The vehicle dossier US · 2012
2012 Kia
SEDONAProblems & recalls
107 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 35 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 107 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.
70,000 miles is the median among 81 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 38,000–116,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
5 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAILCampaign 20V101000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC188
Read campaign 20V101000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULECampaign 18V363000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC165
Read campaign 18V363000 at NHTSALATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCHCampaign 16V389000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC134
Read campaign 16V389000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARMCampaign 16V387000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC133
Read campaign 16V387000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARMCampaign 13V550000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SC100
Read campaign 13V550000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
85 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
CS2312_TSB_R2TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bul…NHTSA ID 11034003
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) did receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.
Campaign / software reference: CS2312
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034003 at NHTSATSB_CS2312_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bul…NHTSA ID 11028908
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whole Integrated Body control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) did receive the Ant-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.
Campaign / software reference: CS2312
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11028908 at NHTSATSB_CS2312TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on cer…NHTSA ID 11026825
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 19, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) did receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.
Campaign / software reference: CS2312
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11026825 at NHTSACS2312_OWNRCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. A software upgrade that addresses the social media theft meth…NHTSA ID 11026980
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. A software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method has been made available to owners of eligible Kia model vehicles free of charge at authorized Kia dealers since 2023. In addition to the anti-theft software, a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade has been developed and can be installed at the ignition cylinder location to provide additional protection against the social media theft method. Because the subject Kia vehicles were not factory-equipped with an engine immobilizer and were previously eligible for the software upgrade, these vehicles are eligible until March 31, 2027, to have the ignition cylinder protector installed—if requested—at no cost through an authorized Kia dealership. (Mailing of these notifications to vehicle owners will be completed from December 17, 2025 through February 27, 2026)
Campaign / software reference: CS2312
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11026980 at NHTSATSB_TRA046_R5TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bu…NHTSA ID 11017172
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11017172 at NHTSACS2308_TSB_R6TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicat…NHTSA ID 11001599
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the In-Panel Module (IPM) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2014MY Sedona (VQ) vehicles produced from March 3, 2010 through April 4, 2014 and certain 2015-2021MY Sedona (YP) vehicles produced from July 29, 2014 through July 8, 2020, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation which activates when the vehicle is locked with the use of the key fob.
Campaign / software reference: CS2308
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11001599 at NHTSATSB_TRA046_R4This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.NHTSA ID 11000787
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11000787 at NHTSACS2308_TSB_R5TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGICUPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicate…NHTSA ID 10251970
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGICUPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the In-Panel Module (IPM) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2014MY Sedona (VQ) vehicles produced from March 3, 2010 through April 4, 2014 and certain 2015-2021MY Sedona (YP) vehicles produced from July 29, 2014 through July 8, 2020, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation which activates when the vehicle is locked.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10251970 at NHTSACS2308_TSB_R4TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE LOGIC UPGRADE & DECALL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are i…NHTSA ID 10249180
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE LOGIC UPGRADE & DECALL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the In-Panel Module (IPM) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2014MY Sedona (VQ) vehicles produced from March 3, 2010 through April 4, 2014 and certain 2015-2021MY Sedona (YP) vehicles produced from July 29, 2014 through July 8, 2020, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation which activates when the vehicle is locked.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10249180 at NHTSACS2308_TSB_R3TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicat…NHTSA ID 10242230
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2014MY Sedona (VQ) vehicles produced from March 3, 2010 through April 4, 2014 and certain 2015-2021MY Sedona (YP) vehicles produced from July 29, 2014 through July 8, 2020, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation which activates when the vehicle is locked.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10242230 at NHTSACS2308A_OWNR2CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle…NHTSA ID 10241175
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of the original letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to the vehicle to discourage a break-in.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10241175 at NHTSACS2308_TSB_R2TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicat…NHTSA ID 10238214
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2308) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2014MY Sedona (VQ) vehicles produced from March 3, 2010 through April 4, 2014 and certain 2015-2021MY Sedona (YP) vehicles produced from July 29, 2014 through July 8, 2020, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation which activates when the vehicle is locked.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10238214 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Air bags may be disabled during crashPE18003
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Sonata, MY 2012-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. ODI also evaluated data from the automotive air bag system supplier, ZF-TRW (ZF), to review vehicles that may contain the same air bag control unit (ACU) used in the subject vehicles. Hyundai Motor America (HMA) issued recall No. 18V-137 for MY 2011-2013 Sonata and MY 2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. Kia Motors America (KMA) issued recall No. 18V-363 for MY 2010-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup, MY 2011-2013 Optima, MY 2011-2012 Optima Hybrid, and MY2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The two recalls address vehicles containing ACUs manufactured without adequate circuit protection by installing a wire harness filter kit to prevent internal damage to the ACU. In the event of a crash, ACU damage may result in the disablement of the vehicle's airbags. Each respective manufacturer has mailed letters to affected vehicle owners informing them of the remedy and its availability. ODI plans to evaluate the susceptibility of the subject ACU to electrical signals, as well as other vehicle factors that can either lead to, or reduce the likelihood of, an electrical overstress event in other vehicles manufactured with the subject ZF ACU.Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-001), to expand the scope of the investigation to include the Tier-one supplier and any manufacturers who installed the subject ACU in production vehicles. Additional information is available with the closing resume available at NHTSA.gov (see Associated Documents).The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 10781050, 10849839, 11099038, 11080341.
Recorded closure: Aug 30, 2019
Campaign reference in the source: 18V363000
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