2012 Kia Sedona Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.0

Ranked #5 in 

Midsize Van
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$24,900 - $29,190
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2012 Kia Sedona

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  • A

    abeinoregon

    05/04/2012

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... call this an environmental situation and will not address it as a design flaw. The dealer won't fix it on his dime either. I have only 1800 miles on the car and it has been in twice for repairs. I live on a paved road! I can't afford to keep paying for brake repairs. Be ready for some disappointments if you buy thisRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • A

    amfrost

    05/11/2011

    Rating:

    (2.88 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... felt that this was a rock solid value when I purchased it. Everything else about the van meets or exceeds my expectations. But if I wanted such horrendous gas mileage performance I should have just purchased an SUV!Read More

    Source: edmunds

2012 Kia Sedona Minivan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

105

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 26, 2024

The Kia Sedona brings multiple strengths to the table. In the dignified minivan segment, the vehicle is a feature-rich proposition that sports a compliant ride quality and is highly tranquil keeping in mind its part luxurious status. It offers ample value for its price and adds to its likability with its top-notch warranty coverage. While the design and platform do seem to have aged when compared to the direct competitors, the reliability of the van is bespoke and pristine. For a vehicle that sells around 20,000 units, 96 complaints, 5 recalls, and a single investigation do not hurt the Korean offering’s reputation. A 2012 Kia Sedona for sale is available at $24,900 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Honda Odyssey, the Nissan Quest, and the Toyota Sienna. The "HOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS" highlights oil pressure sensor is prone to develop leak alongside air intake hose is prone to crack and wear. To know more, click on the video:

2012 Kia Sedona User Complaints and Problems

   Safety Complaints

  • Issues with the airbag system: In the 2012 Kia Sedona problems list, buyers have reported the warning light remaining illuminated due to an issue with the seat sensors. As a result, the airbag might not deploy in case of a crash. In some other cases, complainants have also recorded the non-deployment of the airbags without any known reason or cause.

   Electric System Complaints

  • Problems with the sliding doors: The Kia Sedona sliding door problems are one of its most common concerns. In several listed cases, buyers have reported the doors opening randomly, and in some cases, freezing shut in cold weather conditions. As a result, ingress and egress remain restricted, which can also result in hazardous safety conditions.

   Mechanical Complaints

  • Leaking engine oil: The 2012 Kia van buyers have also reported the engine stalling inadvertently. In several cases, complainants have recorded theoil pressure sensor failing, which results in the oil leaking. 
  • Service brake failure: Under emergency conditions, drivers of the 2012 Sedona have reported the brake pedal becoming excessively mushy and failing to bring the vehicle to a stop in time. The pedal can be floorboarded, increasing the halting distance and risk of a crash.

2012 Kia Sedona Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

21st Feb 2020

20V101000

Possible fire due to a fuel leak

Due to the heat generated in the engine, the fuel rail may crack resulting in a fire.

Dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of cost. 

2.

1st June 2018

18V363000

Disable airbags and seat belt pretensioners

Due to a short circuit in the Airbag Control Unit, the front airbags and seat belt pretensioners may not deploy. 

Dealers will install an extension wire harness kit, free of cost. 

3.

1st June 2016

16V389000

Binding secondary hood latch

Due to the binding of the secondary hood latch, the hood might remain unlatched.

Dealers will either replace or clean and repair the latch, free of cost.

4.

1st June 2016

16V387000

Corrosion of front lower control arm

Due to corrosion from salt water exposure, the front lower control arms may become damaged.

Dealers will either replace the front lower control arms or add an additional anti-corrosion layer, free of cost. 

5.

5th Nov 2013

13V550000

Corrosion of front lower control arm

Due to corrosion from salt water exposure, the front lower control arms may become damaged.

Upon inspection, dealers will either rustproof or replace the front lower control arms, free of cost. 

Should you buy the 2012 Kia Sedona?

The 2012 Kia Sedona has risen impeccably in its segment. Be it the utilitarian nature of the vehicle or the hints of flamboyance, the Korean offering promises to provide ample value for the price. While its design has started to show its age, its impeccable reliability distinguishes it from the crowd. The 2012 Kia Sedona recalls and complaints list is restricted and if current users are to be believed, the ownership experience is also hassle-free. So, we at CarHP do recommend the minivan keeping in mind its dependability. However, if you want to embrace modernity while not letting go of the trustworthiness, the 2012 Nissan Quest promises to be a front-runner. 

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

October 18, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11694345

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11694345

Incident Date:
October 18, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNDMG4C70C6

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was ...

September 1, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11684328

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11684328

Incident Date:
September 1, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNDMG4C78C6

Consumer Location:
LEXINGTON, KY

Summary
There is a continuous leakage of oil from my van even after the dealer replaced valve cover gasket . When...

January 6, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11634335

Components: 180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

NHTSA ID Number:
11634335

Incident Date:
January 6, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNDMG4C72C6

Consumer Location:
MCLEANSVILLE, NC

Summary
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to parallel park and gear in...

May 31, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11591671

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11591671

Incident Date:
May 31, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNDMG4C70C6

Consumer Location:
LOS ANGELES, CA

Summary
Tha backup camera, windshield wipers stopped working. The car would no t go in reverse or drive forward w...

February 7, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11570473

Components: 030000 BRAKES (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11570473

Incident Date:
February 7, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
KNDMG4C75C6

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
The auto was diagnosed with a leaking ABS system which is an ongoing problem with this auto maker. The de...

73/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

72/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

78/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

0/100Worst

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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