Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 170 of 170 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 134 of 170 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
45 complaint records7 fire reports1 crash report
"INTERMITTENT NO START NO CRANK ISSUE. THE RESEARCH I'VE DONE SHOWS IT IS A FAULTY JUNCTION BOX DUE TO ANTITHEFT SYSTEM NOT WORKING CORRECTLY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Speed control
38 complaint records1 crash report
"2008 KIA SEDONA 47000 MILES. LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND CHECK ENGINE AND ESC LIGHT COME ON. VAN COAST TO A STOP AND AFTER I SHUT OFF THE IGNITION IT CRANKS BACK UP AND IS FINE BUT IT DOES THIS ALOT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Body & structure
25 complaint records
"SLIDING DOORS GET STUCK SHUT, AND UNABLE TO OPEN THEM EVEN UNLOCKING THEM MANUALLY DOES NOT HELP, HAVING TO PULL HANDLES SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THEM TO OPEN..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V088000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short. | Normally free |
| 16V389000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. | Normally free |
| 16V387000 | Suspension | 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,... | Normally free |
| 13V550000 | Suspension | 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,... | Normally free |
| 13V114000 | Exterior Lighting | Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020064 2020-02-19 | Brakes | 15,238 | Issue: On certain vehicles, moisture can enter the brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) and cause a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. This can happen even if the vehicle is parked. |
| 2016273 2016-06-02 | Suspension | 14,091 | On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front control arms, which may ultimately lead to control arm failure. This could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. |
| 2016274 2016-06-02 | Structure | 23,397 | On certain vehicles, the secondary hood latch could corrode, and may result in the mechanical binding of the latch. This could cause the secondary hood latch to remain in the open position when the hood is closed. |
| 2013388 2013-11-06 | Suspension | 16,432 | On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front control arms, which may ultimately lead to control arm failure. This could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. |
| 2013324 2013-09-25 | Electrical | 39,054 | On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 2021 | Exterior Lighting | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_BOD051_CLSD May 2021 | Electrical System | TSB_BOD051_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED | |
| DOR-M3J3F-07 Jun 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. | |
| DOR-M9J4S-07 Jun 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. | |
| TSB_TRA046_R1 Apr 2020 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. |
Show 27 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS539 Mar 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. | |
| TSBBOD107R1 Jun 2017 | Structure | TSB: FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN CHANNEL REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information on some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from June 15, 2005 through May 06, 2013, which may experience wind noise coming from the front door window/door frame area, at highway speeds, and/or glass... | |
| TSB-GEN085R1 Jan 2017 | Equipment | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? | |
| TSB-GEN085 Nov 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. | |
| PS266R1 Sep 2016 | Equipment | PITSTOP: HVAC RECEIVER/DRYER - DESICCANT REPLACEMENT - IN THE EVENT OF A HVAC SYSTEM CONCERN IN WHICH METAL PARTICLES OR SHARDS HAVE CONTAMINATED THE SYSTEM, THE DESICCANT OR THE ENTIRE A/C RECEIVER/DRYER ASSEMBLY MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. | |
| PS443 Apr 2016 | Electrical System | TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. | |
| PS382 Mar 2015 | Exterior Lighting | PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIFYING THE CORRECT SWITCHES WHILE... | |
| TSB-BOD107 Aug 2014 | Structure | TSB: COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION: FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN CHANNEL REPLACEMENT (SA167) - This bulletin provides information on some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from June 15, 2005 through May 06, 2013, which may experience wind noise coming from the front door window/door frame... | |
| 107 Aug 2014 | Structure | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| PS306 Jun 2014 | Equipment | PITSTOP: SECOND ROW SEAT RELEASE MECHANISM INOPERATIVE - When diagnosing a concern relating to a difficult to release or inoperative second row seat tumble feature, review this Article for instructions. | |
| SC102 Jun 2014 | Unknown Or Other | APPLICATION OF PREVENTATIVE ANTI CORROSION MATERIAL REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM AND SUSPENSION. 06/03/2014*LJ | |
| VOLUME 17 ISS 4 Jan 2014 | Equipment | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| TSBTRA046 Dec 2013 | Power Train | TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. | |
| SC-102 Dec 2013 | Suspension | KIA: REVISED PROCEDURE ON APPLYING ADDITIONAL ANTI CORROSION MATERIAL TO SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER AND REAR LOWER CONTROL ARMS, ON SOME VEHICLES. MODEL 2006-2012 SEDONA. *PE | |
| SC-101 Dec 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | KIA: PROCEDURE INFORMATION REGARDING THE FRONT HEATER PIPE ASSEMBLY NEEDING REPLACING DUE POSSIBLE CORROSION FORMING ON HEATER PIPE, PREVENTING HEATER PIPE TO FAIL AND NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. MODEL 2006-2010 SEDONA. *PE | |
| TSB-BOD101R1 Nov 2013 | Visibility | TSB: FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN CHANNEL REPLACEMENT -This bulletin provides information on some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from June 15, 2005 to May 06, 2013, which may experience wind noise coming from the sides of the windshield, at highway speeds, and/or glass run channel... | |
| TSBBOD095 Mar 2013 | Equipment | TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. | |
| PS238 Jan 2013 | Electrical System | PITSTOP: AUDIBLE TONE FROM BACK-UP ASSIST ALWAYS ON - IF YOU ENCOUNTER A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT RELATING TO THE AUDIBLE TONE FROM THE BACK-UP ASSIST FEATURE REMAINING ON AT ALL TIMES, INSPECT THE SENSORS IN THE REAR BUMPER FOR POSSIBLE COLLISION DAMAGE CAUSING A SHORT IN THE SENSOR. | |
| PS-211 May 2012 | Engine | KIA: DUE TO DESIGN OF DRAIN HOLES IN VALLEY OF LAMBDA V6 ENGINES, A MISDIAGNOSE OF A POSSIBLE OIL LEAK SOURCE IN REAR MAIN SEAL OR OIL PAN, WHEN ACTUAL LEAKS COMING FROM ENGINE VALLEY,OIL FILTER HOUSING, OIL PRESSURE SWITCH, AND/OR GASKETS. *PE | |
| TSB-071 Nov 2010 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | KIA: THE SLIDING DOOR LATCHES CAN STICK FROM DEBRIS IF IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED. *RM | |
| TSB-061 REV 1 Jul 2010 | Power Train | KIA: PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) SYSTEM RELATED DTC(S). *PE | |
| TSB-024 Jun 2010 | Suspension | KIA: REAR COIL SPRING LOWER TUBE REPLACEMENT. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS WHEN TRAVELING ON A ROUGH ROAD OR WHEN CORNERING. *PE | |
| TSB-044 Nov 2009 | Electrical System | KIA: ECM UPGRADE WITH TP SENSOR REPLACEMENT-MIL ON WITH DTC P2135/P0638. INFORMATION RELATED TO ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC)... | |
| TSB-048 Sep 2009 | Electrical System | KIA: POWER SLIDING DOOR REMOE CONTROLLER MOTOR REPLACEMENT. ON SOME VEHICLES, A POWER SLIDING DOOR (PSD) MAY NOT OPEN WHEN USING AN OVERHEAD CONSOLE SWITCH, B PILLAR SWITCH OR REMOTE CONTROL BUTTON. *PE | |
| TSB-022 May 2009 | Equipment | KIA: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY LABEL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY (LCC) WHEN CERTAIN ACCESSORIES ARE ADDED TO A COMPLETED VEHICLE PRI0R TO FIRST RETAIL SALE. *PE | |
| KT-2009042201 Apr 2009 | Electrical System | KIA: ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES, THE ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 OR P0638 OR P2A00 OR P2A03. *PE | |
| KT-2008082201 Aug 2008 | Parking Brake | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Sedona →