repaired · 2022 Q1
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.
2012 Kia SedonaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 108 owner complaints about the 2012 Kia Sedona, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-101 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Kia Sedona has problems
108 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
33Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
18Engine2 crash/fire/injury
18Structure3 crash/fire/injury
9Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
8Power train
7Service brakes
7Fuel/propulsion system
7Vehicle speed control
4Steering
2112 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 33 | 4 |
| Engine | 18 | 2 |
| Structure | 18 | 3 |
| Air bags | 9 | 3 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 1 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 21 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2012 Kia Sedona recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2017 Q4
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Hood: latch
Risk. 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…
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2015 Q1
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
72kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 25 electrical system complaints. 68% were reported before 100,000 miles.
4under 30k miles17under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Sedona year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sedona median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Kia Sedona safety ratings
2012 Kia Sedona VAN FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (13.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Kia Sedona, and the recalls they led to.
- Air bags may be disabled during crashLed to recall 18E-043
In owners' words
What Sedona owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the battery drained unexpectedly, and the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced twice, and the vehicle was temporarily repaired. The contact’s son replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was no…
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…
There is a continuous leakage of oil from my van even after the dealer replaced valve cover gasket. When I complained they said it was the leftover oil. After a month again I complained. Then they re-checked and said it is my car's timing cover reseal leaking. Again after few days I had to complain…
Own a 2012 Sedona?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.