2006 Kia Sedona problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Kia Sedona, most often about electrical system. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
41
Recalls
4
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Median mileage
146,597 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 20 of 41 complaints (49%).
  • Brakes (16) and engine (7) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 146,597 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2006 Kia Sedona has 4 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 8th of 16 Kia Sedona model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

2006 Kia Sedona problems by category

  • Electrical System
    20 complaints
  • Brakes
    16 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    7 complaints
  • Engine
    7 complaints
  • Suspension
    5 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    4 complaints
  • Airbags
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system20
Service brakes12
Unknown or other7
Engine6
Suspension5
Electronic stability control (esc)4
Service brakes, hydraulic4
Vehicle speed control3

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k160k–100k7100k–150k10150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2006 Kia Sedona complaints that list mileage.

2006 Kia Sedona recalls (4)

  • Recall 20V088000Feb 14, 2020228,829 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 16V387000Jun 1, 201697,884 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

    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.

    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 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.

  • Recall 16V389000Jun 1, 2016219,800 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

    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.

    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 on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134.

  • Recall 13V550000Nov 5, 201379,867 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

    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.

    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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.

Recent 2006 Kia Sedona complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed May 6, 2026189,000 miGAFireTowedBrakesElectrical System
    The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sedona. The vehicle was bought used close to four years ago. The contact was unaware that the vehicle had received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 16V389000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), and 16V387000 (SUSPENSION). The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, an abnormal pop sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke was emitting from the front end of the…
    NHTSA complaint #11736057 · source
  2. Filed Feb 23, 2026DEElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Auto dealer fraud 8/3 2024 dealership sold me a title washed lemon with major safety hazards Defective unrepairable components Discovered later after purchase P0885 limp mode Fire hazard the vehicle may catch on fire when parked Went back to the dealership that I purchased from for a P0885 on December 4 2024 Returned Back to me march 18 2025 with a blown motor I asked the tow truck driver to be a witness to me firing up the vehicle for documentation Rey Prado of Prado towing…
    NHTSA complaint #11720047 · source
  3. Filed Oct 19, 2023ILFireTowedBrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona LX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and stated that while powered off, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when the hood was opened, fire erupted from the engine compartment. The contact extinguished the fire. No police report or fire report was made available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was…
    NHTSA complaint #11550771 · source
  4. Filed Apr 11, 2023MISuspensionWheels & Tires
    Frame rusted -out allowing right front wheel a -frame to come loose. Allowing wheel to move rearward into wheelwell stoping rotation. If i had been on the interstate ??? Maybe you wouldnot be reading this??? [xxx] uscg retired information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
    NHTSA complaint #11516462 · source
  5. Filed Dec 17, 2022PAOther / Unknown
    Intermittently not starting. Not cranking. Battery has been checked. Alternator is ok. We've left it with our mechanic for a week and he was unable to replicate the issue. It's happening a couple times a month. We wait about 20 minutes then the Kia starts up. Yes the van is available for inspection. My safety was at risk as the van not starting in below freezing Temps. No it has not been inspected by manufacturer. No warning lamps before or during issue. Issue has been going…
    NHTSA complaint #11497865 · source
  6. Filed Mar 7, 2022NCBody & StructureBrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V389000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution…
    NHTSA complaint #11455611 · source
  7. Filed Feb 24, 2022235,232 miVALighting
    The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 4MPH, a bystander informed him that the brake lights of his vehicle were not functioning. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 235,232.
    NHTSA complaint #11453785 · source
  8. Filed Dec 1, 2021FLElectrical System
    I obtained this vehicle from a relative in Ohio. They tried twice to have the recall repaired and twice they showed for an appointment to find out parts were not available. I bought and brought the car to Florida. I started the same process here with Daytona Kia {[phone removed]}. I have had 2 appointments. The first on 8/31/2021 I cancelled having called the day before to be told the part was not in. As I was not communicated with despite being told I would be called, I…
    NHTSA complaint #11442262 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology