2016 Kia Sedona: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 291 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (48% of complaints); the 2014 and 2015 and 2017 and 2018 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Aug 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 291 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The Styrofoam is cracked in half on two sides and it's losing pieces when I contacted the manufacturer. They said they were sending me tape and I don't feel that's very safe. That is the only solution they are offering me. This has had a recall previously. They said this is what you've approved as a fix to the recall. I just wanted to check on this because I don't feel it's very safe for me to tape my child car seat back together especially since there's pieces missing chunks and the Styrofoam is completely cracked in half. I could separate the two pieces and they're telling me to tape it back together.”Owner report · Insert, Padding · Jul 2026
“While driving car gas tank blew a hole and started on fire. Car then lost power while on fire while I was in traffic, luckily I was able to cut into a parking lot and people that were in traffic with me call 911. Fire department confirmed there was a hole in gas tank which sits right underneath driver side. Fire was only contained to where the gas tank and lines are. I have pictures.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2026
“Oil was changed and within a month was completely dried with no visible leak and without any warning or lights the engine shut off while driving and seized Turner Kia performed a thorough diagnostic and determined that will cost $13,508.90 to replace the engine.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Engine failure due to loud knocking as a result if high oil consumption. No warning lights ever. Needs replacement. Regular maintenance records available. Original owner with only 63900 miles in less than 10 years. Vehicle supposed to be under powertrain warranty (10 years/ 100000 miles). Kia and dealership keep denying warranty claim despite providing all records to prove regular maintenance.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,000. It was later discovered upon checking a Carfax Report that the mileage was 187,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2026
“The front passenger seat, occupant detection system wiring harness was never repaired by the dealer I had taken the vehicle to the dealer several years ago and he gave me a $8000 estimate to replace the electrical system!”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2026
“Since the day a bought the car I have had to constantly deal with oil leaks and burning up oil. We had to check the vehicle every Sunday for oil replacement. The vehicle on one day just stopped in the middle of the street. It had a complete engine failure. I had to pay thousands of dollars. I contacted Kia with out help. They claim my vehicle was not part of their class action settlement of engine failure. And I can't sell the car because all mechanics know the engine is trash and the vehicle is worth nothing. And Kia won't help at all.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“Engine started knocking loosing power just like our 4cylinder GDI engine. These engines are also not safe to be operating”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
“With a 140000 miles and the timing chain and component already failing my mechanic told it could die anytime soon local or on the highway”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
“The Sedona just stopped in traffic with out warning with my kids in the van. No type or warning lights came on. I had recently got an oil change and tune up. I almost caused an accident. It was extremely scary. I am thankful no one was hurt. I had to pay for a tow and come to find out the engine is locked . The machine started it had very low oil. Which makes no sense since it hadn't even been 7 days since my oil was changed .”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC246.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sedona by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Kia Sedona reliable?
NHTSA has 291 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Kia Sedona. The most complained-about area is engine (48% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Sedona problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,000 miles or less.
Does the 2016 Kia Sedona have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:turn signal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.