Research · Minivan - 2WD

2016 Kia SedonaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 297 owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Sedona. Most complaints involve engine (148) and electrical system (46). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Aug 2022
Owner complaints
297
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: column shift

Free remedy

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.

Power trainReported Aug 10, 2022NHTSA 22V612000

Exterior lighting: turn signal

Free remedy

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.

Exterior lightingReported Sep 17, 2021NHTSA 21V725000

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Feb 19, 2019NHTSA 19V109000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

297 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2016 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine148
  2. Electrical system46
  3. Exterior lighting37
  4. Structure25
  5. Air bags19
  6. Power train13
  7. Fuel/propulsion system9
  8. Seat belts8
  9. Service brakes7

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

By model year

Complaints for each Sedona model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2002250
2003200
2004213
2005185
2006385
2007157
2008170
200948
201032
201165
2012108
201439
2015140
2016297
2017134
201849
201939
202020
202110
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
14
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
2
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

148 reports1 crash11 fires
“In January 2026, I brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership specifically complaining that it was "burning oil." The dealership documented this exact complaint on the invoice, but only repaired external leaks. They failed to perform an oil consumption test, failed to diagnose the internal burning issue, and failed to warn me of any ongoing risk. Approximately four months later, while 400 miles from home en route to vacation and with no warning lights appearing, the engine suffered catastrophic oil starvation and seized. Forced to pay out of pocket for towing, emergency logistics, and an immediate replacement vehicle to continue the trip. An out-of-pocket engine teardown confirmed the internal failure, and my extended warranty denied coverage due to the low oil condition.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026EngineODI 11769783

Electrical system

46 reports3 crashes2 fires
“2016 Kia Sedona with power sliding doors. Both rear power sliding doors fail to completely latch upon closing. Doors make loud clicking sounds while attempting to close and require manual pushing to latch. Kia of Attleboro diagnosed and confirmed in writing that both rear door roller arm assemblies are completely missing the roller, and that this condition is contributing to the latching failure. Both power sliding door motors and rear door latches also need replacement. This is a safety hazard as the doors may appear closed but are not fully latched, posing a serious risk of doors opening while driving, particularly with children as passengers. The condition has been confirmed in writing by a Kia dealership. Kia Motors America issued Warranty Bulletin WTY019 in March 2021 specifically extending coverage for this exact latching condition on 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles to 15 years/unlimited miles. The covered components (motors and latches) have been approved for warranty replacement. However, Kia America has denied coverage for the roller arm assemblies despite their own dealer's written confirmation that these parts are directly contributing to the covered…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2026Electrical system, Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11755233

Exterior lighting

37 reports3 crashes
“The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while her nephew was driving, the nephew made a left-hand turn, and the vehicle was hit on the front right quarter panel. The contact stated that her nephew had turned on the left-hand signal and was halfway through making the left turn when the accident occurred. The other vehicle drove on the opposite side and stated that the left-hand turn signal was not on. The contact's nephew was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags were deployed. The contact's nephew had minor injuries and had a bruise on the right arm and chest that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the residence and no longer driven. The insurance company was contacted, and the results are pending. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle had an open recall pending: NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V725000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that there was a passenger in the vehicle. The passenger was sitting on the front passenger seat and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lightingCrash reportedODI 11709756
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sedona SX
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182521$3,050433
Sedona
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182420$3,200443
Sedona SXL
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172219$3,400476
  • Sedona SX
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Sedona
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Sedona SXL
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.3 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Kia Sedona VAN FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
13.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 10021
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Sedona questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sedona have?

4 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Kia Sedona problems?

Owners filed 297 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (148), electrical system (46), exterior lighting (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Kia Sedona get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Kia Sedona at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Kia Sedona?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Kia Sedona 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026