Last updated: 2026-10-10

Kia Sedona

Kia Sedona Years to Avoid

4 scored model years (2018–2021) · model average 82/100

No model year is one to avoid. Reliability is excellent across the board, and what changes is the volume of recalls and complaints: 2018 has the most of both, while 2021 has no recalls and the fewest complaints. Buy 2021.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2021 88/100
Model average
82/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Kia Sedona Problems?

ENGINE

25 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Sudden shutdowns at highway speed, often with no warning light, are the main pattern.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Power sliding doors are the most common electrical fault.

STRUCTURE

12 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: Power sliding doors fail to close and latch, beep as if open, and have to be shut by hand.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2018

2020: The engine can shut down on the highway when the key fob loses communication with the engine computer.

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020

2019: Under acceleration, the van jerks, hesitates or lunges forward, often from very low mileage.

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

2018: An airbag warning light comes on and will not stay off.

Best Kia Sedona Year to Buy Instead

88
ExcellentReliability score: 88 out of 100, rated Excellent

2021 Kia Sedona

2021 has no recalls and only 8 owner complaints, against 44 for 2018 and 32 for 2019. The older years also carry the fire reports and the heaviest engine and electrical filings. It has been on the road long enough to trust that low count, though tires and cruise control braking were reported.

Score: 88/100 (Excellent)0 recalls8 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2021 Kia Sedona has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Kia Sedona Years by Generation

Kia Sedona Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which KIA Sedona years should I avoid?
None. Site analysis found no year well below the model's own average, and every tracked year rates good or excellent. 2018 is the weakest of the group, so shop it more carefully and price it accordingly.
Is the 2018 KIA Sedona a bad year?
It is not bad, but it is the weakest. It rates good rather than excellent, with 3 recalls, 44 owner complaints, and 4 fire reports. Engine complaints dominate, with electrical issues second. Ask for full service and recall repair records.
Which KIA Sedona year has the fewest problems?
2021 has the fewest, with no recalls and just 8 owner complaints. 2020 follows with 1 recall and 19 complaints. Newer years collect fewer filings partly because of less time on the road, but 2021 has had several years.
Are there KIA Sedona years with fire reports?
Yes, in two years. The 2018 model year has 4 fire reports and 2019 has 1. The data lists none for 2020 or 2021. Owners also describe engine-compartment fires, so confirm all recall work is done on any van you consider.
Is the 2021 KIA Sedona free of problems?
No. Its few complaints include Kumho tires with broken belts and tread separation, and cruise control that brakes hard for no reason. Others report engine sputtering. Check the tires, test the cruise control, and drive it on a highway before buying.

How we score every Kia Sedona model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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