VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Sedona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2019 Kia Sedona is among the quieter years of the Sedona on NHTSA's books: 45 complaints (72% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), body & structure (8), and transmission (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

45

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Sedona years?

Sedona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sedona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Sedona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine920%
Body & Structure818%
Electrical System49%
Transmission49%
Other37%
Brakes37%
Fuel System37%
Tires & Wheels37%
Steering24%
Airbags24%
Lighting24%
Speed Control12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2019 Kia Sedona have recalls?

2 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.

19V207000Seat BeltsMarch 18, 2019 · 197 units

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."

Consequence

A seat belt that cannot be properly used increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 70 mph up a hill, he heard an abnormal noise, and then the vehicle was seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the size of the vehicle and when exiting the vehicle felt heat…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 30, 2021 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 1, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 20, 2019

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 23, 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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 23, 2024

2019 Kia Sedona — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Sedona reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 45 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sedona year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2019 Sedona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Sedona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 Kia Sedona?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 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.