Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Kia Sedona owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sedona. The vehicle was bought used close to four years ago. The contact was unaware that the vehicle had received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 16V389000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), and 16V387000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, an abnormal pop sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke was emitting from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the heat gauge was rising. The contact pulled to the side of the road when a passerby ran up to the contact's vehicle and informed the contact that flames were visible under the vehicle. The passerby stated that he followed the contact for about a mile, honking and waving to notify the contact of the fire. The contact and child immediately exited the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona LX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and stated that while powered off, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when the hood was opened, fire erupted from the engine compartment. The contact extinguished the fire. No police report or fire report was made available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
I obtained this vehicle from a relative in Ohio. They tried twice to have the recall repaired and twice they showed for an appointment to find out parts were not available. I bought and brought the car to Florida. I started the same process here with Daytona Kia {[phone]}. I have had 2 appointments. The first on 8/31/2021 I cancelled having called the day before to be told the part was not in. As I was not communicated with despite being told I would be called, I initiated another effort in October. After being assured the part was in I made an appointment for November 20, 2021. That Saturday morning I sat in their waiting room for 1 1/2 hours just to be finally told the part was not in and they would inform me when it was. Parts still backordered.
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V389000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Auto dealer fraud 8/3 2024 dealership sold me a title washed lemon with major safety hazards Defective unrepairable components Discovered later after purchase P0885 limp mode Fire hazard the vehicle may catch on fire when parked Went back to the dealership that I purchased from for a P0885 on December 4 2024 Returned Back to me march 18 2025 with a blown motor I asked the tow truck driver to be a witness to me firing up the vehicle for documentation Rey Prado of Prado towing located in Delaware he can verify my account Of events will give statement Dealership breached a bonded contract from a November 2021 purchase a 2004 ford f 250 super duty pick up truck vin# [redacted] and placed the title on the loan for the 2006 Kia Sedona without my prior knowledge the vehicle was purchased August 8 2024 with the cosign on August 21 2024 the dealer and staff purposely held the the buyer's and …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while his wife was driving the vehicle, the vehicle's ABS warning light suddenly began to illuminate and the warning sounder began to chime. As his wife began to pull into their garage, the contact noticed smoke coming from the under the hood of the vehicle. His wife turned off the vehicle and the contact began to put out the fire. However, it was a little difficult for the contact to extinguish the fire, so the contact detached the battery, which, made it easier for them to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. The fire department was not contacted and fire report was not made. The contact did not contact the dealer. The vehicle had not been officially diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case regarding the matter. …
The alternator on my 2006 Kia Sedona has been replaced at least 4 times but I believe 5 times (I am looking for 2 more receipts). The latest 3 replacements are: mileage 104472 date 6/2/2018; mileage 95255 date 3/23/16; mileage 70121 date 2/28/2011. Also had van at dealer and other repair shops to check alternator, electrical problems, battery, etc. Some of the dates that it was at the Kia dealer or other repair for dimming lights, headlights dimming, are 2/12/2007 (15957 miles); 7/24/2008 (38853 miles); 11/24/2008 (43470 miles); 4/21/2009 (48936 miles); 3/14/2016 (94429). I have broken down twice due to alternator while out of town; one time in alabama, and last weekend in osage beach mo. Both times I had to have alternator replaced. Both caused a lot of stress because I had my kids with me and in alabama we were in the middle of no where. …
Received a recall notice from Kia dated 4/8/20 stating hydraulic electronic control unit, which controls ESC, tsc and anti-lock brake system, remains energized when vehicle is turned off and an electrical short circuit increases the risk of engine compartment fire even when car is turned off. The parts are not currently available to fix this. In the meantime, I am to park my vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles and structures. I called my local Kia dealership to inquire if they knew when the repair would be available and they did not even know of its existence. The service department said Kia blows things out of proportion and scares people and they have no idea when and if the repair parts will be in. This is an unacceptable response. Kia needs to communicate with the dealerships about this problem and they need to fix it as soon as possible to avoid injury to consumers. …
My 2006 Kia Sedona minivan has an intermittent failure causing it not to start. All electrical works except the engine & starter. Turn the key to start & it does not turn over. The automotive mechanical term used to describe this condition is "no crank". The starter & engine remain off. After multiple attempts it starts after 5-30 minutes. We have taken the vehicle to the dealership on multiple occasions & they were unable to diagnose &/or repair the problem. The failure is so wide spread that there is a youtube website describing the problem & offering a solution with over 96,000 views. There needs to be a recall on this vehicle. The dealerships refuse to correct the problem unless they can duplicate the malfunction at the time of the service visit. Motorists are having to endure repeated breakdowns without remedy. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona lx. The vehicle has a remote starter manufactured by audiovox, model number pro9556. When the contact pre-started her vehicle inside her home with the device, she noticed that the vehicle switched into gear. She drove backwards and crashed into another place of residence. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the starter device allowed the vehicle to shift into gears without having a key in the ignition when pressure was applied to the brake pedal. As a consequence, the vehicle could easily be stolen and increased the risk of a crash or serious injury. She notified the manufacturer of the equipment and the vehicle, but neither sources would assume liability. The contact has pictures of the failed component and the crash. The failure and current mileages were 40,000. …
Related recalls
Electrical system
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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge.
Electrical system › Wiring
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable brake pedals, the stop lamp switch wiring harness May be out of position. An improperly positioned stop lamp switch wiring harness could make contact with the u-joint assembly of the steering column.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring harness for chafing and, repair if necessary. In addition, the dealer will secure the wiring harness to prevent contact with the u-joint assembly. The recall began on September 29, 2006.
Electrical complaints in other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Kia Sedona, 21% of the model year's 385 complaints. The component named most often is horn (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Kia Sedona electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-088 (electrical system, Feb 14, 2020); NHTSA recall 06V-349 (wiring, Sep 11, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Kia Sedona electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.