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2012 Kia Sedona Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Kia Sedona carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering air bag/restraint control module and fuel rail. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power 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

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.

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 2012 Kia Sedona.

Reported to NHTSA

Power sliding door and tailgate latch failure

STRUCTURE

28 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2023-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SLIDING DOORS AND THE REAR HATCH DOOR OPENED HAPHAZARDLY. THE DEALER MADE TWO ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10439152
“THE SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WOULD NOT LATCH VIA POWER CONTROL. IT WOULD CLOSE MANUALLY TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO RE-OPEN AGAIN (REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO PULL THE DOOR OPEN), HOWEVER OVERHEAD LIGHTS REMAINED ON AND THE CAR WAS BEEPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11351348
“The passenger door will not open from the inside by pulling on the handle or pushing the door open button. Pulling on the outside door handle will not open the door as well. The remote wont open them as well”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488589

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Gear shifter failure to move out of park

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2018-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SEDONA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NO LONGER DEPRESSED, IT WENT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141856
“DROVE HOME FROM CHURCH AND TRIED TO GO SOMEWHERE AND THE VAN IS STUCK IN PARK. WILL NOT SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR WHEN YOU PUSH IN ON THE BUTTON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120843
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR LEVER FAILED TO SHIFT FROM THE PARK POSITION TO ANY DESIRED SELECTION UNTIL AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10882051

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil leak and oil pressure sensor failure

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2026-05

“HAD PURCHASED A 2012 KIA SEDONA. WORK OUT FINE FOR THE FIRST FEW YRS OF OWNERSHIP. STARTED NOTICING WHITE SMOKE AT ENGINE START”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11165445
“LARGE PLUMES OF WHITE SMOKE FROM EXCESSIVE ENGINE SLUDGE BUILDUP IN MOTOR, TOWED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY CLAIM IMPROPER MAINTENANCE IS THE ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10971659
“I have replaced my Oil Pressure sensor two times due to oil leaks since I have owned the vehicle at my own expense. I say a recall for the exact problem (19V101) for 2011-2012 KIA Sedona”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11455241

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Blower motor wiring harness melting and smoke

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2019-07

“WIRING HARNESS CONNECTIONS ARE MELTED AT THE BLOWER MOTOR AND RESISTOR. ALSO DID ON MY 06 SEDONA. WORRIED ABOUT A FIRE. THE CIRCUIT IS NOT SIZED RIGHT. THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON LINE ABOUT THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119397
“2012 KIA SEDONA HEATER WIRE HARNESS ON DRIVE SIDE FAILED AND MELTED ALL THE WIRES UNDER THE DASH. MECHANIC STATED IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11067069
“MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITH MY GRANDSON IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND A FIRE STARTED IN THE WIRING BELOW THE DASH ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10643729

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel rail leak and delayed recall repair parts

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2022-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V101000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11327772
“GAS SMELL IN CAR 11/2017 WHILE IN MOTION. EXPERIENCING A SORT OF 'HESITATION', LIKE WANTING TO STALL. BROUGHT TO DEALER. DEALER IDENTIFIED ISSUE- CRACK IN FUEL RAIL, LEAKING ON ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316246
“WE DISCOVERED A FUEL LEAKAGE AFTER GETTING GAS, BUT DID NOT DISCOVER THIS LEAK UNTIL AFTER DRIVING HOME FROM THE GAS STATION. THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE AND WE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WENT DOWN RATHER QUICKLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11246469

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and throttle response failure

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2025-01

“LET ME BEGIN BY PREFACING THAT THIS IS OUR 2ND SEDONA, AND WE PURCHASED BOTH BRAND NEW. WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS, AND IT ONLY HAS APPX. 6000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10439344
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SEDONA. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10454802
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634335

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and non-deployment in crashes

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2012-04 → 2018-09

“I WAS HIT WHEN PULLING OUT BY ANOTHER CAR AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. OTHER CAR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY KIA DID NOT DEPLOY ANY AIR BAGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10706640
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT, CRASHED INTO A CURB, AND ROLLED OVER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10658791
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR HAD BEEN PERMANENTLY ILLUMINATED SINCE MARCH OF 2018”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130326

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)

25 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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

5

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 2012 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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