VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Sedona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Kia Sedona sits mid-pack among Sedona years: 62 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 163, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

62

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Sedona years?

Sedona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted579 complaints2002: 328 complaints2003: 214 complaints2004: 226 complaints2005: 272 complaints2006: 579 complaints2007: 234 complaints2008: 246 complaints2009: 75 complaints2010: 49 complaints2011: 87 complaints2012: 146 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 54 complaints2015: 177 complaints2016: 366 complaints2017: 180 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 45 complaints2020: 26 complaints2021: 15 complaints
Sedona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sedona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kia Sedona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2032%
Electrical System1016%
Airbags610%
Tires & Wheels35%
Other35%
Body & Structure35%
Seats23%
Fuel System23%
Brakes23%
Transmission23%
Lighting23%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Driver Assistance12%
Latches & Locks12%
Seat Belts12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2018 Kia Sedona have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V031000AirbagsJanuary 25, 2022 · 410,619 units

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.

Consequence

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

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.

19V109000Electrical SystemFebruary 19, 2019 · 94,389 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.

Consequence

If a child is in a child seat in the front seat, a broken ODS wiring harness will not prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the child.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent the wiring harness from breaking. If the harness is found damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC175.

18V338000Electrical SystemMay 23, 2018 · 106,428 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.

Consequence

If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“10 mile drive to town. On return home, smoke began pouring from the engine compartment. Within 3-4 minutes flames came from grill area, and within 15 minutes entire car was engulfed in flames. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 18, 2024 · fire

“My Daughter was driving my Kia Sedona Van - distracted and on wet roads ran into a firehydrant and pole. During the accident, the Air Bags did not employ. The Passenger fell forward and broke the windshield with her head, leading to a Concucussion. We are thankful for two Children who are alive…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 27, 2023 · crash

“My Daughter was driving my Kia Sedona Van - distracted and on wet roads ran into a firehydrant and pole. During the accident, the Air Bags did not employ. The Passenger fell forward and broke the windshield with her head, leading to a Concucussion. We are thankful for two Children who are alive…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 27, 2023 · crash

“2 OF THE 4 KUMHO CRUGEN PREMIUM 235/60R18 TIRES ON OUR KIA SEDONA HAVE HAD TREAD SEPARATION. 21,000 MILES ON THE CAR SO FAR. CAR WAS IN MOTION AND EXPERIENCED RATTLING AND SHAKING EACH TIME.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 24, 2020

“My Daughter was driving my Kia Sedona Van - distracted and on wet roads ran into a firehydrant and pole. During the accident, the Air Bags did not employ. The Passenger fell forward and broke the windshield with her head, leading to a Concucussion. We are thankful for two Children who are alive…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 27, 2023 · crash

2018 Kia Sedona — common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Sedona reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 62 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sedona year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Sedona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (20 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).

Does the 2018 Kia Sedona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Kia Sedona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Sedona years should you avoid?

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.

How safe is the 2018 Kia Sedona?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Kia Sedona earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.