Kia headquarters about a warranty replacement. Engines in 2015-16 Kia Sedonas have head gasket problems, and apparently, this is covered for 150,000 miles. Why do I have to pay for engine replacement?

NHTSA ID
11690423
Incident
Jul 4, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

CS2312_TSB_R2

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

WTY026_TSB_R2

ENGINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT (WTY026 REVISION 2) - 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 regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY026) on some 2014-2018MY vehicles listed in the table below, for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in the eligible vehicles listed below from 10 years/100,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address the Oil Pressure Switch leaking condition at no cost to the customers during this extended warranty period.

TSB_CS2312_R1

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

WTY039_TSB_R7

ENGINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 - REVISION 7) - 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 associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.

TSB_CS2312

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

CS2312_OWNR

STRUCTURE:BODY

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)

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Kia Sedona by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021900
2020201042.0
2019362060.0
2018483059.9
20171314059.5
20162914166.5
2015Viewing1373055.7
2014381150.0
2013010
20121075160.2
2011656161.0
2010325063.1
2009485055.2
20081705053.4
20071576052.1
20063857050.7
20051852051.4
20041752357.6
20031634464.8
20021983361.4

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.