RoadVitals

2015 Kia Sedona Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Latest Aug 5, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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

  • Engine5230.8%
  • Electrical3621.3%
  • Airbags116.5%
  • Interior & seats74.1%
  • Brakes63.6%
  • Driver assistance42.4%
  • Powertrain (other)42.4%
  • Other / unspecified31.8%
  • Fuel system31.8%
  • Steering21.2%
  • Tires & wheels21.2%
  • Suspension10.6%
  • Visibility10.6%
  • Seat belts10.6%

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

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

52
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 5, 2026

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 · filed Jul 12, 2026
All 52 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 3, 2026

Complete engine failure, knocking like crazy, fuel smell in the oil, The shop said the fuel in the oil broke it down and allowed the motor to fail. We were driving down the highway when it happened with family and kids which was not safe at all. No warning message at all, no check engine light, the shop has inspected and said it’s failed. The kia dealership has said many of the Kia’s have been recalled for engine failure but not ours? But others with the same motor have been.

NHTSA ID 11621658 · filed Oct 24, 2024
All 36 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 13, 2026

I got an oil leak and it was covered but it caused a coolant leak and the dealership wants to charge me for this when it should be covered . Also I went a couple of times for my door coming open while I am driving and they didn’t fix it .

NHTSA ID 11618424 · filed Oct 7, 2024
All 19 reports naming body & structure

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Low Head Lights do not work. High beams and fog lights work. This seams to be a KIA problem across makes and models. Why has a recall not been issued?

NHTSA ID 11635354 · filed Jan 10, 2025

The component that is failing in the Kia is the headlighs. It has been inspected by Kia of Orange Park and is determined to need replacement of left and right headlight assemblies. It is available for further inspection but Kia wants more money than I can afford to fix it, so I will be finding another mechanic soon. While traveling home with five others after dark the headlights just went out on a very dark highway. Before we could safely pull over they came back on. We proceeded to continue home and the lights randomly went completely out and back on again for the entire journey. I have not driven the Kia at night since. With the grace of God there was no accident so the police and insurance agency were not involved; only the Kia dealer thus far has inspected the kia. There is an attached report. There were no warning lights, lamps or messages, or symptoms prior to this headlight failure. This happened on Mother's Day 2023. I have no assessment of the cause, with the exception of a full diagnostic of the vehicle which I have paid Kia of Orange Park for, in full. A report is attached or available from the dealership. I am adamant that this issue is a serious, life threatening issue that left six people in terrorized silence for a shaky forty five minute ride home. I am grateful that none of the passengers or anybody in any other vehicle were hurt or injured and I will not stop until a full national recall is made on this problem.

NHTSA ID 11530922 · filed Jul 7, 2023
All 17 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving at approximately 20-25 mph when both side curtain airbags deployed. There was no collision or sudden stops. There were no warning lights or symptoms before or after the incident. My battery had been replaced at a local shop 4-5 hours prior to the incident. My child was in the car in her car seat and appears to have no apparent issues following the event. The hearing in my left ear is deteriorated and I have a ringing sound and it makes a distortion sound when the noise levels reach a certain level.

NHTSA ID 11603531 · filed Jul 20, 2024

I have a 2015 season kia. I have a security problem. the passenger seat does not see a person, the sensor is faulty.

NHTSA ID 11516966 · filed Apr 13, 2023
All 11 reports naming airbags

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

We have had multiple seat latches fail on our vehicle. We have attempted to WD40 the mechanism and have ensured there is nothing in the tract but the second row passenger seat as well as the larger drivers side third row seat are not latching onto the tract. The mechanism moved freely but they are not latching into place. I had submitted a safety recall claim for our second row seat a while back as it created a significant safety issue with our child in the seat. Now the rear seat is having a similar problem. The biggest issue is that it will seem that it is latching and then during times of safety concerns (occupied while driving) it unlatches. My son was sitting in the rear and lurched with the latch causing him to bite his tongue. The second row seat has yet to be fixed, and moved around while driving further causing a safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11575069 · filed Mar 2, 2024

I have a 2015 season kia. I have a security problem. the passenger seat does not see a person, the sensor is faulty.

NHTSA ID 11516966 · filed Apr 13, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My ABS / Traction control light has been on for about 4 years and the diagnostic system gives a warning about it. see picture. I have not fixed it because it just reverts back to regular brakes. However, I know that KIA has had recalls on the ABS / Traction control computer board. but my model year was not included in the recall. My mechanic says the issue is my ABS / Traction control computer board and not a sensor on wheel. I would like my model year to be investigated to see if it can be included in the recall as I plan on keeping this vehicle for many years. Yes, I can make it available for inspection. Safety is loss of anti-lock brakes.

NHTSA ID 11578425 · filed Mar 20, 2024

The brake lights went out. The bulbs were replaced. The fuse was replace and there still no lights. The top led brake light works, but lower lights on each side are out. I don't know if the brake switch is the problem when the upper led works. I have researched the issue and discovered that this is a xommon kia issue with many models. When a Google search is conducted for "kia no brake lights it comes up with other people that have the same issue with multiple models."

NHTSA ID 11462954 · filed May 1, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 3, 2026

When driving on freeways and using my cruise control….. If I need to use my brakes to disengage cruise control when traffic slows and then use the “resume” feature on the C.C. my vehicle continues to accelerate until I shut the cruise off and reset it. If I am resuming to say 65 MPH I can reach 85 MPH in a couple seconds. This happens more than 50 % of the times I use my C.C. As I continue to age and my reflexes slow, this issue becomes a safety issue for me.

NHTSA ID 11619663 · filed Oct 14, 2024

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud pop and the tachometer redlined, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where he observed that the engine block had separated from the engine with oil covering the entire engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but since the failure had not caused a fire or an injury, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 112,000.

NHTSA ID 11568991 · filed Jan 31, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SEDONA. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THREE OF THE TIRES WERE FAULTY AND THE AIR BAGS WERE DISABLED. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COLLISION LIGHT BURNED OUT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A KIA DEALER AND THEY WOULD REPAIR IT FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HUDSON KIA (36 WATER ST, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305, (201) 380-1220) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE DISABLED BECAUSE OF THE SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER FURTHER STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND BOTH REAR TIRES WERE FAULTY AND THE BELT WAS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE TIRE INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,073.

NHTSA ID 11099926 · filed Jun 5, 2018

THIS IS THE THIRD KUMHO CRUGEN KL33 TIRE THAT HAS HAD RADIAL RUN-OUT OR TREAD SEPARATION IN LESS THEN 6 MONTHS. FIRST TWO WHERE ON THE FRONT AXLE AND MOST RECENT ONE IS ON THE PASS REAR. THE RECENT EVENT WAS ON A RETURN ROAD TRIP COVERING ABOUT 230 MILES IN I 10 BETWEEN SAN ANTONIO AND HOUSTON, THERE WAS NO ROAD DEBRIS OR OTHER ISSUES THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED TIRE DAMAGE UNDER A ROAD HAZARD. SINCE THEN THE TIRE HAS DEVELOPED A WHEEL HOP AND VIBRATION TO THE REAR.

NHTSA ID 11065021 · filed Jan 26, 2018

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rod failure, was told there was fuel mixing with the oil and caused the oil to break down and cause complete engine failure while driving down the highway with my kids. Kia will not do anything about it. How can this be right. I know a lot of people with the same issues.

NHTSA ID 11626061 · filed Nov 18, 2024

Complete engine failure, knocking like crazy, fuel smell in the oil, The shop said the fuel in the oil broke it down and allowed the motor to fail. We were driving down the highway when it happened with family and kids which was not safe at all. No warning message at all, no check engine light, the shop has inspected and said it’s failed. The kia dealership has said many of the Kia’s have been recalled for engine failure but not ours? But others with the same motor have been.

NHTSA ID 11621658 · filed Oct 24, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine rod failed, puncturing the engine causing oil to spill, resulting in the car catching on fire while driving.

NHTSA ID 11546251 · filed Sep 24, 2023

HAD TURNED ON THE AIR IN THE SEAT AND SMELLED A PLASTIC BURNING SMELL WHEN I PARKED MY CAR AND WENT IN MY HOUSE TO GET MY SWIMSUIT AND TOWEL AND RETURNED OUTSIDE SMOKE WAS ROLLING OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AT THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT.

NHTSA ID 10731142 · filed Jun 29, 2015

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SEDONA. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THREE OF THE TIRES WERE FAULTY AND THE AIR BAGS WERE DISABLED. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE COLLISION LIGHT BURNED OUT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A KIA DEALER AND THEY WOULD REPAIR IT FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HUDSON KIA (36 WATER ST, JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305, (201) 380-1220) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE DISABLED BECAUSE OF THE SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER FURTHER STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND BOTH REAR TIRES WERE FAULTY AND THE BELT WAS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE TIRE INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,073.

NHTSA ID 11099926 · filed Jun 5, 2018

SIDEWALL BLOWOUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SIDEWALL IS BUSTED IN (3) LOCATIONS: (1) OUTSIDE AND (2) ON THE INSIDE AT 3:00 AND 9:00 POSITION

NHTSA ID 10940202 · filed Jan 6, 2017

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was bouncing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the shocks were defective. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

NHTSA ID 11423569 · filed Jul 6, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR WINDOW BROKE WHILE I WAS TAKING THE TRAILER HITCH OFF THE CAR MY FACE WAS INCHES FROM THE GLASS.NOTHING CAUSED THIS,IT BROKE ON ITS OWN.I BELIEVE KIA IS TRYING TO COVER UP THE PROBLEM

NHTSA ID 11015899 · filed Aug 17, 2017

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE BACK SEAT WILL NOT CLIP DOWN AND THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK. YOU CANNOT SIT IN THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE IT WILL NOT CLAMP TO THE FLOOR

NHTSA ID 11003395 · filed Jul 6, 2017

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

Data on this page last refreshed .