2012 KIA SEDONA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
144
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
32
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 KIA SEDONA
The 2012 KIA SEDONA has received a total of 144 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL, AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 32 technical service bulletins have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (31 complaints), Engine (17 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (16 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 KIA SEDONA
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2012 KIA SEDONA, potentially affecting up to 956,603 vehicles.
Recall 20V101000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
| 51,465 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 18V363000 — AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
| 507,587 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V387000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
| 97,884 vehicles affected
Defect: 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,...
Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V389000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
| 219,800 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V550000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
| 79,867 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 KIA SEDONA
144 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 KIA SEDONA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 31 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 15 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkages | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Camera System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebodydoor | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatesupport Devicestrut | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even after the master cylinder was repaired. The vehicle is currently sitting at a service station without being serviced for at least 2 months. Kia needs to be responsible and refund for the arm control repair and other related part failures. The electrical system does not work for the windshield wipers or the air conditioner or sliding doors.
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even after the master cylinder was repaired. The vehicle is currently sitting at a service station without being serviced for at least 2 months. Kia needs to be responsible and refund for the arm control repair and other related part failures. The electrical system does not work for the windshield wipers or the air conditioner or sliding doors.
While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes the vehicle shifted to one side of the road. There was an accident 03/2024 after having the brake control arm serviced. The braking system failed. There was a recall on the front control arm 2016. The vehicle was totaled and was salvaged due to damages to the vehicle. The brake inspection failed. Today the braking system has has no control even after the master cylinder was repaired. The vehicle is currently sitting at a service station without being serviced for at least 2 months. Kia needs to be responsible and refund for the arm control repair and other related part failures. The electrical system does not work for the windshield wipers or the air conditioner or sliding doors.
There is a continuous leakage of oil from my van even after the dealer replaced valve cover gasket . When I complained they said it was the leftover oil. After a month again I complained . Then they re-checked and said it is my car's timing cover reseal leaking . Again after few days I had to complain as there was a leak. I got the same standard reply of leftover uncleaned oil is the cause. Few weeks later I took the van to them and they said they thoroughly cleaned and there won't be any leak. I sent them pictures of oil drops underneth the car like I did on earlier occassions. On August 11th this year they checked the car after my complaint and said there was no active leak. On 30th of this month I sent them the pictures of leaked oil spots which they are going to check on 18th September!. Since I got my first appointment on January 19 2025 I took the vehicle to the dealer 5-6 times. In between I complained to them about failure of door locks and wiper blades. They said they were fine and had no issues. A week ago passenger side door lock stopped working often . I took to a mechanic store run by AAA. Their response after few days was that the electrical system was failing due to bad alternator as the battery got depleted. They recommended me to the dealer again. I was searching google and realised that an oil leak can cause alternator to go bad leading to electric failure and even fire accidents. On [XXX] I noticed red flashing sign of alternator and some other (?) after 2 minutes drive from home. So I immediately turned back and went home and parked the van in the garage and waiting for September 18 for an inspection by the dealer. Last week drove to St Louis from Lexington, after the dealer confirmed there was no oil leak. In all their reports they mentioned vehicle is in good health! Each time when I sent a picture of a leak I requested managers at the receiving desk to park at a clean place and check the leak which they never did. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F
There is a continuous leakage of oil from my van even after the dealer replaced valve cover gasket . When I complained they said it was the leftover oil. After a month again I complained . Then they re-checked and said it is my car's timing cover reseal leaking . Again after few days I had to complain as there was a leak. I got the same standard reply of leftover uncleaned oil is the cause. Few weeks later I took the van to them and they said they thoroughly cleaned and there won't be any leak. I sent them pictures of oil drops underneth the car like I did on earlier occassions. On August 11th this year they checked the car after my complaint and said there was no active leak. On 30th of this month I sent them the pictures of leaked oil spots which they are going to check on 18th September!. Since I got my first appointment on January 19 2025 I took the vehicle to the dealer 5-6 times. In between I complained to them about failure of door locks and wiper blades. They said they were fine and had no issues. A week ago passenger side door lock stopped working often . I took to a mechanic store run by AAA. Their response after few days was that the electrical system was failing due to bad alternator as the battery got depleted. They recommended me to the dealer again. I was searching google and realised that an oil leak can cause alternator to go bad leading to electric failure and even fire accidents. On [XXX] I noticed red flashing sign of alternator and some other (?) after 2 minutes drive from home. So I immediately turned back and went home and parked the van in the garage and waiting for September 18 for an inspection by the dealer. Last week drove to St Louis from Lexington, after the dealer confirmed there was no oil leak. In all their reports they mentioned vehicle is in good health! Each time when I sent a picture of a leak I requested managers at the receiving desk to park at a clean place and check the leak which they never did. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F
Safety Rating for the 2012 KIA SEDONA
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2012 KIA SEDONA in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 KIA SEDONA
Kia America, Inc. has issued 32 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 KIA SEDONA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
WTY018_QA — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the warranty extension (WTY018).
SC135OWNER — ENGINE
OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC135) - DEAR KIA OWNER, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN / WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM REGARDING THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER IN YOUR VEHICLE.
TSB-SC105R1 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN - ECM/TCM SOFTWARE UPGRADE (SC105) - This bulletin provides information related to an inspection of the current ECM ROM ID and, if necessary, an upgrade of the ECM/TCM software on some 2011MY Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from March 3, 2010 through February 14, 2011 and...
TSB-SC105R1 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN - ECM/TCM SOFTWARE UPGRADE (SC105) - This bulletin provides information related to an inspection of the current ECM ROM ID and, if necessary, an upgrade of the ECM/TCM software on some 2011MY Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from March 3, 2010 through February 14, 2011 and...
SC105OWNER — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
SC105 -2011-2012 MY Sedona 3.5L Vehicles ECM/TCM Upgrade Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign - Owner Letter
SC105OWNER — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
SC105 -2011-2012 MY Sedona 3.5L Vehicles ECM/TCM Upgrade Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign - Owner Letter
PS212R2 — VISIBILITY
PITSTOP: BACK-UP CAMERA DISPLAY INOPERATIVE IN REAR VIEW MIRROR -In some cases when the back-up camera display is not operating, the compass and HomeLink displays in the rear view mirror may still be operational. If a customer complains that the display screen is inoperative, use the procedures in this Article...
PS212R2 — BACK OVER PREVENTION
PITSTOP: BACK-UP CAMERA DISPLAY INOPERATIVE IN REAR VIEW MIRROR -In some cases when the back-up camera display is not operating, the compass and HomeLink displays in the rear view mirror may still be operational. If a customer complains that the display screen is inoperative, use the procedures in this Article...
SC105DP — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
SC105 -2011-2012 MY Sedona 3.5L Vehicles ECM/TCM Upgrade Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign - Dealer Principal Memo
SC105DPSM — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
SC105 -2011-2012 MY Sedona 3.5L Vehicles ECM/TCM Upgrade Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign - Dealer Parts & Service Manager Memo
Showing 10 of 32 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 KIA SEDONA
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the KIA SEDONA
- 2007 KIA SEDONA — 234 complaints
- 2008 KIA SEDONA — 246 complaints
- 2009 KIA SEDONA — 75 complaints
- 2010 KIA SEDONA — 48 complaints
- 2011 KIA SEDONA — 82 complaints
- 2012 KIA SEDONA (current)
- 2013 KIA SEDONA — 0 complaints
- 2014 KIA SEDONA — 53 complaints
- 2015 KIA SEDONA — 173 complaints
- 2016 KIA SEDONA — 354 complaints
- 2017 KIA SEDONA — 171 complaints
Other KIA Models
- KIA SORENTO — 13,451 total complaints
- KIA OPTIMA — 10,045 total complaints
- KIA SOUL — 7,147 total complaints
- KIA SPORTAGE — 6,540 total complaints
- KIA FORTE — 3,450 total complaints
- KIA SEPHIA — 3,080 total complaints
- KIA TELLURIDE — 2,109 total complaints
- KIA RIO — 1,784 total complaints