Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Kia Sedona
The 2016 Kia Sedona has a number of recalls, including a major one affecting the transmission shift lever that can lead to rollaway accidents. Other notable issues include electrical system failures and problems with the power sliding doors not reversing upon obstruction. Overall, these concerns should be carefully assessed during a pre-purchase inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Kia Sedona has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 297 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V612000 Vehicle Rollaway from Faulty Shift Lever Assembly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V725000 Turn Signal May Activate in Wrong Direction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V109000 Occupant Detection System Wire Harness May Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V338000 Power Sliding Door may not Auto-Reverse NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 148 complaints
- Electrical System 46 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 37 complaints
- Unknown or Other 32 complaints
- Structure 25 complaints
- Air Bags 19 complaints
Of the 297 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 297 complaints, owners report 10 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Shift lever won't lock
How to check: Test shift lever by attempting to move without pressing brakes
Turn signal misfires
How to check: Test turn signals for correct direction
ODS wiring break under seat
How to check: Inspect under passenger seat for wiring damage
Power sliding door fails to reverse
How to check: Test power sliding door reversal feature
Engine complaints reported
How to check: Listen for unusual noises, check for leaks
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or hesitation
Red flag: Knocking noises or hard start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Watch for engine vibrations or warning lights
Red flag: Check engine light on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test power sliding door auto-reverse
Red flag: No reversal upon obstruction
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration without hesitation
Red flag: Hesitation or stuttering during acceleration
- 05
Parking
What to check: Test shift lever movement for lock status
Red flag: Shift lever moves without restriction
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the shift lever recall been addressed?
- Any electrical issues or flickering lights?
- Power sliding doors functioning normally?
- Has the wiring under passenger seat been checked?
- Any recent transmission problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full vehicle service history
- Proof of recall repairs
- Accident and repair history
- Title and registration documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Kia Sedona at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Kia Sedona? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.