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2006 Kia Sedona Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Kia Sedona has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear lower control arm rust-through and fracture.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Kia Sedona.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear lower control arm rust-through and fracture

SUSPENSION

50 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2021-07

“PASSENGER SIDE RR CONTROL ARM RUSTED THROUGH WHICH CAUSED IT TO BEND AND CAUSED RR TIRE TO FOLD INWARD. HAD TO REPLACE RR CONTROL ARM, RR COIL SPRING AND SHOCKS ON BOTH SIDES WHICH WAS AFFECTED BY RUSTED CONTROL ARM. I BROUGHT IT IN TO REPAIR SHOP WHEN I NOTICED A LOUD THUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350941
“Driving slowly out of parking lot a loud bang was heard. Scraping noise was heard from under van, drove about 25 yards then stopped at side of road. Left rear wheel was crooked and under van the left rear lower control arm was broken in half and was dragging on ground, left rear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11426055
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED BEFORE ANY NOTIFICATION OF THE THREE RECALLS: THE HEADLAMPS SHORTED AND WERE REPLACED 27 TIMES, THE HATCH FAILED TO SECURE WHEN BEING OPENED AND HAD TO REMAIN CLOSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10995104

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight and brake light bulb failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

16 NHTSA complaints · 2014-01 → 2022-02

“THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS (ESPECIALLY THE RIGHT SIDE) KEEPS BLOWING OUT. I HAVE REPLACED/CHANGED MORE THAN 6 TIMES SINCE OWING MY VAN. IT KEEPS BLOWING; RESEARCHED FOR RECALLS BUT THERE AREN'T NONE. LOOKING ONLINE I SEE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH ALL 2006 KIA SEDONA'S. THIS LAST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10562214
“The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 4MPH, a bystander informed him that the brake lights of his vehicle were not functioning. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11453785

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illuminated

AIR BAGS

45 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2020-02

“AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT RESET BUT IT WONT GO AWAY TOOK TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THEY KEEP SAYING THAT THEY CANT PINPOINT THE PROBLEM, TRYING TO CHARGE ME $1500-2000 TO FIND AND FIX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310747
“THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND HAS BEEN ON FOR ALMOST A WEEK. I WAS TOLD MY CAR WASN'T UNDER THE RECALL SO NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11149946
“MY 2006 KIA SEDONA AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MILES OR A COUPLE DAYS AND THIS HAPPENED PERIODICALLY ON AND OFF FOR A COUPLE YEARS. IT HAS NOW STAYED ON FOR THE LAST 4 MONTHS. TURNED ON THE VAN ONE DAY AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10885206

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall repair delay for electrical/brake fire campaign

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2020-04 → 2026-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WITH AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11327840
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. LOU FUSZ KIA (1025 N LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63132)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11322052
“The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona LX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and stated that while powered off, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550771

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering pump and rack and pinion failure

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2020-12

“POWER STEERING PUMP HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES IN PAST 4 YEARS. NEEDS REPLACEMENT ABOUT EVERY YEAR BIT LAST 2 WERE 6 MINTHS APART. SOMETHING IS CAUSING FRICTION AND RUINING PUMPS. MAKES FLUID INSTANTLY POUR OUT AND CAR IS UNCONTROLLABLE. SO DANGEROUS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363091
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A TURN, A POPPING NOISE OCCURRED COMING FROM THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK & PINION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377316
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SEDONA. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY AND THE ALARM SYSTEM SOUNDED WITHOUT WARNING. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE OVER 55 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED. EACH TIME THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10908722

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

On AWD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

46 crashes 1990–2024

How the 46 occupant deaths break down

26

driver deaths

20

passenger deaths

46

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

8

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Kia Sedona reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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