NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Kia Sedona Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 Kia Sedona has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 108 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Kia Sedona, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Kia Sedona owner complaints

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Sedona, describing incidents dated August 25, 2011 to September 23, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 33 complaints
Engine 19 complaints
Structure 18 complaints
Unknown or Other 16 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 11 complaints
Air Bags 9 complaints

Of the 108 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 108 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11768509 · Filed October 2, 2026
The gear shifter is very difficult to move from Park to Reverse to Neutral to Drive. It's very difficult to press in the lever to move in between the gears. I almost had to have to car towed because I was unable to put the car into Park into Reverse and then into Drive. There is something wrong with…
ODI #11751498 · Filed July 20, 2026
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…
ODI #11735079 · Filed May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the engine was damaged while being repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V101000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the dealer was replacing the fuel rail as per the recall remedy, pressure built up, causing a valve…

Read all 108 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2012 Kia Sedona in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE18-003: Air bags may be disabled during crash
Closed August 30, 2019

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel Rail May Crack and Cause Fire

NHTSA #20V101000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Fuel Injection System — Fuel Rail · NHTSA notice

Reported February 21, 2020 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 51,465 vehicles

Repair completion: 52.95% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC188 · Owners notified June 16, 2020 · Vehicles built March 3, 2010 – August 14, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC188.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled

NHTSA #18V363000 · Air Bags — Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 1, 2018 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 507,587 vehicles

Repair completion: 44.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC165 · Owners notified September 28, 2018 · Vehicles built August 12, 2010 – August 14, 2012 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

Safety consequence

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 that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Manufacturer remedy

Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Lower Control Arm Corrosion

NHTSA #16V387000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported June 1, 2016 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 97,884 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC133 · Owners notified July 27, 2016 · Vehicles built June 15, 2005 – August 14, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Safety consequence

A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models. 2008-2012 models will either have their front lower control arms replaced or additional anti-corrosion coating will be applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC133.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch

NHTSA #16V389000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Hood — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported June 1, 2016 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 219,800 vehicles

Repair completion: 50.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC134 · Owners notified July 27, 2016 · Vehicles built June 15, 2005 – April 4, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Safety consequence

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 vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Lower Control Arm Corrosion

NHTSA #13V550000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported November 5, 2013 · Kia Motors Corporation

Potentially affected: 79,867 vehicles

Repair completion: 85.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC100 · Owners notified December 20, 2013 · Vehicles built June 15, 2005 – August 14, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to salty environments.

Safety consequence

A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2012 Kia Sedona VAN FWD

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

14% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

108 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Sedona.

Power Train

ODI #11768509

Incident: September 23, 2026 · Filed: October 2, 2026

The gear shifter is very difficult to move from Park to Reverse to Neutral to Drive. It's very difficult to press in the lever to move in between the gears. I almost had to have to car towed because I was unable to put the car into Park into Reverse and then into Drive. There is something wrong with the gear shifter in the automatic transmission van. I took the car to my independent mechanic and he agreed that the car is very difficult to move through the gears. He suggested I call KIA to see if it was under a recall. I did call KIA and there in no recall for this issue. My mechanic tells me it will cost around $1300 to fix this issue. I feel the car isn't safe because I cannot get it easily into PARK, REVERSE, DRIVE of NEUTRAL.

Electrical System

ODI #11751498

Incident: January 20, 2026 · Filed: July 20, 2026

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 longer operable. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine

ODI #11735079

Incident: March 11, 2026 · Filed: May 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the engine was damaged while being repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V101000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the dealer was replacing the fuel rail as per the recall remedy, pressure built up, causing a valve cover leak, which damaged the oil pressure sensor. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the oil pressure sensor, but the head gaskets were damaged. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced but refused to replace the engine free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.

Electrical System; Structure; Service Brakes

ODI #11694345

Crash

Incident: March 20, 2024 · Filed: October 18, 2025

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 damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even after the master cylinder was repaired. The vehicle is currently sitting at a service station without being serviced for at least 2 months. Kia needs to be responsible and refund for the arm control repair and other related part failures. The electrical system does not work for the windshield wipers or the air conditioner or sliding doors.

Electrical System; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11684328

Incident: October 22, 2024 · Filed: September 1, 2025

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 as there was a leak. I got the same standard reply of leftover uncleaned oil is the cause. Few weeks later I took the van to them and they said they thoroughly cleaned and there won't be any leak. I sent them pictures of oil drops underneth the car like I did on earlier occassions. On August 11th this year they checked the car after my complaint and said there was no active leak. On 30th of this month I sent them the pictures of leaked oil spots which they are going to check on 18th September!. Since I got my first appointment on January 19 2025 I took the vehicle to the dealer 5-6 times. In between I complained to them about failure of door locks and wiper blades. They said they were fine and had no issues. A week ago passenger side door lock stopped working often . I took to a mechanic store run by AAA. Their response after few days was that the electrical system was failing due to bad alternator as the battery got depleted. They recommended me to the dealer again. I was searching google and realised that an oil leak can cause alternator to go bad leading to electric failure and even fire accidents. On [XXX] I noticed red flashing sign of alternator and some other (?) after 2 minutes drive from home. So I immediately turned back and went home and parked the van in the garage and waiting for September 18 for an inspection by the dealer. Last week drove to St Louis from Lexington, after the dealer confirmed there was no oil leak. In all their reports they mentioned vehicle is in good health! Each time when I sent a picture of a leak I requested managers at the receiving desk to park at a clean place and check the leak which they never did. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11634335

Crash

Incident: January 3, 2025 · Filed: January 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to parallel park and gear in drive, the vehicle independently accelerated violently while lightly depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light illuminated. The contact crashed the front of the vehicle into the rear of a parked vehicle where it came to a stop. No police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed however the failure was unable to be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact's wife mentioned that the failure had occasionally occurred in the past but was able to avoid a collision. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer for the previous incidents where it was confirmed that the vehicle performed as normal. The failure mileage was approximately 213,000.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11591671

Incident: May 14, 2024 · Filed: May 31, 2024

Tha backup camera, windshield wipers stopped working. The car would no t go in reverse or drive forward without resistance. Oil began leaking from the engine.

Service Brakes

ODI #11570473

Incident: February 5, 2024 · Filed: February 7, 2024

The auto was diagnosed with a leaking ABS system which is an ongoing problem with this auto maker. The dealership stated there are currently no parts in the US to replace it. Not sure when they will be available. They want to charge me $2900 to buy the part not including labor costs. It seems this model is not currently under recall so I will have to pay. Told me not to drive the car or park it in the garage. They also refuse to give me a loaner car. I am sure this replacement part should be included with the other model recalls. They have a problem and want the consumer to pay. This is a safety issue with ALL their models.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11552507

Incident: October 21, 2023 · Filed: October 29, 2023

Unknown. I've replaced the alternator and battery. The alternator many times and still having lights come on. Mostly the "brake and battery " lights. It's sitting till further notice. Not drive able.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11540724

Incident: August 25, 2023 · Filed: August 25, 2023

Car immobilizer/Theft deterrent - The company is telling me that my KIA's VIN indicated that it does not have the immobilizer/Theft deterrent issue. We drove the car to the dealership with a backup key we made just for unlocking doors. This is a key with no chip or FOB and the car starts and ran fine. This seems to be a clear example of how the immobilizer is not working. However, they refuse to say anything other than the VIN is not on the list. How do I get any help with this? Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Other Kia Sedona model years

Check your 2012 Kia Sedona VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kia Sedona at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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