2010 Kia Sedona Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Kia Sedona carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electrical system and lower arm. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sliding door and tailgate latch failure.” 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.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #20V088000 · Feb 14, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #16V387000 · Jan 6, 2016

Issue: 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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Campaign #13V114000 · Jan 4, 2013

Issue: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #16V389000 · Jan 6, 2016

Issue: 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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #13V550000 · May 11, 2013

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Kia Sedona.

Reported to NHTSA

Sliding door and tailgate latch failure

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2026-05

The sliding doors have a rubber piece that over time, gets stuck and causes the door to not latch and close, leaving the door to come open as you are driving. This has been a known issue with these sliding doors on my Kia Sedona. This is highly unsafe due to the ability of the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736906
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT LATCH AND AUTOMATICALLY OPENED DURING COLD WEATHER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10661627
THERE IS NO WAY TO GET OUT OF THE TAILGATE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND NO WAY TO OPEN THE TAILGATE AT ALL. WHILE SITTING STILL, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE TAILGATE WILL NOT UNLOCK IN ANY OF THE THREE UNLOCKING MODES: USING THE REMOTE FOB, USING THE KEY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11153616

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Powertrain and vehicle speed control response failure

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2024-02

WHILE DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS THE ACCELERATOR STOPS WORKING. THERE IS A MILD POPPING SENSATION AND THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER HAS ANY EFFECT. THE CAR CONTINUES TO RUN, BUT SLOWS DOWN NATURALLY AND WILL EVENTUALLY SLOW TO ABOUT 10MPH. IF YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10965768
My vehicle transmission valve body shift solenoid D has malfunctioning causing my engine overheat and nearly explode
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570715
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10392904

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Tire and wheel air loss

WHEELS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2011-07

I TOOK MY 2010 KIA SEDONA TO SEARS TODAY. I HAVE HAD IT AT SEARS BEFORE AND AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES. ALL OF MY TIRE KEEPS LOSING AIR. AFTER A BREAKDOWN OF ONE TIRE TODAY, SEARS DETERMINED IT IS A IMPERFECTION OF THE WHEEL IS WELDED TOGETHER. THEY EXAMINED A SECOND WHEEL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10410309
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA EQUIPPED WITH KUHMO 225/70/R16 (N/A) TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE CONSTANTLY GOING FLAT. AFTER ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE CONTACT WOULD RETURN AND NOTICE THE TIRES WERE FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10410253

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ABS module failure with unintended acceleration

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2012-08 → 2025-11

My 2010 Kia Sedona has a major problem with the brakes. I had a problem with the brake pedal sinking too far. I took it to a local mechanic. This mechanic installed a new master cylinder. Two days later the brakes started to grab. The brakes were activating without my foot on
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11655599
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE EMERGENCY BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10972249
WAS ON HIGHWAY HEADING INTO CONSTRUCTION ZONE , TAPPED BRAKES TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL, CC DID NOT DISENGAGE. HEAVILY PRESSED BRAKES, CC WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. VEHICLE IS ACTUALLY ACCELERATING EVERY TIME I STEP ON BRAKE. ABS/ESC LIGHTS COME ON. ULTIMATELY ABLE TO DISENGAGE CC
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10470538

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Fluid leak and fire following recall repair

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2021-07

MANUFACTURER RECALL CODE SC186 REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED ON 7/2/20. RECALL WAS DUE TO FLUID LEAKING FROM ABS INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COULD CAUSE CAR TO CATCH FIRE.. ON 12/21/20, POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED AND 4 NEW TIRES INSTALLED. ALL SERVICE/REPAIR DONE AT DEALERSHIP. ON
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11388907
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SEDONA, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FUEL LINE DETACHED WHILE DRIVING, NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COSTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED WHEN SHE LOOK UNDER THE VEHICLE THERE WERE SPARKS AND FLAME. THE CONTACT MENTIONED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366415
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sedona. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was being serviced under manufacturer recall number: SC135. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced, she started to smell exhaust fumes inside and outside the vehicle. The
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423069

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

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

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff 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)

15 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2010 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.