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.
40
+2 complaints 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 40 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Kia Sedona, most frequently naming the engine, body & structure and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 65 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

  • Engine1225.5%
  • Fuel system48.5%
  • Powertrain (other)48.5%
  • Electrical48.5%
  • Brakes36.4%
  • Tires & wheels24.3%
  • Exterior lighting24.3%

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

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

Fuel system
Filed Nov 1, 2026

I brought my vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership to complete a mandatory safety recall on the high-pressure fuel pump. The dealership returned the vehicle to me and provided official service paperwork stating that the recall was fully completed. However, the recall work was not performed, and I was permitted to drive away in an unsafe, unrepaired vehicle. Upon discovering the error and returning to the shop, the dealership admitted they had mistakenly replaced the low-pressure fuel pump instead, while falsely logging it under the high-pressure fuel pump recall campaign. They also tried stating the reason it was still driving the way it was because the spark plugs needed replaced. They wanted over 1000$ for spark plugs so I said I’ll take it to another shop to have those repairs done cheaper and when I did the new shop I took it to stated the high pressure fuel pump is needing replaced and I shouldn’t drive it anymore. It was running around 4000 psi just idling. They had it towed to my house for me until I could get it back into Kia and speak to them. This whole time my car smelled like it was burning, it kept stalling and i was having difficulty driving at high speeds and even getting it to go. I was given the run around multiple times at the shop and i was there for four hours just to get my car back in and looked at.

NHTSA ID
11775032
Incident
Oct 24, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2026

This vehicle has been consuming oil at a fast rate. We have had them do oil consumption tests multiple times and each time they tell us it’s considered normal. They have also told us that an oil warning light would come on if it’s too low, but that has never happened. We have had zero warning lights and have had to constantly monitor the oil level and top it off. We have it serviced regularly by the same place. Now, the oil is burning at a faster rate, after driving 700-800 miles round trip, with full oil, it was on the lowest line on the dipstick and we noticed black marks on the garage floor near the exhaust and have heard sounds. Still no warning lights on. We topped the oil off again and have taken it back to the dealership to assess the problem. I have read online that different Kia models have been recalled for this exact same issue. I have been worried that we would end up with major engine problems because of what’s happening and now that could be the case, or worse, having a fire or something when my kids are in the car. This seems to be an issue for multiple Kia vehicles and I’m not sure why the 2019 Sedona hasn’t been included but that is why I’m making this report.

NHTSA ID
11771065
Incident
Oct 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 23, 2026

In 2025 I had my camshaft replaced by Fox Valley VW of [XXX]. They completed work on my camshaft with a misfire notification of cylinders 2, 4 and 6. Most recently, our sedona had a head gasket blow resulting in it needing a full replacement of the long block assembly. This was determined by the Kia Service Center of McGraf Kia on [XXX]. My vehicle has the 3.3L Lambda engine in which Kia extended the warranty on the head bolts and head gaskets. (Kia Campaign WTY035 and [XXX]). During our ownership, my husband and I kept up with all regular maintenance; oil changes with the proper oil, measuring our fluid levels, changing brakes etc. Our coolant never needed to be topped off until our engine stalled and died on a regular drive home. Our engines internal temperature never increased beyond reasonable/expected levels even in the heat of the summer. Our check engine light came on twice during our ownership, during the initial cam shaft repair and now, the blown gasket. My husband was driving the car home from work, as normal, on Wednesday XXX. He came to a full stop, accelerated and heard a pop and the vehicle couldn’t accelerate to full speed. He was able to safely make it home, where it promptly died in our drive when he shifted to “Park”. The camshaft repair is important context because it was a warranty job, so it had to be approved by an insurance agent. The agent deemed our vehicle and engine well maintained and approved the warranty coverage. Our vehicle is now sitting at Kia in [XXX] with a $7600 repair that we, the owners, feel was no fault of our own. Please consider the current extended warranties WTY035 and WTY039 as evidence of the history of this issue and I have attached the past and current invoice and quote, including the detailed notes from the mechanics. Thank you for your consideration at this time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11766468
Incident
Sep 16, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Sep 8, 2026

Dear NHTSA Customer Service Representative, I am writing to file a safety complaint regarding the sliding side doors of a 2019 Kia Sedona operated by our church. Currently, neither side door closes properly, creating a serious safety concern while the vehicle is being driven. Because this vehicle is used for church-related transportation, the safety and proper operation of its doors are especially important. I contacted both an authorized Kia dealership and Kia Customer Care regarding this issue. However, I was informed that the applicable recall covers only vehicles manufactured through the 2018 model year and that my 2019 model is therefore excluded. The problem initially developed in one of the sliding doors approximately three years ago. At that time, I took the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership, but I was not informed of any recall involving this type of door malfunction. The dealership performed only a routine repair or adjustment. Afterward, we used the vehicle cautiously and avoided using the affected door whenever possible. The same problem has now affected both sliding doors. Although our vehicle is one model year newer, it appears to have the same type of sliding-door system, and the malfunction is identical to the problem addressed by the recall. Therefore, I believe this vehicle may have the same safety-related defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter and consider whether the existing recall should be expanded to include affected 2019 Kia Sedona vehicles. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety concern. I would appreciate your review and guidance regarding the appropriate next steps. Sincerely,

NHTSA ID
11762840
Incident
Sep 5, 2023
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

Manufacturer communications

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

SC365_OWNR_YP

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC365) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting an important Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations on the 2019-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from January 24, 2018 through October 26, 2020 and 2019-2021 MY Sedona vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2018 through July 8, 2020 equipped with 3.3L GDI engines.

SC365_STKR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

SC365_STKR: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION LABEL/STICKER

SC365_DPSM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC365) - This document is the announcement to dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting an important Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations on the 2019-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from January 24, 2018 through October 26, 2020 and 2019-2021 MY Sedona vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2018 through July 8, 2020 equipped with 3.3L GDI engines.

SC365_DP

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC365) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting an important Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations on the 2019-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from January 24, 2018 through October 26, 2020 and 2019-2021 MY Sedona vehicles manufactured from February 13, 2018 through July 8, 2020 equipped with 3.3L GDI engines.

SC365_QA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC365) – This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign SC365.

SC365_POC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

SC365_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD

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
2021100047.9
2020201040.6
2019Viewing402060.4
2018493059.2
20171344058.9
20162974165.3
20151403054.7
2014401154.5
2013010—
20121085159.1
2011656161.0
2010325059.4
2009485055.2
20081705052.5
20071576052.1
20063857050.7
20051852051.4
20041762358.8
20031634464.8
20021983361.3

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.