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Electrical systemPart report

2018 Kia Sedona Electrical system Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
22%of 49 total for the year
Median mileage
14,750miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Kia Sedona, 22% of the 49 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have the air bag indicator light and the diagnostic codes consistent with NHTSA Campaign Number 19V109, Kia Recall Number SC175. The recall mentions the wiring harness being damaged and my harness is damaged, with two wires severed. However, because my vehicle was manufactured 2 months after the recall cutoff date, Kia believes this recall does not pertain to my vehicle. I believe otherwise.”

NHTSA complaint #11525832, filed 2023-06, 106,700 miles

“Vehicle dies if not driven for 5-6 days. I believe this is related to an electrical issue in the passenger side sliding door as this does not happen if you don't use the sliding door. Potentially related to recall 18v338000. Vehicle has had 3 new batteries, so not an issue with the battery. Vehicle died at the dealership after being parked without use for 5 days. Dealership cannot diagnose issue, and says the answer is to drive the van every day. Vehicle has been to dealership 3 times for this issue without a resolution.”

NHTSA complaint #11349652, filed 2020-08, 14,750 miles

“My Daughter was driving my Kia Sedona Van - distracted and on wet roads ran into a firehydrant and pole. During the accident, the Air Bags did not employ. The Passenger fell forward and broke the windshield with her head, leading to a Concucussion. We are thankful for two Children who are alive after this accident. We are disappointed tho that the airbags didnt protect our child more.”

NHTSA complaint #11506536, filed 2023-02

“Our 2018 Kia Sedona SXL caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving. IT almost killed my wife (driver) and my 4 year old son. Car had been driven only 2 blocks after picking up my son from daycare. The car started to produce black smoke incessantly from the engine compartment that made visibility almost impossible. Bystandards were waving with their arms up and trying to warn my wife and she managed to stop in a parking lot and run away with my son. Car got very hot. …”

NHTSA complaint #11471701, filed 2022-06

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the air bag and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with alternator failure; however, the battery was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that after his wife had pulled into the driveway, the instrument panel turned blank, and the driver noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The driver turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle cooled down. …”

NHTSA complaint #11747931, filed 2026-07, 90,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2021220%
2020315%
2019410%
20181122%
20172317%
20164615%
20153726%
20141231%
20123331%
20111218%
2010722%
2009817%
20084526%
20074025%
20067921%
20052212%
20041810%
20032918%
20025025%

Other parts of the 2018 Kia Sedona

Engine
22 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Sedona

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology