RoadVitals

2019 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.
36
+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.
2
Latest Jan 25, 2022
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.
3
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 36 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Kia Sedona, most frequently naming the engine, body & structure and powertrain (other) categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 58 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

  • Engine1023.3%
  • Powertrain (other)49.3%
  • Electrical49.3%
  • Fuel system37.0%
  • Brakes37.0%
  • Tires & wheels24.7%
  • Exterior lighting24.7%

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

2 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

AIR BAGS

Jan 25, 2022
410,619 units potentially affected
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
Kia Motors AmericaManufacturer number SC226View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Mar 18, 2019
197 units potentially affected
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sedona vehicles equipped with an 8-passenger seat arrangement. The seat belt buckle for the second-row middle seat may have been improperly installed on the wrong side of the seat, preventing the proper use of the 3-point seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: A seat belt that cannot be properly used increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt installation, and reinstall the seat belt buckle to the correct side if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia 's number for this recall is SC177.
Kia Motors AmericaManufacturer number SC177View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Aug 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine head bolts had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition coil had failed. The ignition coil and spark plug seals were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.

NHTSA ID
11755275
Incident
Jun 18, 2026
Mileage
146,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jun 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the heat and A/C control knobs had melted twice, and the contact had purchased and personally replaced the entire control panel. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the low-pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors were replaced on separate occasions. However, the failure recurred while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, after the repair, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds. Additionally, the contact stated that the abnormally strong fuel odor had worsened. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved, and the contact was advised to pick up the vehicle. The contact expressed safety concerns that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID
11745095
Incident
Jun 18, 2024
Mileage
40,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 28, 2026

Both sliding doors will not open using door buttons. Both doors stopped latching on their own before this occurred. Needed to push doors manually for the door to latch.

NHTSA ID
11734427
Incident
Apr 28, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Apr 18, 2026

Driver's side power sliding door stopped latching and alarms, but doesn't hinder the vehicle from moving. This is an obvious safety risk, especially when our kids sit in the back next to that door. Evidence indicates that this was a known issue for the previous years of this vehicle, but the recall didn't include 2019 models, even though the issue looks to be the same.

NHTSA ID
11732039
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Airbags
Filed Mar 12, 2026
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle was suddenly rear-ended when the other vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the vehicle was pushed into the vehicle in front. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. After the impact, the contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The paramedics evaluated everyone at the scene of the accident. The contact and his family were not injured. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. A lawyer was contacted, and the lawyer would inform the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11723849
Incident
Mar 9, 2026
Mileage
75,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 6, 2026

Sliding doors have an issue where the car alarms like the doors aren’t shut. Took it in and paid a diagnostic for them to tell me a sensor was bad, it still beeps. Seems to beep more when turning away from that door (driver sliding door beeps more when turning right or when stopping, passenger beeps more when turning left or stopping). This was a problem with previous generation to where the warranty was extended and seems a decent amount of complaints for this model are related to the same.

NHTSA ID
11709206
Incident
Nov 5, 2025
Engine
Filed Dec 20, 2025

My 2019 kia sedona showed the exact same symptoms for the oil pressure switch recall red oil light on the dash and a leaking oil pressure switch.2010 to 2018 sedona why was the 2019 model not added to the list

NHTSA ID
11706319
Incident
Dec 19, 2025
Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2025

Oil consumption high and engine needs to be replaced after 75k miles.

NHTSA ID
11693240
Incident
Oct 10, 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.

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.

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)

PS797

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating distance based on the difference in signal transmission and reception times between the vehicle (ultrasonic sensor) and an object. The membrane film of the ultrasonic sensor is used for object detention and can be damaged by stone chips or foreign substances while driving. Damage to the cover of the ultrasonic sensor can also lead to damage to the internal circuit. As a result of this external damage, the PDW system may not receive the proper signal from the ultrasonic sensor. In some cases, the system may cause a false alarm, no alert, or phantom warnings by a “Warning Lamp’ to be displayed on the cluster. The ultrasonic sensor membrane film should be always inspected for external damage and if any part replacement should be treated as a general repair, not as a warranty claim repair for this concern. (Please note that this Pitstop only applies to models/trims that are equipped with the ultrasonic sensors.)

TSB_TRA046_R5

POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - 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 relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.

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
2019Viewing362060.0
2018483059.9
20171314059.5
20162914166.5
20151373055.7
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.