2019 Kia Sedona Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Kia Sedona carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering air bags and buckle assembly. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power sliding door fails to latch or close.” 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.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS

Campaign #22V031000 · Jan 25, 2022

Issue: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Campaign #19V207000 · Mar 18, 2019

Issue: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sedona vehicles equipped with an 8-passenger seat arrangement. The seat belt buckle for the second-row middle seat may have been improperly installed on the wrong side of the seat, preventing the proper use of the 3-point seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: A seat belt that cannot be properly used increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt installation, and reinstall the seat belt buckle to the correct side if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia 's number for this recall is SC177.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Kia Sedona.

Reported to NHTSA

Power sliding door fails to latch or close

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2026-04

Sliding mini van doors fail to latch when closing. This is a well known and documented problem. The NHTSA has issued remedies for the previous year but not this one
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11655275
Right power sliding door stopped closing all the way and would constantly beep. Now, power sliding door opens too far which has broken the motors causing the beeping to resume. This is an safety issue as anything hanging out the window would be crushed (such as a child's head or
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630722
Drivers side power sliding door does not close. Grinds and beeps and door shows open on display. When you disengage the power feature the door does NOT open manually
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481837

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Powertrain jerks or hesitates under acceleration

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2020-12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE JERKED OR HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING, WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PERFORM HARD DOWNSHIFTS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383081
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND, AT TIMES, THE RPMS INCREASED TO 4,000. AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11271050
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER AND SPUTTERED AND JERKED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PITRE KIA
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11364624

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake light bulb fails repeatedly

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2024-01

I have needed to replace the drivers side brake light almost every 3 months. I have seen many Kia Sedonas with that brake light out
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567730
I had to replace the left brake light 4 times already. I see other Kia Sedonas that have the same brake light out all the time
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11522140

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine burns oil or seizes, head bolts fail

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2026-08

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine head bolts had failed. The contact was
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755275
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 70 mph up a hill, he heard an abnormal noise, and then the vehicle was seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the size of the vehicle and when exiting the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11452719
The engine seems to be burning oil. After my last oil change, I had to replace three quarts of oil after driving 2,500 miles. Once previously, the engine oil got dangerously low (no oil showing on dipstick) even without the vehicle giving any indication of low oil. This could
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634804

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel odor enters cabin from system leak

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-04 → 2026-06

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving, he became aware of a strong and unpleasant fuel odor that made him and his granddaughter sick. The contact stated that the check engine warning light flashed on and off several times. The vehicle was taken on
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590999
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11584547
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the heat and A/C control knobs had melted twice, and the contact had purchased and personally replaced the entire control panel. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745095

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Side airbag fails to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2026-03

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle was suddenly rear-ended when the other vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the vehicle was pushed into the vehicle in front. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723849
Side impact airbag didn't deploy causing head injury to driver. Van was hit at high speed by impaired driver who ran a red light. Van has hit from the driver's side in the engine compartment just in front of the driver. The engine was basically laying in the street after the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592169

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)

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.

2

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 2019 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.