2016 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 2016 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
- Engine14643.2%
- Electrical4513.3%
- Exterior lighting3710.9%
- Body & structure247.1%
- Airbags185.3%
- Powertrain (other)123.6%
- Fuel system103.0%
- Interior & seats103.0%
- Brakes82.4%
- Seat belts82.4%
- Driver assistance61.8%
- Steering61.8%
- Other / unspecified30.9%
- Visibility20.6%
- Tires & wheels20.6%
- Transmission10.3%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine experienced mass, sudden oil consumption with no warning of any sort, resulting in significant engine damage. Oil had been changed apx 800 miles prior to incident, and vehicle showed no signs of leaks or oil consumption following the oil change. No oil leaks or wetness were found around oil filter or drain plug. Vehicle drove perfectly fine one day, and when started to leave a store it began horrendously knocking, despite operating as normal on the drive to the store. Dipstick was completely dry. No engine warning light was triggered, no low oil warning, etc. I contacted Kia America directly, as I had found examples of this same issue reported online and hoped for some cooperation, and was given a generic response to haul it to the nearest Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair, out of my own pocket.
Engine failure due to loud knocking as a result if high oil consumption. No warning lights ever. Needs replacement. Regular maintenance records available. Original owner with only 63900 miles in less than 10 years. Vehicle supposed to be under powertrain warranty (10 years/ 100000 miles). Kia and dealership keep denying warranty claim despite providing all records to prove regular maintenance.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. Kia of Attleboro diagnosed and confirmed in writing that both rear door roller arm assemblies are completely missing the roller, and that this condition is contributing to the latching failure. Both power sliding door motors and rear door latches also need replacement. This is a safety hazard as the doors may appear closed but are not fully latched, posing a serious risk of doors opening while driving, particularly with children as passengers. The condition has been confirmed in writing by a Kia dealership. Kia Motors America issued Warranty Bulletin WTY019 in March 2021 specifically extending coverage for this exact latching condition on 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles to 15 years/unlimited miles. The covered components (motors and latches) have been approved for warranty replacement. However, Kia America has denied coverage for the roller arm assemblies despite their own dealer's written confirmation that these parts are directly contributing to the covered latching failure. Components are available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps appeared prior to failure. Problem developed gradually with increasing noise before doors failed to latch completely.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the climate control panel became inoperable, failing to distribute heat and air conditioning. While the middle and third-row climate systems functioned, an abnormal burning odor was detected. The fan speed adjustment button experienced an electrical short, and upon removing the climate control panel, the wiring harness was found burnt. The contact stated that the climate control panel was previously replaced. Additionally, the power sliding door was inoperable. No warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V109000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was caused by the climate control panel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,259.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while her nephew was driving, the nephew made a left-hand turn, and the vehicle was hit on the front right quarter panel. The contact stated that her nephew had turned on the left-hand signal and was halfway through making the left turn when the accident occurred. The other vehicle drove on the opposite side and stated that the left-hand turn signal was not on. The contact's nephew was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags were deployed. The contact's nephew had minor injuries and had a bruise on the right arm and chest that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the residence and no longer driven. The insurance company was contacted, and the results are pending. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle had an open recall pending: NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V725000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that there was a passenger in the vehicle. The passenger was sitting on the front passenger seat and was not injured. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Rain water continually collects in both brakelight/taillight assemblies at the rear of the van. This causes the bulbs for the turn signal and brake light to burn out. This has been an issue since we purchased the vehicle in 2016. Initially, we could change the bulb(s) and they would last a while but now the passenger side bulb(s) can be replaced and burn out immediately! We have burned through dozens of bulbs since owning the van. On 6/17/25 I took the van to Valvoline in Circleville, Ohio for an oil change and replacement of the rear passenger turn signal bulb. On inspection he informed me that both brake lights were out as well as the right turn signal. He was able to replace the left brake light after dumping water out of the casing but the right side was so full of water he wouldn't even touch the bulbs because he said it would do no good. He recommended I get new casings/housing assemblies for both sides. In reading about this issue, it appears to be a problem not only for me but for many others. It was noted that several owners had holes drilled in the housing as "drain" holes and that the issue was corrected and/or improved in the later models. I believe this to be a huge safety issue due to the fact that it involves braking and turning and the increased risk of getting hit from behind.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Pearl white paint peeling, there is an extension for a warranty through Hyundai for the same paint but not through Kia. Please advise what to do.
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. Kia of Attleboro diagnosed and confirmed in writing that both rear door roller arm assemblies are completely missing the roller, and that this condition is contributing to the latching failure. Both power sliding door motors and rear door latches also need replacement. This is a safety hazard as the doors may appear closed but are not fully latched, posing a serious risk of doors opening while driving, particularly with children as passengers. The condition has been confirmed in writing by a Kia dealership. Kia Motors America issued Warranty Bulletin WTY019 in March 2021 specifically extending coverage for this exact latching condition on 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles to 15 years/unlimited miles. The covered components (motors and latches) have been approved for warranty replacement. However, Kia America has denied coverage for the roller arm assemblies despite their own dealer's written confirmation that these parts are directly contributing to the covered latching failure. Components are available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps appeared prior to failure. Problem developed gradually with increasing noise before doors failed to latch completely.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
This concerns an unresolved airbag safety issue that went undetected due to a negligent recall inspection at a Kia dealership. On March 16, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Ed Voyles Kia of Chamblee, GA for a recall inspection to determine whether damaged wiring under the passenger seat was causing my airbag warning light to remain on. I dealt with the service advisor throughout the process. After the appointment, I was told the inspection was complete and no wiring damage was found. Upon leaving the dealership, I immediately noticed that my exterior and interior lights, radio, seatbelt indicators, and numerous other systems had stopped working, none of which were issues before my appointment. I contacted the dealership the same day and returned on March 17, 2026. The service advisor relayed the technician's position that these failures were pre-existing and unrelated to the service. After I pushed back, the manager became involved and pointed to a separate BCM recall to explain the replacement, rather than acknowledging that the BCM had failed immediately after their service. My BCM had been functioning normally before the appointment. The service advisor and manager continued to deny any wiring damage. On April 20, 2026, I personally inspected the area under the passenger seat while cleaning my vehicle I immediately found visibly damaged wires, the exact area the technician had examined during the recall. I found this damage within minutes. The damaged wiring under the passenger seat is the very issue this recall was designed to identify. The technician failed to find it, leaving a known safety hazard unresolved. My airbag warning light has been on since before the appointment and remains on today. I have been driving my family in this vehicle with a compromised airbag system. I have photo evidence of the damaged wires and request that NHTSA log this as a formal safety complaint and investigate if this reflects a broader pattern of incomplete recall inspections
My 2016 Kia Sedona is affected by Safety Recall SC175 (Front Passenger Seat Occupant Detection System Wiring Harness), documented here: [XXX] . Kia and the servicing dealer, Rick Case Kia, report to NHTSA that this recall was completed in 2019. However, the defect described in SC175 is still present and easily reproducible. The dealer continues to insist the repair was completed, but the symptoms match the recall description exactly and the issue now poses a clear safety risk to the front passenger. I have repeatedly informed Rick Case Kia that the recall was not performed correctly or was never performed at all. Despite this, the dealer refuses to inspect or correct the issue and Kia Corporate refuses further action based solely on the dealer’s claim. This has made it impossible for me to obtain the required recall remedy. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer multiple times between 2019 and before the vehicle reached 10 years of age for other safety recalls. If SC175 had truly been completed, the issue should not be present. If it had NOT been completed, the dealer should have been notified in their system during those visits. This suggests that misrepresentation or incorrect reporting may have occurred. Because Kia Corporate relies entirely on the dealer’s incorrect reporting, I cannot obtain the required repair from any Kia dealer, and the safety defect remains unresolved. I am requesting NHTSA review this case as a potential recall-completion misrepresentation that is preventing me from receiving the mandated safety repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, and the gear shift lever was moved to Park(P) but failed to lock in place. The contact stated that the vehicle started to roll backwards. The contact used force to lock the gear shift lever in Park(P), and the vehicle came to a complete stop after several attempts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty automatic transmission shift lever. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine replacement KIA had it for 8 months got it back and engine blew up again.. now they want service records on the first when it is the second motor. Trying to get away from replacing the motor.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving car gas tank blew a hole and started on fire. Car then lost power while on fire while I was in traffic, luckily I was able to cut into a parking lot and people that were in traffic with me call 911. Fire department confirmed there was a hole in gas tank which sits right underneath driver side. Fire was only contained to where the gas tank and lines are. I have pictures.
Kia service dealer diagnosed high oil consumption on my car with heavy sounds. They recommend to replace whole engine but it's out of warranty. It has only 106k miles on it. I am afraid the car is posing safety issue as well and it has less miles on it. I filed complain with kia consumer corporate a case has been generated on their system [XXX] but no one had contacted me yet. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the climate control panel became inoperable, failing to distribute heat and air conditioning. While the middle and third-row climate systems functioned, an abnormal burning odor was detected. The fan speed adjustment button experienced an electrical short, and upon removing the climate control panel, the wiring harness was found burnt. The contact stated that the climate control panel was previously replaced. Additionally, the power sliding door was inoperable. No warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V109000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was caused by the climate control panel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,259.
The front passenger seat, occupant detection system wiring harness was never repaired by the dealer I had taken the vehicle to the dealer several years ago and he gave me a $8000 estimate to replace the electrical system!
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had experienced the vehicle rolling while attempting to park the vehicle. On another occasion, while the contact was attempting to park the vehicle on an incline, the contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle started to roll away. The contact believed that the vehicle should have been included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Vehicle shut off while driving for no apparent reason. Vehicle had plenty of fuel and battery measures 12.8 volts with engine off, 13.8 volts when vehicle is on. No error code. Steering and braking stopped working correctly. We were traveling through a parking lot at the time so luckily not at high speed or this could have ended deadly. The vehicle would not immediately start back up, we put it in park, turned the key and the engine would turn over but not start. After 4 or 5 tries it did start, and the only fault to appear was the ABS light which came on and stayed on solid. After parking and shutting the vehicle off and restarting it the ABS light went away. No other fault codes are or were present.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
In Feb of 2023, my van had no known issues and out of nowhere it started making a terrible noise, every light in the dash came on, my power steering stopped working and then my engine shut off. I had it towed to a mechanic shop, they said it needed an engine. I had it towed to our local KIA dealership. They said it did not need an engine, it only needed a timing chain. That was $8000. We decided to get it done. 4 weeks later exactly from when we picked it up, I was on the interstate and the exact thing happened. I had it towed back to our local KIA. They stated it now needed an engine and it would be a used engine because they do not manufacture the engine anymore. It had over 60K miles on it and it would be $13K not including shipping or labor. We decided not to do this. After further investigation, this should have been under warranty the entire time and we never should have spent any money on it. This has been a terribly unreliable “family car”. I will NEVER buy a KIA again. My family is still suffering from paying $8K+ to have it “fixed”.
The airbag light would come on and go off randomly while driving. We took it to the dealer several times. I believe repairs were made twice and within days it happened again. The other times it was taken into the dealer, the problem could not be replicated as the light would randomly come on/blink. The airbag light stays on all the time now. I've been told it is dangerous to drive the vehicle while the light is on because the airbags will not deploy should the vehicle get in an accident. The passenger side seatbelt like blinks constantly now whether there is a passenger in the front seat or not. I've been told by Kia that the warranty has expired and any cost associated with the repair of the airbag and seatbelt sensor will be our responsibility. This was an ongoing problem well before the warranty expired.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving, van went to half power with no warning light. Would not go above 15 MPH. It had recently had an oil change at a KIA dealership, but when we took to the shop, the oil was barely existent and foamy. It is undriveable and 3 different mechanics have said it cannot be fixed without a new engine.
OUR VEHICLE HAS THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY LIGHT, ABS, LIGHT ON. IT OVER HEATS IF SITTING STILL. THE COOLING FAN IS NOT WORKING REPLACED THE FUSE RELAY. FOR THE COOLING FAN, STILL NO COOLING FAN. CONSTANTLY FILLING THE COOLANT. IT SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL BUT I DECIDED TO WAIT FOR A PRO TO SEE IF IT IS RECALL RELATED. WHEN THE LIGHT FIRST CAME ON WHILE THE VAN WAS IN MOTION 55 MPH, THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND WENT OFF THREE TIMES FOR STAYING ON. " ABS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, THIS IS WHEN THE OVERHEATING PROBLEM STARTED WHILE IDLING.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and drove forward about the length of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact and the occupants were stranded for an hour. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the starter and informed the contact that the piston or tie rod was fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 222,627.
I have a 2016 kia sedona. Engines on the vehicle have been known to be bad and I already had 1 engine replaced under their extended warranty that covers to 150000 miles after a blown head gasket. I got a new engine 11/2024 however car overheats & coolant leak everywhere&bust hoses. I was told to replace radiator and all cooling/heater hoses, but video show coolant bubbling car still overheating. Replaced one loose hose under warranty. Car overheats again was told to replace relay switch for fan another. Dealer crash my car waited a month for parts and they never repaired damages to my bumper and airbag light. 2 month later car overheats again now coolant spraying into trunk and hose pop again now at heater core. There is no light notice of when car overheating tiil very hot. Or someone tells me my car is smoking by then it is followed by a loud noise and coolant leaking everywhere again. This time the overheating bust the heater core hose in my trunk and was spraying coolant all in trunk while I was getting ready to get of freeway. Very scary. I pulled over just in time for noise and coolant to leak out everything from resovoir again. This is my family car and have 5 kids under 18 and feel very unsafe now. Despite paying for everything kia suggest every 1-2 months they still fail to find cause of overheating and constant hoses breaking or coming loose after the pressure build up and I am scared this car will catch fire or stall one day with my children in car. Already noticed sometime its like car struggles to accelerate despite a supposed new engine but car been constantly overheating even after engine replacement and it also still causes sludge in hose& had 4 coolant flushes in a year and new hoses and now seems people working on car not sure what they doing because I was told I needed new heater hoses 2months later they didn't know my heater core was at back car so didn't replace so this hose burst despite kia recommendation to replace. Please help b4 it too late
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
The Styrofoam is cracked in half on two sides and it's losing pieces when I contacted the manufacturer. They said they were sending me tape and I don't feel that's very safe. That is the only solution they are offering me. This has had a recall previously. They said this is what you've approved as a fix to the recall. I just wanted to check on this because I don't feel it's very safe for me to tape my child car seat back together especially since there's pieces missing chunks and the Styrofoam is completely cracked in half. I could separate the two pieces and they're telling me to tape it back together.
The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he felt the vehicle was bumping and thought there was a flat tire. The ESP fault and low tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle to check the rear passenger tire. While the contact was on the phone with roadside assistance, he noticed there was smoke coming from under the hood then there were flames coming from under the hood. A police report was filed. No medical attention was received. The contact was unaware if the fire department extinguished the fire since he got transported by a bystander to her residence nearby. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFFREY KIA (30900 GRATIOT AVE, ROSEVILLE, MI), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000. *BF UPDATED 8/13/18*JB
SINCE THE LEASE FROM NEMET KIA STARTED IN JUNE 2016 THE EXTERIOR OF WINDSHIELD HAS HAD A FILM THAT SMEARS THE WINDOW AND OBSTRUCTS DRIVER VIEW IN THE RAIN. WHEN DRY THE WINDOW IS CLEAR BUT IN THE RAIN THE FILM BECOMES AN ISSUE. THERE WASN'T MUCH RAIN DURING THE SUMMER SO I DEALT WITH IT HOPING IT WOULD WEAR OFF THROUGH REGULAR USE OF THE WIPERS. I HAVE ALSO CLEANED THE GLASS NUMEROUS TIMES WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS. WHEN THE CAR CAME IN FOR THE FIRST SERVICE IN SEPT. 2016 THE TECH TRIED TO REMOVE THE FILM BUT THEY COULD NOT ADDRESS IT PROPERLY (NOTED ON WORK RECEIPT) AND THE FILM IS STILL THERE. DURING THE HEAVY RAINS OF THE LAST FEW DAYS THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE DUE TO THE SMEARED WINDSHIELD. THE PROBLEM GETS WORSE WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN. KIA DEALER KEPT CAR FROM OCTOBER 11-14 2016 AND ATTEMPTED TO CLEAN WINDOW AND VERIFIED THE PROBLEM REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF WINDSHIELD. AS OF NOVEMBER 21, 2016 THE WINDSHIELD HAS YET TO BE REPLACED. KIA AND DEALER KEEP PUSHING BACK REPLACEMENT DATE AND THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. KIA HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND THEY ASSIGNED THE ISSUE CASE #K3296615.
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
Tire separation on all 4 tires. Cooper Adventure Tour 235/65R17 M+S. DOT U981 1NN 5121 H07R
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SEDONA EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO CRUGEN TIRES, SIZE: 235/65R17 (NA). WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JENKINS KIA OF OCALA (2305 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34471, (352) 414-4553) FOR AN ALIGNMENT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BELTS WERE SEPARATING FROM THE THREAD ON ALL THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE CHANGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,500.
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
On September 28, 2021 we found out the hard way that our minivan's gear shift could be moved from the parked position to reverse, neutral and forward without having the car turned on and without needing to have a foot pressed on the break. While the car was parked (off) on our home's driveway, my three year old and his brother were in the car getting ready to drive to school and my wife was at the door of our house waiting for our other son to come out. In the interim our three year old son got his hands on the shifter and without much effort was able to move the shifter out if the parked position. As a result the van rolled down the driveway with two of my children in it. The vehicle ended up on the street where there was incoming traffic. If it weren't because the car hit the fence, other cars would probably not have stopped and it could have been a worse incident. I've reported incident to Kia on 9/29/21 and was referred to the corporate department. To date 10/14/21 we have yet to get a resolution from Kia and address the incident. They assigned a representative who has yet to provide any concrete guidance and support. My car is not road safe to drive and now I'm left without a family car and traumatized children from this event. I've tested moving the shift gear myself and indeed it moves without having the car on or pressing the break. There were no warning lamps in the car to alert of an issue. The car is at an autoshop pending Kia's inspection but Kia has yet to inspect the vehicle or provide any guidance other than we may need to take the car to a dealership to check something. Autoshop will not touch the car until Kia's tech inspects it. My auto insurance company's adjuster has documented shift gear issue when conducting visual inspection of damages to the car.
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 .