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).
I was driving the vehicle at approximately 35 MPH. All of a sudden I heard a loud thud. The wheel jerked violently to the left and my vehicle began careening left toward the side of the road. I immediately began braking. I was able to stop the vehicle and exit safely. Upon inspection of the vehicle, I noticed that the front wheels were pointing in slightly different directions, and the front left wheel was moved significantly back in its well toward the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection of the suspension components, it was immediately clear that the front left lower control arm broke while the vehicle was in motion. There has been a recall (campaign number 13V550000) on the lca for this vehicle, located in michigan, and the recall was performed by a dealership. This failure was after the recall had already been performed. …
In March 2014 we received a recall notice Kia recall #sc100. This was concerning the lower front control arms being subject to rust and failure for northern vehicles. The vehicle was taken to paramount Kia, hickory nc. According to Kia the control arms were inspected and found to be in satisfactory condition. Approximately two months later the front passenger side control arm broke in two. I had the vehicle towed the a local garage and the arm was changed out with a used like new control arm. On Friday August 14th 2015 the drivers side control arm broke into. I called Kia and was told that because it was inspected in March 2014 and nothing was done then that there was noting that could be done now. Needing the vehicle for transportation elected to have it towed to the garage that fixed it the last time to get it fixed again. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona. Immediately after the contact exited the vehicle, the doors and the steering wheel locked automatically and the alarm system sounded without warning. Whenever the contact drove over 55 MPH, the steering locked. Each time the failure occurred, the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and then restarted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The dealer did not test drive the vehicle to see if the failure could be duplicated. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they had never heard of such a failure. The failure was not remedied. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V389000 (latches/locks/linkages). The failure mileage was 125,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while making a turn, a popping noise occurred coming from the rack and pinion steering. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the rack & pinion steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired with a new rack & pinion however, the failure recurred. The technician informed the contact that there was a problem with the rack and pinion. The technician informed the contact that a Kia dealer rack & pinion was tested and failed, and was unable to correct the failure. The contact mentioned that six months ago, when the vehicle was purchased, the rack and pinion was replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona. While driving 25 MPH, the lower control arm on the front passenger side failed. The contact heard an abnormal noise and the steering wheel could not be steered. The contact also noticed that the ESC warning light illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The repairs were not performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
In march2016 brakes replace with new pads/rotor due to screech sound. Today when brake pressed steering wheel vibrates. ABS/ESC off light came on the other day. Front wheels still vibrate on the highway. Transmission sometimes jerks and stalls the car. A/C not work, but heater always working.
Power steering pump has had to be replaced 4 times in past 4 years. Needs replacement about every year bit last 2 were 6 minths apart. Something is causing friction and ruining pumps. Makes fluid instantly pour out and car is uncontrollable. So dangerous
Steering becomes tight, at low speeds small female cant navigate car existing problem you all never handled property guess you want jobs at dealer or manufacturer - NHTSA action number : pe08033 and we are not in salt state
My 2006 Kia Sedona continues to have shaking in the front wheels. This car has been in and out the dealerships throughout the ownership of this vehicle. The latest problem is a humming noise coming from the fuel tank. The dealer has stated that in his opinion it is a design defect. I contacted Kia and they are saying normal wear and tear. How is something like a fuel line that is inside of a fuel tank "normal" wear and tear? Normal wear and tear would apply to brakes and other such things. Consumers don't just go to the local auto repair place to have a fuel line making noise fixed on a routine basis. This car was reported under the va. Lemon law process in 2007. Of course, Kia being the big guy in this won. Yet, still today the same conditions exist and more. The bottom line is that I am paying for a service and Kia has failed as far as I am concerned. …
As my wife was making a right-hand turn into a parking lot at approximately 5-10 MPH, the van lurched left and shook violently. After checking for flat tires and finding none, she attempted to continue driving but the steering wheel was shaking to much to drive any further. After having the van towed to the service center and checked out, we were told that the left front control arm had rusted through and failed. I cringe at the thought of what could have happened at highway speed, as we were supposed to has been on the interstate at that time, but changed our plans at the last minute. This van had its annual nh state safety inspection at the beginning of August and was given a clean bill of health. The shop that did the inspection and the shop that is doing the repair both told us that unless they actually see a crack, there is no way for them to tell if the part is compromised or not. …
Steering complaints in other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Kia Sedona, 5% of the model year's 385 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2006 Kia Sedona steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 Kia Sedona, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Kia Sedona steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.