Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2012 Kia Sedona is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 5 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 146 owner complaints run below the Sedona median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (32), engine (19), and body & structure (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
146
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
1
Investigations
8
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 32 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 19 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 18 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Other | 17 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 11 | 8% | — flat |
| Airbags | 9 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Driver Assistance | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC188.
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Consequence
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Defect
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Consequence
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134.
Defect
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 and originally sold in, or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Consequence
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models. 2008-2012 models will either have their front lower control arms replaced or additional anti-corrosion coating will be applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC133.
Defect
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 originally sold in, or currently registered in Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to salty environments.
Consequence
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to…”
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that after driving 70 MPH, and pulling into a parking lot, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and upon opening the hood of the vehicle, he saw that the engine compartment was on fire.…”
“While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to…”
“LAST SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2018, SEDONA WAS ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVER WAS WITH HER CHILDREN. ONWER SAW A HUGE SMOKE AFTER SHE LOOKED AT DASHBOARD TEMPATURE GUAGE THAT REACHED OVERHEAT, QUICKLY PARKED, TURNED IT OFF, AND OPENED THE HOOD. SHE SMELLED STRONG BURNED. MECHANIC TOOK A LOOK AT ENGINE AND…”
“CAR WAS DELIVERED TO KIA OF SOUTH AUSTIN FOR REPAIR AS PER SC165A (AIRBAG RECALL) AND FOR SC188 (FUEL RAIL RECALL) ON MONDAY MAY 25TH. DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS A FUEL LEAK AT THE FUEL RAIL LOCATION. DEALER WAS INSTRUCTED BY KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA TO DISABLE THE CAR UNTIL A REMEDY IS AVAILABLE.…”
It is close to typical for the Sedona: 146 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (32 complaints), engine (19 complaints), body & structure (18 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Kia Sedona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sedona years to avoid are 2006, 2016, 2002, 2005, 2008. The cleanest record among Sedona years belongs to 2013.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.