RoadVitals

2019 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.
38
Latest Sep 23, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 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

  • Engine1124.4%
  • Powertrain (other)48.9%
  • Electrical48.9%
  • Fuel system36.7%
  • Brakes36.7%
  • Tires & wheels24.4%
  • Exterior lighting24.4%
  • Steering24.4%
  • Airbags24.4%
  • Seat belts12.2%
  • Other / unspecified12.2%
  • Driver assistance12.2%

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.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 23, 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 · filed Aug 6, 2026
All 11 reports naming engine →

Body & structure

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

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 8, 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 · filed Apr 28, 2026
All 9 reports naming body & structure →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE JERKED OR HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING, WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PERFORM HARD DOWNSHIFTS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAGERSTOWN KIA (10307 AUTO PL, HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740) WHERE A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TWICE AND NO REMEDIES WERE PERFORMED AFTER EACH VISIT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000.

NHTSA ID 11383081 · filed Dec 11, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND SPUTTERED AND JERKED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PITRE KIA (9640 EAGLE RANCH RD. NORTHWEST ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87114, 877-468-0639) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN WITHOUT ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.

NHTSA ID 11364624 · filed Oct 16, 2020

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

Electrical

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

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 18, 2026

I have needed to replace the drivers side brake light almost every 3 months. I have seen many Kia Sedonas with that brake light out

NHTSA ID 11567730 · filed Jan 25, 2024

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

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 · filed Jun 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving, he became aware of a strong and unpleasant fuel odor that made him and his granddaughter sick. The contact stated that the check engine warning light flashed on and off several times. The vehicle was taken on several occasions to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak and several parts related to the fuel leak failure were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the failure had been for a year and the dealer had not been able to repair the vehicle properly. The vehicle was also inspected by an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure and stated that the exhaust was very hot which could cause a fire. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID 11590999 · filed May 28, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On [XXX] at [XXX] the following incident happen with my 2019 KIA Sedona. The ABS and Traction Control Warning lights came ON when I applied the brakes when approaching a 4 way stop sign intersection, I heard a loud grinding sound from the back of the Sedona. The Sedona took longer to come to a stop, a full vehicle length past the stop bar. I was put at risk by the Sedona being in the intersection, instead of stopping at the stop bar. After clearing the intersection, I pulled over the Sedona, turned it off and then restarted it. Both the ABS and Traction Control Lights came back ON. I called the Jackson Kia Dealer in Cocoa Florida and got an answering machine for the service department. I left a message letting them know about the alarm lights and that I had already has at least 2 ABS modules replaced. I asked for an appointment as soon as possible to fix the problem. I had been told previously by KIA that it was safe to drive, but that I would have manual brakes in the rear and to apply breaks earlier, plus get the Sedona in for repair at the next opportunity for an appointment. As of yet the dealership has not seen the Sedona to diagnose the exact problem and cause. This is when these systems first appeared, and I had no other indications of a problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11619808 · filed Oct 15, 2024

I have needed to replace the drivers side brake light almost every 3 months. I have seen many Kia Sedonas with that brake light out

NHTSA ID 11567730 · filed Jan 25, 2024

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

TIRE SEZE 235/60 R 18 103H - Tires are original equipment on our 2019 KIA Sedona. Only 16000 miles on tires. Had vehicle to dealership a few weeks before incident and tires rotated and tires were OK. Did a family trip from New Jersey to Florida. On the way home vehicle started shaking really bad. Hard to control vehicle. This was during the night driving at high speed on interstate I-95. I got out and looked at vehicle at rest stops in the middle of the night and saw nothing wrong...so I slowed down to minimum speed all the way home from North Carolina to our home in Cherry Hill NJ. Took vehicle to dealer and was informed that there was a problem with tire. Uneven Cupping around the bead of the wheel. Tried to balance. Tire was not mounting properly on rim. Rim is not bent or uneven. Tried to contact Kumho and opened an incident but was told my KIA dealer had to provide information, which they did, however Kumho refused to help out with the cost of the new tire ($261.67). I could have had a serious accident on the way home with a tire that only had 16000 miles on it. I am still in possession of the tire if you need to see it

NHTSA ID 11515386 · filed Apr 4, 2023

Tires were manufactured on 41st week of 2018 equipped as OE tires on my 2019 kia Sedona. All 4 tires has started to developed dry rot way before the tread is even at 50 percent. I'm located in Bay area (northern California) and the weather is non extreme (no snow, no triple digit heat) and the tires already show defects. Contacted kumho about issue and they gave me a runaround, instructing me to visit kia dealership to confirm the tires is dry rotted. Kia did confirm the tire is dry rotted and provided a work order stating this fact. Kumho at first deny the claim stating that it has pass the 4 year manufacturer warranty which is not true due to tire were manufactured on 41st week of 2018 as stated on the tire sidewall. After bringing the fact and evidence to BBB, kumho agreed to accept the warranty, but now are delaying the process for unknown reason. The vehicle is still equipped with the unsafe tires that I transport my family in.

NHTSA ID 11470427 · filed Jun 22, 2022

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

Exterior lighting

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I have needed to replace the drivers side brake light almost every 3 months. I have seen many Kia Sedonas with that brake light out

NHTSA ID 11567730 · filed Jan 25, 2024

I had to replace the left brake light 4 times already. I see other Kia Sedonas that have the same brake light out all the time.

NHTSA ID 11522140 · filed May 15, 2023

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

BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR AT 20 MILES ON ODOMETER. WHILE DRIVING HOME STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING BADLY. I WAS SURPRISED TO FEEL THIS SINCE IT IS A BRAND NEW CAR. I WENT TO SERVICE NEXT DAY THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH TIRES OR SUSPENSION AND WAS TOLD THIS IS HOW THIS CAR DESIGN TO DRIVE. I WAS TOLD THAT IF THERE IS KNOW VISIBLE ISSUE WITH THE TIRES KIA WOULD NOT REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. NOW I'M STUCK WITH THIS BRAND NEW CAR THAT DRIVES LIKE 10 YEARS OLD CAR.

NHTSA ID 11287729 · filed Dec 8, 2019

2019 KIA SEDONA WITH 2600 MILES ON IT, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE ROAD, IT HAS EXTREME ALIGNMENT ISSUES WANTING TO GO TO THE LEFT, ALMOST CAUSED 3 DIFFERENT ACCIDENTS PUTTING MY LIFE AND MY FAMILY'S LIFE IN DANGER. IN ORDER TO KEEP THE THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT, YOU REALLY HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTLY.

NHTSA ID 11192764 · filed Mar 31, 2019

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

Airbags

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 12, 2026

Side impact airbag didn't deploy causing head injury to driver. Van was hit at high speed by impaired driver who ran a red light. Van has hit from the driver's side in the engine compartment just in front of the driver. The engine was basically laying in the street after the impact.

NHTSA ID 11592169 · filed Jun 3, 2024

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

Passenger side seat belt don’t want to click in contacted don franklin kia and they stated they couldn’t fix it until there was a recall

NHTSA ID 11582848 · filed Apr 14, 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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR AT 20 MILES ON ODOMETER. WHILE DRIVING HOME STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING BADLY. I WAS SURPRISED TO FEEL THIS SINCE IT IS A BRAND NEW CAR. I WENT TO SERVICE NEXT DAY THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH TIRES OR SUSPENSION AND WAS TOLD THIS IS HOW THIS CAR DESIGN TO DRIVE. I WAS TOLD THAT IF THERE IS KNOW VISIBLE ISSUE WITH THE TIRES KIA WOULD NOT REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. NOW I'M STUCK WITH THIS BRAND NEW CAR THAT DRIVES LIKE 10 YEARS OLD CAR.

NHTSA ID 11287729 · filed Dec 8, 2019

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION WHICHEVER WHICH ONE IT IS I DO NOT KNOW I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 5 OR MORE TIMES THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR THE OR THEY SAY IT'S OPERATING AS ASSIGNED HOW'S THE CAR OPERATING AS DESIGNED WHEN THE VEHICLE SOON AS YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR AT BUCKS IT JERKS IT HESITATES TO GO AND THAT ONE THAT GOES IT TAKES OFFIT ALSO DOES THE SAME THING WHEN SLOWING DOWN IN A BUCK LITTLE JERK AND THEN DOWNSHIFT VERY HARD THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING DURING CERTAIN CONDITIONS

NHTSA ID 11348473 · filed Aug 10, 2020

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 .