IllustrationI OWN A 2006 KIA SEDONA. I'VE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR 3 SEPARATE TIMES DUE TO RUINED ALTERNATORS. DIAGNOSIS REVEALED THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING A SHORT IN THE ALTERNATOR. THE MANUFACTURE WASN'T NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
2006 Kia Sedona
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Sedona years
Owner complaints for the 2006 Kia Sedona are substantially higher than the model-year median of 120.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sedona years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
580–25K
4025–50K
4750–75K
4375–100K
85100–150K
44150K+
317 reports with mileage · 68 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 80 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports8 fire reports10 injury reports
Engine complaints
16 reportsOIL LEAKS FROM VALVE COVER GASKET AND TIMING COVER GASKET CAUSE OIL TO DROP ON THE ALTERNATOR. THIS OIL RESIDUE CAUSES THE ALTERNATOR TO STOP WORKING AND IN TURN THE BATTERY DIES. MY VEHICLE HAS STOPPED ABRUPTLY ON THE FREEWAY THREE TIMES DUE TO THIS ISSUE, WHEN ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE VEHICLE IS ABRUPTLY DISABLED WITH VERY …
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OIL LEAKS FROM VALVE COVER GASKET AND TIMING COVER GASKET CAUSE OIL TO DROP ON THE ALTERNATOR. THIS OIL RESIDUE CAUSES THE ALTERNATOR TO STOP WORKING AND IN TURN THE BATTERY DIES. MY VEHICLE HAS STOPPED ABRUPTLY ON THE FREEWAY THREE TIMES DUE TO THIS ISSUE, WHEN ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE VEHICLE IS ABRUPTLY DISABLED WITH VERY LESS WARNING AND REACTION TIME. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IF NOT FOR MY ALERTNESS AND QUICK REACTION, MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE BEEN A TRAFFIC HAZARD AND ACCIDENT PRONE. THIS A MANUFACTURING OR PART RELATED DEFECT ON KIA SEDONAS. MY MECHANICS HAVE CONFIRMED SEEING THIS ON OTHER KIA SEDONAS. MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY STILL HAS THIS PROBLEM AND I AM TRYING TO GET KIA TO ADDRESS IT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,823. UPDATED 2/25/15*CN
I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE AND HAD JUST DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE ESC OFF CAME ON AS THE CAR SLOWED TO ALMOST A STOP. I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND RAISED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS IDLING ROUGHLY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES BUT NOTHING C…
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I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE AND HAD JUST DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE ESC OFF CAME ON AS THE CAR SLOWED TO ALMOST A STOP. I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND RAISED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS IDLING ROUGHLY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES BUT NOTHING CHAGED; IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE AND THE WARNING LIGHTS STAYED ON. THE ESC OFF LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OUT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON BUT I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO LUBRICATED A THROTTLE CABLE AFTER CHECKING THE CODES. IT WORKED FOR A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT BUT THE ESC OFF LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY AFTER THAT. I AM AFRAID OF LOSING POWER WHEN I AM IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AT AN INTERSECTION, MERGING, OR ANYWHERE I WILL BE IN DANGER IF I CANNOT MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AS SOON AS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE JUNCTION BOX AND INSTRUMENT PANEL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL INTO THE ALTERNATOR. THE DEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL AS SOON AS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE JUNCTION BOX AND INSTRUMENT PANEL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL INTO THE ALTERNATOR. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO RECTIFY THE OIL LEAK FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MODULE AND JUNCTION BOX WERE NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,783.
Official recalls
720V088000 · Electrical System; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Feb 14, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
16V387000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
Jun 1, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
16V389000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Jun 1, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
13V550000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
Nov 5, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
09V130000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Apr 17, 2009
HUYNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 139,844 MY 2006-2007- SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SORENTO AND MY RONDO AND AMANTI VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
06V349000 · Electrical System:wiring
Sep 11, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDALS, THE STOP LAMP SWITCH WIRING HARNESS MAY BE OUT OF POSITION. AN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED STOP LAMP SWITCH WIRING HARNESS COULD MAKE CONTACT WITH THE U-JOINT ASSEMBLY OF THE STEERING COLUMN. REPEATED CONTACT MAY EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE WIRING HARNESS INSULATION TO CHAFE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CHAFED INSULATION COULD CAUSE A SHORT OF THE WIRING HARNESS RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS, ENGINE STALLING, OR AN INABILITY TO START THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR CHAFING AND, REPAIR IF NECESSARY. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER WILL SECURE THE WIRING HARNESS TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE U-JOINT ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
06V265000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Jul 19, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR CALIPER BRAKE HOSES MAY BE OUT OF POSITION. AN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED REAR CALIPER BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND OVER TIME BREACH THE INTEGRITY OF THE HOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS WOULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID, WHICH COULD CAUSE DECREASED BRAKE FUNCTION, LEADING TO CRASH AND PERSONAL INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITIONING OF THE REAR CALIPER BRAKE HOSES AND ADJUST OR REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.