Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 20% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 15% | 79,000 miles |
| 2019 | 4 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2018 | 11 | 22% | 15,000 miles |
| 2017 | 23 | 17% | 30,000 miles |
| 2016 | 46 | 15% | 72,000 miles |
| 2015 | 37 | 27% | 55,000 miles |
| 2014 | 12 | 31% | 68,000 miles |
| 2012 | 33 | 31% | 72,000 miles |
| 2011 | 12 | 18% | 55,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 22% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 17% | 92,000 miles |
| 2008 | 45 | 26% | 75,000 miles |
| 2007 | 40 | 25% | 85,000 miles |
| 2006 | 79 | 21% | 100,000 miles |
| 2005 | 22 | 12% | 12,000 miles |
| 2004 | 23 | 11% | 60,000 miles |
| 2003 | 38 | 19% | 64,000 miles |
| 2002 | 62 | 25% | 61,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The contact also stated that the oil level was low after checking the dipstick. The driver's side window was stuck in the down position. The contact depressed the window button, but the window failed to roll up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that there was a leak in the trans axle boot, and the 02 sensor and trans axle boot were replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights and taillights needed to be replaced. The dealer performed an oil pressure test, which indicated that the oil level was a 1/2 quart low. …
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure recurred when the dealer attempted to test-drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the heat and A/C control knobs had melted twice, and the contact had purchased and personally replaced the entire control panel. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the low-pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors were replaced on separate occasions. However, the failure recurred while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, after the repair, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds. Additionally, the contact stated that the abnormally strong fuel odor had worsened. …
Purchased new. @ 7400 miles while driving on the highway it smelled like something was burning. Took it to dealership who stated cylinder head was leaking antifreeze. Entire engine had to be rebuilt (all heads/gaskets exchanged). 7800 miles fluid levels bottomed out. Dealer stated car hadn't 'burped' from gasket repair. 9300 miles while city driving the blind spot collision warnings started yelling. I placed the car in park and turned it off. When I turned it back on the car said possible transmission failure and I could not shift. Popped the shift lock release to get vehicle into drive to bring for service. Dealer stated inhibitor switch failed causing the issues with the blind spot collision warnings and the shift lockout. Unacceptable in new vehicle under 10K miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the air bag and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with alternator failure; however, the battery was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that after his wife had pulled into the driveway, the instrument panel turned blank, and the driver noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The driver turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle cooled down. The contact stated that upon attempting to restart the vehicle later in the evening, the vehicle failed to start. The contact opened the hood and noticed that unknown parts had melted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the battery terminals and an unknown control module had melted due to an electrical failure; however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. …
Our 2018 Kia Sedona SXL caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving. IT almost killed my wife (driver) and my 4 year old son. Car had been driven only 2 blocks after picking up my son from daycare. The car started to produce black smoke incessantly from the engine compartment that made visibility almost impossible. Bystandards were waving with their arms up and trying to warn my wife and she managed to stop in a parking lot and run away with my son. Car got very hot. Despite of keeping regular maintenance, car has had a myriad of issues: electrical components going off and not working anymore (cruise control, rear view camera, navigation system), booming sound from air conditioner like an old airplane is inside the cabin..etc.There were no warning lights suggesting any problem before car caught on fire. Please help.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the driver's side sliding door failed to open. There was an abnormal clicking noise detected. The left turn signal failed to work intermittently. Additionally, the left signal would turn on randomly to the right turn signal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the door motor needed to be replaced. The aftermarket hitch was causing the failure for the turn signal. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to another dealer. The failure mileage was 32,000.
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a serious issue my vehicle has been unusable since July due to a defective AC control head. I initially took my vehicle to an authorized dealership, and they informed me that the part required is on national back order. After an extensive search, they located the part at a dealership in California, but the order was canceled. I was then told that many replacement control heads are being returned as defective, leaving me without a functioning vehicle. The dealership has indicated that the back order could take anywhere from one week to three years, which is an unacceptable and indefinite delay. I am currently unable to use my vehicle because temperatures in the Phoenix metro area average between 105+ degrees during this time of year. …
Related recalls (5)
Electrical system › Software
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Kia Motors America (KIA) is recalling certain 2020 Sedona vehicles. The battery positive (B+) terminal nut on the alternator may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly causing it to loosen over time.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator B+ terminal nut, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
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
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent the wiring harness from breaking. If the harness is found damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Electrical fire
By letter dated October 4, 2005, Kia notified the agency that it is conducting a safety recall (NHTSA recall no. 05V463) involving all model year (my) 2002, 2003 Kia sedona ex vehicles and certain my 2004 Kia sedona ex vehicles.Kia?s recall covers 74,276 vehicles.Kia reports that fires were caused by wiring under front seats being misrouted; this allowed the wire to be pinched by metal seat components.over time, the…
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sedona years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (79), 2002 (62), 2016 (46), 2008 (45) and 2007 (40) model years. Electrical complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Kia Sedona electrical problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 21V-725 (software, Sep 17, 2021); 20V-399 (alternator/generator/regulator, Jul 8, 2020); 20V-088 (electrical system, Feb 14, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sedona electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the alternator/generator/regulator (21 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery (13).
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.