Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 5% | 3,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2017 | 3 | 2% | 54,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 2% | 1,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% | 7,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% | 12,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 6% | 95,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% | 88,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% | 107,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
| 2005 | 14 | 8% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 33 | 15% | 80,000 miles |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% | 67,000 miles |
| 2002 | 13 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving around a corner doing 25 MPH, on a back road that was dry, I corrected the steering to the left out of the curve and the steering continued to pull to the right and would not correct. Vehicle went down a 20 foot embankment and struck a tree head on. The airbags did not deploy in the collision and the engine did not shut off. I sustained serious injuries, resulting in 4 months of missed work and a double discectomy to repair two severely herniated discs. Until my surgery I was in a wheelchair from these injuries, as my spinal cord was compressed by the discs in my neck. The Kia service department and the customer relations hotline will not speak to me regarding the safety features other than to say there has not been a recall. …
My 2017 Kia Sedona shut off while in motion on a street. I had to put my car in park turn the key and then restart my car. This happens on 10/31/2019. Roughly 20 minutes later it happened again while on the highway. It was towed to the Kia service center and they could not replicate the issue. On 2/1/2020 my car shut off again while at a red light. On 2/25/2020 while the vehicle was in motion it shut off again. This time a car behind me had to swerve into the other lane in order not to slam in to me. On 2/26/2020 while driving my daughter to school it shut off again while in motion. The vehicle was towed to Kia service center. It is still currently there. They are stating they can't replicate the issue.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and drove forward about the length of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact and the occupants were stranded for an hour. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the starter and informed the contact that the piston or tie rod was fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 222,627.
While parking, the power steering hose melted and power steering liquid leaked, causing the engine room and the bottom of the engine room to catch fire. There was danger to the driver and cars parked nearby. The problem was confirmed and repaired at a auto repair shop. Firefighters responded and the insurance company inspected the vehicle. Before the error occurred, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of a problem.
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Kia Sedona. While driving 30 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the vehicle veered to the right, crashed into a curb, and rolled over. The air bags failed to deploy. The rear passenger sustained a chin injury that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000. The VIN was not available.
When the ABS brakes activate while going at a very slow speed during snowy or rainy weather the steering wheel locks and the dashboard lights come on. I have no control of the car. It's very scary. Very much a safety issue. I took it to the shop, but they didn't come up with anything. It has happened about 5 times over the past 2 years. The mileage varies. The most recent incident the vehicle had 210,000 miles
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the headlights and tail lights failed to illuminate. The dealer stated that the relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. In addition, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and would not accelerate. The contact also stated that the brakes failed to respond and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. On another occasion, smoke appeared under the hood when the vehicle was started. The dealer stated that the electrical harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected under the hood of the vehicle but found no issue with the vehicle. The contact then drove to a nearby parking lot and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced due to severe rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 161,000.
NHTSA investigations
Steering binding
On April 28, 2008, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe08-033 to investigate complaints alleging steering binding in model year 2002 through 2004 Kia sedona minivans.Kia's response to odi's request for information in pe08-033 indicated that concerns with binding of the steering intermediate shaft were first identified and investigated in August 2002, in vehicles sold in…
Steering intermediate shaft binding
Odis analysis of warranty data shows that the alleged defect has occurred at a relatively high frequency in salt-belt states (5.9 percent).however, the tests conducted by odi and Kia have shown that the alleged defect has a minimal effect on steering efforts.in addition, odi interviews of owners who experienced the alleged defect showed that in most cases the problem was preceded by months or years of noise or a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sedona years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (33), 2006 (21), 2005 (14), 2002 (13) and 2003 (8) model years. Steering complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Kia Sedona steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Kia Sedona model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Sedona steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › pump (3 mentions), followed by the column (2).
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.