Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Kia Sedona problems

Owners filed 108 complaints about the 2012 Kia Sedona with NHTSA between Nov 2011 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (33).

Complaints
108
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system33
  2. Engine18
  3. Structure18
  4. Air bags9
  5. Power train8
  6. Service brakes7
  7. Fuel/propulsion system7
  8. Vehicle speed control7
  9. Fuel system, gasoline4
  10. Steering4
  11. Latches/locks/linkages3
  12. Exterior lighting3
  13. Visibility/wiper2
  14. Equipment2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20113
20125
20135
20149
201512
20168
20177
201811
201911
202017
20215
20224
20233
20242
20253
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

33 reports1 crash3 fires
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the battery drained unexpectedly, and the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced twice, and the vehicle was temporarily repaired. The contact’s son replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2026Electrical systemODI 11751498

Engine

18 reports2 fires
“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the engine was damaged while being repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V101000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the dealer was replacing the fuel rail as per the recall remedy, pressure built up, causing a valve cover leak, which damaged the oil pressure sensor. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the oil pressure sensor, but the head gaskets were damaged. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced but refused to replace the engine free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2026Fuel system, gasoline, EngineODI 11735079

Structure

18 reports1 crash1 fire
“While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even after the master cylinder was repaired. The vehicle is currently sitting at a service station without being serviced for at least 2 months. Kia needs to be responsible and refund for the arm control repair and other related part failures. The electrical system does not work for the windshield wipers or the air conditioner or sliding doors.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2025Electrical system, Structure, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11694345

Air bags

9 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“CAR WAS DELIVERED TO KIA OF SOUTH AUSTIN FOR REPAIR AS PER SC165A (AIRBAG RECALL) AND FOR SC188 (FUEL RAIL RECALL) ON MONDAY MAY 25TH. DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS A FUEL LEAK AT THE FUEL RAIL LOCATION. DEALER WAS INSTRUCTED BY KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA TO DISABLE THE CAR UNTIL A REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. IT IS NOW SATURDAY MAY 30TH AND THERE IS NO REMEDY TIMELINE FOR THE FUEL LEAK AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO CONDUCT THE AIRBAG REMEDY. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 30, 2020Air bags, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11326612

Power train

8 reports
“The gear shifter is very difficult to move from Park to Reverse to Neutral to Drive. It's very difficult to press in the lever to move in between the gears. I almost had to have to car towed because I was unable to put the car into Park into Reverse and then into Drive. There is something wrong with the gear shifter in the automatic transmission van. I took the car to my independent mechanic and he agreed that the car is very difficult to move through the gears. He suggested I call KIA to see if it was under a recall. I did call KIA and there in no recall for this issue. My mechanic tells me it will cost around $1300 to fix this issue. I feel the car isn't safe because I cannot get it easily into PARK, REVERSE, DRIVE of NEUTRAL.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Power trainODI 11768509

Service brakes

7 reports1 crash
“The auto was diagnosed with a leaking ABS system which is an ongoing problem with this auto maker. The dealership stated there are currently no parts in the US to replace it. Not sure when they will be available. They want to charge me $2900 to buy the part not including labor costs. It seems this model is not currently under recall so I will have to pay. Told me not to drive the car or park it in the garage. They also refuse to give me a loaner car. I am sure this replacement part should be included with the other model recalls. They have a problem and want the consumer to pay. This is a safety issue with ALL their models.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 7, 2024Service brakesODI 11570473
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.