2012 Kia Sedona recalls and problems

The 2012 Kia Sedona has 5 safety recalls and 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
108
Crashes / fires
5 / 5
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Kia Sedona vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Kia Sedona recalls

Recall 20V-101: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 21, 2020 · 51,465 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC188.

Recall 18V-363: Air Bags

Reported Jun 1, 2018 · 507,587 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

Risk: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Fix: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

Recall 16V-387: Suspension

Reported Jun 1, 2016 · 97,884 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 and originally sold in, or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models. 2008-2012 models will either have their front lower control arms replaced or additional anti-corrosion coating will be applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC133.

Recall 16V-389: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jun 1, 2016 · 219,800 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134.

Recall 13V-550: Suspension

Reported Nov 5, 2013 · 79,867 vehicles affected · Kia Motors Corporation

Problem: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 originally sold in, or currently registered in Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to salty environments.

Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.

2012 Kia Sedona problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System33
Structure18
Engine18
Unknown or Other16
Air Bags9
Power Train8
Vehicle Speed Control7
Service Brakes7
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Steering4
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Exterior Lighting3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Back Over Prevention › Camera System — 1
  • Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Kia Sedona complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Oct 2, 2026
The gear shifter is very difficult to move from Park to Reverse to Neutral to Drive. It's very difficult to press in the lever to move in between the gears. I almost had to have to car towed because I was unable to put the car into Park into Reverse and then into Drive. There is something wrong with the gear shifter in the automatic transmission van. I took the car to my independent mechanic and he agreed that the car is very difficult to move through the gears. He suggested I call KIA to see if it was under a recall. I did call KIA and there in no recall for this issue. My mechanic tells me…
Electrical System · at 200,000 miles · reported Jul 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the battery drained unexpectedly, and the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced twice, and the vehicle was temporarily repaired. The contact’s son replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 235,000 miles · reported May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the engine was damaged while being repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V101000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while the dealer was replacing the fuel rail as per the recall remedy, pressure built up, causing a valve cover leak, which damaged the oil pressure sensor. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the oil pressure sensor, but the head gaskets were damaged. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced but refused to replace the engine free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Service Brakes · reported Oct 18, 2025
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even after the master cylinder was repaired. The vehicle is currently sitting at a service station without being serviced for at least 2 months. Kia needs to be responsible and refund for the arm control…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 213,000 miles · reported Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to parallel park and gear in drive, the vehicle independently accelerated violently while lightly depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light illuminated. The contact crashed the front of the vehicle into the rear of a parked vehicle where it came to a stop. No police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed however the failure was unable to be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…

Other Kia Sedona years

Compare all Kia Sedona years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Kia Sedona have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Kia Sedona: 20V-101 (fuel system, gasoline), 18V-363 (air bags), 16V-387 (suspension), 16V-389 (latches/locks/linkages), 13V-550 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Kia Sedona?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (33 reports), followed by structure (18). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.