2020 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 2020 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
- Engine522.7%
- Body & structure522.7%
- Electrical313.6%
- Fuel system29.1%
- Powertrain (other)29.1%
- Tires & wheels14.5%
- Brakes14.5%
- Interior & seats14.5%
- Exterior lighting14.5%
- Other / unspecified14.5%
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
March 2024 just before hitting 100,000 miles I started having oil consumption issues. Current milage is 137,300 About 10,000 miles ago my check engine light came on. I took it to an auto parts store and it was reading bank 1 O2 sensor. I took it for an oil change and never scheduled for the sensor replacement due to life events. I took it in for another service About 5,000 miles ago. At around 2,000 miles after the service the motor started stalling and sounded horrible. I took it to the dealership and it was 4.5 quarts low on oil. Took it back at 1,200 miles after top off and it was 2.5 quarts low. Started the new motor process which wasn't covered on the extended warranty due to manufactur defect. It cost me 500.00. Before the new motor was in my van started getting me stranded places. Motor wouldn't turn over at all. Got it started went to auto parts store and it was reading 4 bad sensors in bank 1 and 2 (O2 and air intake on the motor). Finally got it to KIA for the new motor told them about they sensors they were supposed to check/replace them when they put the new crate motor in. Picked my van up 3 days ago. I asked when they called if the engine light was off. They called me back several hours later and said yes. Picked it up at 5 pm 3 days ago. By 8am the next morning the engine light was back on. It's scheduled for 9am Monday. The van has now gotten me stranded 2 times in 3 days. Auto parts store ran the computer and the same 4 sensors are still showing bad. Sensors are in bank 1 and 2. The report on the old motor showed cylinder 1 and 2 oil fouling on the spark plugs (replaced at 100,000 miles by dealer) and excessive oil leakage in cylinder 1 and 2 into the crank case due to carbon stuck piston rings. I was told before the motor replacement that the KIA cares warranty may not cover these sensors. Even though the sensors are going out because they are gunked up with 7 quarts of oil their motor used and they didn't go out until the issue started.
Check engine light came on all of a sudden. Smell of exhaust/gas coming from car. Took car to the dealership to get the cause of the check engine light coming on. Dealership said it came back 02 sensor bank 2 and exhaust gasket to header.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Paint delaminating due to latent defects.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. While driving approximately 30 MPH on a main road, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally and became difficult to control. The vehicle was driven to a tire shop and then to an independent mechanic. Additionally, the sliding doors failed to open as needed, the steering wheel occasionally seized, there was tread separation in the tires, and the wheels were bent. The mechanic inspected the tires and steering system, performed a safety inspection, and determined that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The tires were replaced, and the wheels were repaired; however, the sliding doors were not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,245.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure recurred when the dealer attempted to test-drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40–45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The contact also stated that the oil level was low after checking the dipstick. The driver's side window was stuck in the down position. The contact depressed the window button, but the window failed to roll up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that there was a leak in the trans axle boot, and the 02 sensor and trans axle boot were replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights and taillights needed to be replaced. The dealer performed an oil pressure test, which indicated that the oil level was a 1/2 quart low. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that there was water inside the headlight housing. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, and the contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted, but there was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Check engine light came on all of a sudden. Smell of exhaust/gas coming from car. Took car to the dealership to get the cause of the check engine light coming on. Dealership said it came back 02 sensor bank 2 and exhaust gasket to header.
I received a letter from Kia America, Inc. extending the warranty on the high pressure fuel pump on my 2020 Kia Sedona. They claim that the fuel control valve plunger may wear unevenly and over time become stuck in the open position. They state different things can happen including stalling. My research found that it can cause stalling at high speeds or in heavy traffic and it may cause a loss of control over the vehicle. ARE THEY TRYING TO AVOID A RECALL. I am [XXX] and this sounds real dangerous. Does a serious accident have to happen before a recall is ordered? i have attached a copy of the letter below. [XXX] cell [XXX] email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
March 2024 just before hitting 100,000 miles I started having oil consumption issues. Current milage is 137,300 About 10,000 miles ago my check engine light came on. I took it to an auto parts store and it was reading bank 1 O2 sensor. I took it for an oil change and never scheduled for the sensor replacement due to life events. I took it in for another service About 5,000 miles ago. At around 2,000 miles after the service the motor started stalling and sounded horrible. I took it to the dealership and it was 4.5 quarts low on oil. Took it back at 1,200 miles after top off and it was 2.5 quarts low. Started the new motor process which wasn't covered on the extended warranty due to manufactur defect. It cost me 500.00. Before the new motor was in my van started getting me stranded places. Motor wouldn't turn over at all. Got it started went to auto parts store and it was reading 4 bad sensors in bank 1 and 2 (O2 and air intake on the motor). Finally got it to KIA for the new motor told them about they sensors they were supposed to check/replace them when they put the new crate motor in. Picked my van up 3 days ago. I asked when they called if the engine light was off. They called me back several hours later and said yes. Picked it up at 5 pm 3 days ago. By 8am the next morning the engine light was back on. It's scheduled for 9am Monday. The van has now gotten me stranded 2 times in 3 days. Auto parts store ran the computer and the same 4 sensors are still showing bad. Sensors are in bank 1 and 2. The report on the old motor showed cylinder 1 and 2 oil fouling on the spark plugs (replaced at 100,000 miles by dealer) and excessive oil leakage in cylinder 1 and 2 into the crank case due to carbon stuck piston rings. I was told before the motor replacement that the KIA cares warranty may not cover these sensors. Even though the sensors are going out because they are gunked up with 7 quarts of oil their motor used and they didn't go out until the issue started.
Oil consumption test failed. Told by dealer the first part of the repair is not covered under the power train warranty because my vehicle is not listed on the list of affected vehicles even though it has the GDI motor that is listed. It's a V6 and not a 4 cylinder and the V6 is not on the list. Dealership in knoxville has done the oil consumption test. Vehicle was bought new in November of 2019 and services have been preformed according to manufacturers recommendation. Van has 104,500 miles on it. Has a 200,000 power train warranty. Kia customer service said it is not covered on the manufacturer warranty because it ends at 100,000 miles. Dealership says its not covered on 200,000 mile power train warranty and Dealership ship isn't responsible because my vehicle and motor are not on the list. I wasn't even aware this was an issue until my van started acting up between oil changes and the oil pressure light came on and the van started stalling. At that time I put 4.5 quarts of oil in it and scheduled the Dealership visit just before 100,000 miles but was told to bring it back if the oil level dropped again. Now it's past 100,000 miles and they didn't register the complaint I made before 100,000 miles. 2nd part of oil consumption test was done today.
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
my new kumo ho7 235-60-r18, tire fell apart on road trip from fl. to wi. had service done in Clarksville tenn. kia dealership on july 12th 2021. tire had to be replaced. odometer read 5,711 now another tire failed replaced jan. 22nd odometer read 11,765
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact was notified by the local Police that the rear brake lights were not illuminating as needed. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Later while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard. The vehicle was immediately towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
NINE TIMES OUT OF TEN THE THIRD ROW SEAT DOESN'T LATCH PROPERLY. USUALLY ONE SIDE WILL LATCH SECURELY AND THE OTHER WON'T. THEN IT GETS STUCK. SUPER DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP. VEHICLE HAS 3600 MILES ON IT NOW AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE PURCHASED IT NEW.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40–45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The contact also stated that the oil level was low after checking the dipstick. The driver's side window was stuck in the down position. The contact depressed the window button, but the window failed to roll up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that there was a leak in the trans axle boot, and the 02 sensor and trans axle boot were replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights and taillights needed to be replaced. The dealer performed an oil pressure test, which indicated that the oil level was a 1/2 quart low. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that there was water inside the headlight housing. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, and the contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted, but there was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
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 contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. While driving approximately 30 MPH on a main road, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally and became difficult to control. The vehicle was driven to a tire shop and then to an independent mechanic. Additionally, the sliding doors failed to open as needed, the steering wheel occasionally seized, there was tread separation in the tires, and the wheels were bent. The mechanic inspected the tires and steering system, performed a safety inspection, and determined that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The tires were replaced, and the wheels were repaired; however, the sliding doors were not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,245.
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 .