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2011 Kia Sedona Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Kia Sedona carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering air bag/restraint control module and fuel rail. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Doors and sliding doors failing to latch or open.” 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.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Campaign #18V363000 · Jan 6, 2018

Issue: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

Campaign #20V101000 · Feb 21, 2020

Issue: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 2011 Kia Sedona.

Reported to NHTSA

Doors and sliding doors failing to latch or open

STRUCTURE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2026-06

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, ALL THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY OPENED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AUDIBLE INDICATOR WAS HEARD FREQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097599
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO ABRUPTLY STOP AND CLOSE THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10730885
“THE DOORS WILL NOT LATCH AND RANDOMLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING! THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD AS MY KIDS ARE PASSENGERS IN THE VAN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11229218

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil pressure sending unit and switch leaks

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2020-08

“EXCESSIVE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, MOST NOTABLY ON COLD START OR STARTING A FEW HOURS APART. THE OIL CHANGED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATION, NEVER THE LESS THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH BLEW TWICE AND WAS CHANGED WITH DEALER PART EACH TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11351031
“THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS IDLING. I HAD IT LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE OIL SENDING UNIT/ OIL SENSOR SWITCH WAS LEAKING OIL. THE OIL LEAKS OUT FASTER THAN YOU CAN PUT IT IN. IT'S A 3 BOOK HOUR JOB TO REPLACE. THE PART COST IS BETWEEN $30-$60”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10759004
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT IT LEAKED ALMOST A QUART OF OIL. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONTINUOUSLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10701639

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Alternator and battery failures causing total power loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2020-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND SHUTOFF WITH THE ABS, BATTERY, BRAKES AND CHECK-ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352819
“VEHICLE KEEPS LOSING ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING. THIS LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TURNING ONTO A BUSY STREET! THE FIRST TIME THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THAT LASTED 3 DAYS. THE MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE PART SO HE REPLACED IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11283158
“WHEN YESTERDAY JUNE 30TH 2020 THE BRAKE LIGHT AND THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON I DIDN'T QUITE UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WAS BECAUSE I HAD NEVER APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE I HAD THE BATTERY CHECK OIL ALL FLUIDS AND THEY SAID THAT EVERYTHING WAS GOOD THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL WITH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11331909

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cracked fuel rail causing gasoline leaks and odor

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2026-07

“STARTING ABOUT FEB 10, 2020, A RAW GASOLINE SMELL WAS NOTICED WHEN MY 2011 KIA SEDONA LX VEHICLE STOPPED AT STOP LIGHTS OR WHEN ENGINE TURNED OFF AFTER RETURNING HOME. SMELL DISSIPATED AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES WITH ENGINE OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11311975
“THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS CRACKED BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND INJECTORS (AS COUNTING FROM THE SERPENTINE BELT SIDE OF ENGINE). MY WIFE AND I NOTICED THIS ON SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2018 BECAUSE OF A STRONG GAS SMELL AFTER OUR VAN WAS PARKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11124159
“CRACK IN THE FUEL RAIL. PROFUSE LEAKING OF GASOLINE ABOVE THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR IS ON. IMMEDIATE DANGER OF CATCHING FIRE MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. MECHANIC DUMBFOUNDED THAT THE RAIL PIPE IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND NOT METAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002534

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front suspension control arm corrosion and fracture

SUSPENSION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-02 → 2023-08

“I had no prior knowledge of this problem. When backing my van out of the garage my front driver side tire blew out. This was caused by the strut spring breaking and poking a hole through the sidewall of the tire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536638
“both control arms broke and the front tires were ruined. The tow truck driver said they are lucky , they didn't get hurt because if they were going faster , they would have lost control and rolled the van”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501818
“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, she heard a loud squealing sound coming from the front tires. The contact stated her daughter pulled off the road into a parking and heard a loud crack”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491347

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and failure at highway speed

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2011-10 → 2020-06

“AT 109K MILES, THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED A WORN OUT ROD BEARING, AND STATED THE ENGINE WOULD LIKELY FAIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11173657
“AT 101,000 MILES THE ENGINE BLEW UP. AS I WAS DRIVING I HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. I HAD OUR VAN TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD, 3 DAYS LATER, THAT OUR ENGINE BLEW UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10971191
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO MONITOR THE SITUATION BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE A FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10432741

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and inability to shift out of park

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 NHTSA complaints · 2012-10 → 2019-03

“2011 KIA SEDONA IS THE FIRST KIA I HAVE PURCHASED. ON JUNE 22, 2012, I WAS RETURNING HOME; LIVING ON A HILL I SLOWLY (LESS THAN 10 MPH) TURNED TO THE RIGHT INTO MY DRIVEWAY, WHEN SUDDENLY, WITH NO WARNING, THAT VAN ACCELERATED MAKING A LOUD ROAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10480361
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11139523
“WHILE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE, ONCE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, IT RANDOMLY REFUSES TO MOVE INTO PARK. MUST KEEP FOOT ON BRAKE WHILE FIGHTING WITH VEHICLE TO TRY TO GET IT INTO PARK. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY BUT RANDOMLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192050

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

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)

9 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.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2011 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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