2016 Kia Sedona electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

31 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2016 Kia Sedona, 13% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 102,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
31
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Related recalls
3
Median mileage
102,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system28
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer3

Electrical System complaints across Kia Sedona years

120052020061220071420085201052011820126201418201531201619201782018420193202022021
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k630k–60k360k–100k3100k–150k8150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 21V725000Sep 17, 202188,576 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.

    Risk: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.

  • Recall 19V109000Feb 19, 201994,389 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.

    Risk: If a child is in a child seat in the front seat, a broken ODS wiring harness will not prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the child.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent the wiring harness from breaking. If the harness is found damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC175.

  • Recall 18V338000May 23, 2018106,428 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.

    Risk: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 8, 2026ILBody & StructureElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    Both Sliding door on left and right side wouldn’t close and stayed open for a short period of time. Now the door can’t be opened because it doesn’t latch.
    NHTSA complaint #11762919 · source
  2. Filed Aug 6, 2026MABody & StructureElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    2016 Kia Sedona with power sliding doors. Both rear power sliding doors fail to completely latch upon closing. Doors make loud clicking sounds while attempting to close and require manual pushing to latch. Kia of Attleboro diagnosed and confirmed in writing that both rear door roller arm assemblies are completely missing the roller, and that this condition is contributing to the latching failure. Both power sliding door motors and rear door latches also need replacement.…
    NHTSA complaint #11755233 · source
  3. Filed Jul 10, 2026159,259 miOHBody & StructureElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the climate control panel became inoperable, failing to distribute heat and air conditioning. While the middle and third-row climate systems functioned, an abnormal burning odor was detected. The fan speed adjustment button experienced an electrical short, and upon removing the climate control panel, the wiring harness was found burnt. The contact stated that the climate control panel was previously replaced.…
    NHTSA complaint #11749478 · source
  4. Filed Mar 6, 2026187,000 miFLElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,000. It was later discovered upon checking a Carfax Report that the mileage was 187,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11722402 · source
  5. Filed Jan 8, 202696,000 miGACrash1 injuredTowedElectrical SystemLighting
    The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while her nephew was driving, the nephew made a left-hand turn, and the vehicle was hit on the front right quarter panel. The contact stated that her nephew had turned on the left-hand signal and was halfway through making the left turn when the accident occurred. The other vehicle drove on the opposite side and stated that the left-hand turn signal was not on. The contact's nephew was unsure if any warning lights…
    NHTSA complaint #11709756 · source
  6. Filed Oct 29, 2025TNElectrical System
    The hitch lifts have went bad. When you open the back hatch it goes all the way up and then immediately goes back down about half way. It’s a huge safety concern. I have been hit in the head numerous times.
    NHTSA complaint #11696371 · source
  7. Filed Oct 14, 2025300,000 miILAirbagsElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle from the dealer, the air bag warning light illuminated while driving, and the front passenger’s seat detection system failed to detect a passenger. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V109000 (Electrical System). The contact was also informed that a diagnostic test was needed to…
    NHTSA complaint #11693362 · source
  8. Filed Aug 18, 2025220,000 miTXElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the vehicle was traded for another vehicle at the used car dealer while the mileage was 220,000; however, the used car dealer later listed the mileage as 180,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11681268 · source
  9. Filed May 21, 2025104,000 miFLElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 68,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 104,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11662362 · source
  10. Filed Sep 15, 2024TXFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's engine and electrical system appear to have failed, resulting in a fire originating from the engine compartment. The vehicle is currently at a salvage yard and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The fire occurred while my wife was picking up our children from school. Fortunately, they were able to exit…
    NHTSA complaint #11614733 · source
  11. Filed Aug 18, 2024MIElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    The turn signals do not work properly. Has I attempt to turn left my right blinker turns on, otherwise none of the blinkers work and blowing my rear light bulbs. I addressed this to the dealer however any dealer or mechanic wants to charge me to look into this. As I was reviewing my cars history it has been noted as a manufacturing issues and failure to repair this defect. I purchased this Kia sadoma without being told this was an issue. It seems that the transmission gear…
    NHTSA complaint #11609278 · source
  12. Filed Mar 11, 2024138,231 miTNFireElectrical SystemEngine
    No lights on the dash, no maintenance or check engine lights. The van began making noises under the hood and then blowing white smoke from the exhaust. The electrical connectors to the fan were melted and hot. To the cooling fan, radiator, etc. The fan connector caused the car to over heat.
    NHTSA complaint #11576715 · source

Other 2016 Kia Sedona problem areas

  • Engine (145)
  • Lighting (30)
  • Other / Unknown (27)
  • Body & Structure (21)
  • Airbags (15)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (12)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (6)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (6)
  • Brakes (4)
  • Steering (4)
  • Wheels & Tires (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)

Back to all 2016 Kia Sedona problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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