Airbag complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% | 163,000 miles |
| 2018 | 6 | 12% | 73,000 miles |
| 2017 | 13 | 10% | 62,000 miles |
| 2016 | 19 | 6% | 50,000 miles |
| 2015 | 11 | 8% | 65,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 8% | 83,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 8% | 65,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 6% | — |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% | 93,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 6% | 105,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 6% | 66,000 miles |
| 2006 | 80 | 21% | 85,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 9% | 90,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 5% | 36,000 miles |
| 2003 | 27 | 14% | 96,000 miles |
| 2002 | 26 | 10% | 84,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and an unknown software was updated however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
I have the air bag indicator light and the diagnostic codes consistent with NHTSA Campaign Number 19V109, Kia Recall Number SC175. The recall mentions the wiring harness being damaged and my harness is damaged, with two wires severed. However, because my vehicle was manufactured 2 months after the recall cutoff date, Kia believes this recall does not pertain to my vehicle. I believe otherwise.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags) was completed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger's side air bag module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags). The failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle from the dealer, the air bag warning light illuminated while driving, and the front passenger's seat detection system failed to detect a passenger. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V109000 (Electrical System). The contact was also informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
1)The airbags failed at time of accident, yes is available for inspection. 2)This is a family car (KIA Sedona 2016) with kids in the car ..if the airbags not working at time of an impact, could and up in deadly/fatality accident. 3) No. 4)The vehicle has been inspected by police and insurance. 5) no warning or issues show anywhere to advise of issue, this car has not been involve in any accident before. Last time took the car to dealer was 1 month ago... November 2022
I was driving at approximately 20-25 mph when both side curtain airbags deployed. There was no collision or sudden stops. There were no warning lights or symptoms before or after the incident. My battery had been replaced at a local shop 4-5 hours prior to the incident. My child was in the car in her car seat and appears to have no apparent issues following the event. The hearing in my left ear is deteriorated and I have a ringing sound and it makes a distortion sound when the noise levels reach a certain level.
2015 Kia Sedona driver's side airbag light is on intermittently. Dealer states airbag under seat is malfunctioning and cost to replace is greater than $1000. Vehicle has not been involved in an accident and this is original equipment. This is a safety risk because the airbag may not function properly in the event of a crash.
Related recalls (2)
Air bags
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
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.
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…
NHTSA investigations
Air bags may be disabled during crash
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Sonata, MY 2012-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles.
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sedona years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (80), 2003 (27), 2002 (26), 2016 (19) and 2005 (16) model years. Airbag complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Kia Sedona airbag problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 22V-031 (air bags, Jan 25, 2022); 18V-363 (air bag/restraint control module, Jun 1, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sedona airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (15 mentions), followed by the frontal › sensor/control module (6).
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.