Last updated: 2026-03-15

2019 KIA Sedona Reliability Report
The 2019 KIA Sedona scores 80/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints.
Recalls
2
Complaints
32
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Annual Cost
$495
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- STRUCTURE (6)
- ENGINE (6)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
Should You Buy the 2019 KIA Sedona?
The 2019 KIA Sedona earns an Excellent 80/100 reliability score.
With 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints, most owners report a dependable ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
Compared to the 2020 KIA Sedona, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2018 KIA Sedona for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +$152 cheaper to maintain than avg minivans
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −STRUCTURE: Failure to close and latch properly (6 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2019 KIA Sedona With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STRUCTURE (6)
- ENGINE (6)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 KIA Sedona has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
32
complaintsSafety Incidents
2
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 KIA Sedona Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 KIA Sedona. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Consequence
Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
SEAT BELTS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sedona vehicles equipped with an 8-passenger seat arrangement. The seat belt buckle for the second-row middle seat may have been improperly installed on the wrong side of the seat, preventing the proper use of the 3-point seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A seat belt that cannot be properly used increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt installation, and reinstall the seat belt buckle to the correct side if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia 's number for this recall is SC177.
2019 KIA Sedona NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 13.0%
Safety Technologies
KIA Sedona Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$495
vs $647 avg for minivans
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 KIA Sedona.
Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels frequently
Test drive to check for jerking or hesitation during acceleration
Inspect for strong fuel odors inside the vehicle
Test power sliding doors for proper latching and operation
Inspect tires for uneven wear or dry rot
Verify brake light functionality, particularly the driver's side
Check for any unresolved recalls related to engine or power train
Buying a 2019 Sedona? Check Its History First
Every 2019 KIA Sedona has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
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2019 KIA Sedona Common Problems by Component
32 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STRUCTURE
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 KIA Sedona frequently report issues with the power sliding doors, primarily related to failure to close and latch properly. Symptoms include the doors not closing fully, beeping alarms indicating they are ajar, and instances where doors open unexpectedly, though typically while the vehicle is parked. Some owners describe the problem as more pronounced during turns or stops, suggesting potential sensor issues. A few complaints mention that the doors may open too far, damaging the motors and requiring repeated repairs, yet these attempts often do not resolve the problem. Safety concerns are noted, particularly the risk of injury if a door opens unexpectedly or fails to close securely. No specific mileage or timeline patterns are evident from the complaints.
ENGINE
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sedona frequently report issues related to excessive oil consumption, with some indicating the need to add significant amounts of oil between regular oil changes. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as low oil levels without warning lights or error codes, and in some cases, engine damage or failure, including a hole in the engine housing. These issues are reported at varied mileages, with one engine replacement noted at 75,000 miles and another severe incident involving a fire at approximately 140,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint details a fire resulting in injury. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine issues and the associated risks.
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2019 KIA Sedona frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving jerking or hesitation during acceleration and hard downshifts when slowing down. These symptoms are often described as occurring without warning and can include a loss of power, sputtering, or an increase in RPMs without corresponding acceleration. Complaints typically arise at low mileage, with reports beginning as early as 250 to 5,000 miles. Although no crashes or fires are mentioned, the described symptoms may affect vehicle control, particularly during acceleration and deceleration. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the difficulties in diagnosing and resolving them as reported by multiple owners.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 KIA Sedona report recurring issues with the vehicle's sliding doors. Complaints frequently mention that the doors either fail to close properly or require significant force to open. One owner notes a malfunctioning sensor that led to an injury when the door closed on their hand, highlighting a safety risk. Another owner describes repeated problems with the door motor, despite multiple repairs and inspections by dealers. These issues typically arise even after attempts at repair, with no specific mileage or timeline pattern emerging.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the driver's side brake light on the 2019 KIA Sedona, with multiple complaints about needing to replace it every few months. This pattern suggests a recurring problem with the brake light's durability or electrical connection. Additionally, one owner describes significant electrical system failures at low mileage, including issues with the blind spot collision warnings and transmission shifting, attributed to an inhibitor switch failure. These problems were observed at approximately 7,400 to 9,300 miles. Safety implications include potential visibility issues due to brake light failures and possible vehicle control issues related to the transmission and collision warning system malfunctions.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 KIA Sedona report steering-related issues, primarily involving alignment and steering wheel stability. One owner describes severe alignment problems, with the vehicle pulling to the left, necessitating a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain a straight path, and almost resulting in multiple accidents. Another owner mentions a significant steering wheel shake in a brand-new vehicle with only 20 miles, which persists despite service checks finding no issues with tires or suspension. These complaints occur at very low mileages, suggesting potential early-life reliability concerns. The reported steering issues have safety implications, with one owner noting near-accidents due to the alignment problem.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Kia Sedona report issues with air bags failing to deploy during crashes. In one instance, the vehicle was rear-ended and then pushed into another vehicle, but neither the driver-side nor passenger-side air bags deployed. In another case, a side impact airbag failed to deploy during a high-speed collision, resulting in a head injury to the driver. These incidents occur at approximately 75,000 miles, indicating potential safety implications in crash scenarios. Buyers should be aware of these air bag deployment failures when considering this model.
FUEL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Kia Sedona report issues with a persistent strong fuel odor inside the vehicle, often accompanied by the check engine warning light. Complaints frequently mention diagnoses of fuel leaks or faulty high-pressure fuel regulators, with repairs failing to resolve the issue. These problems are typically noted around 30,000 to 39,000 miles. Safety implications include reports of sickness due to the odor and concerns about potential fire hazards due to hot exhaust systems. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring fuel system issues and the challenges in achieving a permanent fix.
TIRES (2 complaints)
TIRES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 KIA Sedona report issues with the original equipment tires, specifically Kumho tires, exhibiting problems at relatively low mileage. Complaints frequently mention uneven cupping and dry rot as the primary issues, with one report noting severe vehicle shaking and difficulty controlling the vehicle at highway speeds due to the tire problem at around 16,000 miles. Another owner describes dry rot developing before the tread reaches 50% wear, despite the mild climate in Northern California. These issues raise safety concerns, as they can lead to loss of vehicle control, particularly during high-speed travel, although no accidents are reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these tire issues and inspect the tires for signs of uneven wear or dry rot.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintOn [XXX] at [XXX] the following incident happen with my 2019 KIA Sedona. The ABS and Traction Control Warning lights came ON when I applied the brakes when approaching a 4 way stop sign intersection, I heard a loud grinding sound from the back of the Sedona. The Sedona took longer to come to a stop, a full vehicle length past the stop bar. I was put at risk by the Sedona being in the intersection, instead of stopping at the stop bar. After clearing the intersection, I pulled over the Sedona, turned it off and then restarted it. Both the ABS and Traction Control Lights came back ON. I called the Jackson Kia Dealer in Cocoa Florida and got an answering machine for the service department. I left a message letting them know about the alarm lights and that I had already has at least 2 ABS modules replaced. I asked for an appointment as soon as possible to fix the problem. I had been told previously by KIA that it was safe to drive, but that I would have manual brakes in the rear and to apply breaks earlier, plus get the Sedona in for repair at the next opportunity for an appointment. As of yet the dealership has not seen the Sedona to diagnose the exact problem and cause. This is when these systems first appeared, and I had no other indications of a problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When Do 2019 KIA Sedona Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst KIA Sedona Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best KIA Sedona Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best KIA Sedona year is 2021 with a reliability score of 88/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2020 (83/100) and 2019 (80/100).
2021
2020
2019
(Current Model)
KIA Sedona Years to Avoid
No KIA Sedona years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The KIA Sedona maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
KIA Sedona Reliability Score Trend
KIA Sedona reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 86/100 compared to 79/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 88/100 | Excellent |
KIA Sedona Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 KIA Sedona reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 KIA Sedona?
How many recalls does the 2019 KIA Sedona have?
Is the 2019 KIA Sedona expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 KIA Sedona without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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