The Kia Sedona is a reliable minivan, with RepairPal ranking it first among eight other minivans in its class.
CarEdge also notes that the Sedona has a resale value that depreciates by 25% after five years, making it one of the most economical vehicles to maintain.
As dependable as this minivan is, it can also develop some issues. Unusual startup noises, starting complications, a faulty battery, and a defective A/C clutch assembly are some of the commonly reported problems for the Sedona across different model years.
If you’re looking for a minivan with a roomy cabin, the Kia Sedona is a great option. It’s a reliable vehicle that doesn’t cost much to maintain in comparison with other vehicles in the same category. It also has a resale value that depreciates 25% after 5 years, according to CarEdge.com.
Are Kia Sedonas Reliable?
The Kia Sedona received a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating on RepairPal. It also ranks 1st out of 8 other minivans. It’s practical, dependable, and comfortable with its spacious cabin. Your Kia Sedona can last a long time. It can easily last over 200,000 miles as long as you properly keep up with its maintenance and service schedule.
The Kia Sedona is a reliable vehicle that doesn’t cost much to maintain in comparison with other vehicles in the same category.
Top Kia Sedona Problems
The Kia Sedona is reliable, but it has multiple potential problems, depending on the model year. Here is a list of common problems you may experience with your Kia Sedona:
Abnormal Startup Noises
2002-2012, 2014, and 2016 Kia Sedonas may exhibit abnormal startup noises, which may set in at around 90,000 miles. Some owners have described them as loud knocking noises that last around four or five seconds, which become loud as the engine cools down. They may be linked to incorrect oil levels. However, if your Sedona’s oil levels are correct, they may be due to a bad timing chain tensioner. Kia is aware of this issue and has released an improved timing chain tensioner as a replacement. You may acquire and install it in your Sedona to resolve the issue.
Starting Complications
One of the most reported 2002-2012, 2014, and 2016 Kia Sedona problems is its persistent starting issues. Some owners have shared that Sedonas may have difficulty starting due to its vehicle immobilizer control module. If it doesn’t detect the push-to-start Kia smart key, it may activate as if the vehicle is being stolen.
Your vehicle may only start up properly if the key is inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. However, some have shared that their Sedonas don’t start even if they’re manually turning the key. You may encounter this problem at around 110,000 miles. Getting a new and upgraded version of the Kia smart key may resolve this issue. Take note that this problem may also be linked with wiring issues, so the vehicle may need further inspection to determine the exact cause.
Faulty Battery
One of the most well-known 2015 Kia Sedona problems is its faulty battery, which may die frequently. It often happens to relatively new vehicles at just around 3,400 miles. Some owners have shared that they were forced into difficult situations because their batteries unexpectedly died. They have reported that they need to jump start their batteries almost every week to drive their Sedonas. Others were shocked because their batteries got depleted multiple times in just one week. It’s not clear why this happens, but your dealership may jump start your vehicle or replace its battery to fix it.
Some 2002-2009 and 2014 Kia Sedonas are known to have faulty A/C clutch assemblies, which may act up at around 89,000 miles. They may cause excessive vibrations whenever the A/C is working, which may come with odd rattling sounds. Some owners have shared that in some cases, their A/C may blow hot air or not work at all. An A/C compressor clutch assembly replacement may be able to resolve the issue. However, some cases may require work on the A/C compressor, depending on findings after inspection and diagnosis. Resolving this issue may become expensive, depending on the extent of repairs needed as well as part and labor rates.
Transmission Issues Caused by Outdated Software
Transmission problems are common among 2002-2010 Kia Sedonas. They’re usually caused by an outdated transmission control module, which needs to be reprogrammed and updated. Aside from an illuminated check engine light, other symptoms include transmission-related issues, such as improper shifting, unexpected jerking, and abnormal noises when changing positions. They usually happen at around 117,000 miles. Software updates may resolve transmission software problems, but high-mileage vehicles with faulty parts may exhibit similar symptoms. If your Sedona undergoes major transmission repairs, your transmission software must be updated to prevent other complications.
Some Kia Sedona owners have shared that their headlights may blow or burn out every couple of months.
Exterior Lighting Problems
The 2006 Kia Sedona headlight and turn signal light problems are widely reported among owners. Some owners have shared that their headlights may blow or burn out every couple of months. Their turn signal lights may also malfunction or not work at all. These exterior lighting issues may be accompanied by an illuminated airbag light or abnormal squeaking sounds. Owners may end up replacing headlight and turn signal light bulbs frequently. Symptoms may set in at around 70,000 miles. Aside from bulb replacements, no other repairs were reported to resolve this issue.
Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor
2005 Kia Sedona crankshaft position sensor problems are pretty common. Some owners have shared that they may happen to high-mileage vehicles at around 160,000 miles. They have reported that their vehicles may suddenly stall, jerk, and stop running. Symptoms may become extremely dangerous because excessive jerking may increase the risk of vehicle control loss, crashes, and collisions. Some owners were able to take their Sedonas to their mechanics, discovering that their crankshaft position sensors failed and required replacement. If you suspect that your Sedona has a bad crankshaft position sensor, it’s best to visit your mechanic immediately to avoid getting into any accidents.
Premature Alternator Failure
The 2002 Kia Sedona is known to have an alternator that may prematurely break at around 59,000 miles. Some have shared that they ended up with drained batteries all the time. They have reported getting their batteries replaced multiple times before getting their Sedonas diagnosed with a bad alternator. Some have shared that they got their alternator and belt replaced to resolve the issue. However, your vehicle may break down if the belt is not the right size. If you suspect that your vehicle has alternator issues, it’s best to contact your mechanic and get direct-fit replacement parts to prevent further problems.
If you plan to get a Kia Sedona, you must learn about its potential problems per model year. Being aware of its common issues can help you make up your mind and prepare for any complications that may happen. Whether it’s a new or used Kia Sedona, you must do your research and clarify any details with your seller before making a deal.
Where to Get Auto Parts and Accessories for Your Kia Sedona
As far as reliability, the Kia Sedona sits near the top. However, to make the most of it, you’ll need to stay on top of its maintenance and nip problems in the bud. Thankfully, it’s easy to find parts to repair your Sedona when you shop online at CarParts.com.
Our website is easy to navigate, thanks to our vehicle selector and search filters, so it only takes a few minutes to find and order what you need. If you have any questions, our customer service is available 24/7 via our toll-free hotline.
We have warehouses near you, so you can expect your order to arrive at your doorstep in as fast as two business days if you order before 12 pm ET. On top of that, all our products come with a low-price and lifetime replacement guarantee to give you the best value for your money.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
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The only real problem we've had is the driver's side sliding rear door sticking in the open position.
ditto, both door wont close too well, so the cabin light stays on and kills your battery, so I disabled the internal cabin lights to avoid that happening, again.
My hatch won't open and now the passenger lock only works manually. Help
The passenger back sliding door will not open or close on the outside. They fixed it and its broke again. It's very frustrating.
Other wise so far it's fine.
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The only real problem we've had is the driver's side sliding rear door sticking in the open position.
ditto, both door wont close too well, so the cabin light stays on and kills your battery, so I disabled the internal cabin lights to avoid that happening, again.
My hatch won't open and now the passenger lock only works manually. Help
The passenger back sliding door will not open or close on the outside. They fixed it and its broke again. It's very frustrating.
Other wise so far it's fine.
Engine is not cheap to repair either. 9 grand