2021 Kia Sedona Problems
- Complaints
- 10filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 6,800miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.3L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Kia Sedona (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 2021 Kia Sedona. The part named most often is electrical system, with 2 complaints (20% of the total), followed by engine (2) and other or unknown (2). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,800 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 54 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 33 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system2 20%
- Engine2 20%
- Other or unknown2 20%
- Tires2 20%
- Air bags1 10%
- Exterior lighting1 10%
- Lane departure1 10%
- Seat belts1 10%
Also reported: Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “For starters, my lights go out every six months on queue. Cannot find a reason why. My car sputters or shutters when accelerating. I heard other Kia models have recalls due to the same thing. I have had my car in the shop multiple times and no one can figure out why it is doing it. It feels like the belts are slipping or the transmission is slipping or something, but no one can find a legit reason as to why. This has been happening since I bought the car and it has never stopped with anything I have tried to do or I’ve had inspected.”
NHTSA complaint #11691853, filed 2025-10Engine: “This vehicle is burning oil at an alarming rate. Between oil changes it has lost 4 quarts before. I constantly have to check and add oil and have experienced stuck pistons and rough idle due to the oil not being at a safe level. Kia service advisors have admitted there have been reports of this happening with this engine, but no recall or inspection has been initiated to my knowledge. They did just issue an optional emission campaign that I completed, but it is unrelated to the oil burn issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11771182, filed 2026-10Other or unknown: “Vehicle is easily stolen, and is a safety risk for others. Kia's are getting stolen at an alarming rate and should be recalled! Not only are they getting stolen but they pose a major safety risk because the people stealing them are crashing them, running from police, etc. Damage to my own property as well as others (mine had mysterious damage but I have no idea who or what they hit). Something must be done!”
NHTSA complaint #11422400, filed 2021-06Tires: “The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sedona equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen, Tire Size :235/65/R17, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of tread separation to the driver’s and passenger’s side rear tires. The tires were replaced. The tires were the original tires. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11537443, filed 2023-08Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,800 and 6,800 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Kia Sedona. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedona · MV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 13.0% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Kia Sedona version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedona FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Sedona in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 54 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037386Sep 10, 2026Engine, Electrical system. VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC365) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting an important Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to…
- 11037384Sep 9, 2026Electrical system, Engine. Sc365_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
- 11037383Sep 9, 2026Electrical system, Engine. Sc365_poc: proof of correction card
- 11037382Sep 9, 2026Engine, Electrical system. VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC365) – This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding Voluntary Emissions…
- 11037381Sep 9, 2026Engine, Electrical system. VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC365) - This document is the announcement to dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting an…
- 11037380Sep 9, 2026Engine, Electrical system. VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC365) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting an important Voluntary Emissions…
- 11037385Sep 8, 2026Electrical system, Engine. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions‑related logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) system software on…
- 11034003Jun 8, 2026Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 11033217May 28, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable…
- 11028908Feb 19, 2026Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
Other model years of the Kia Sedona
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10 | 6,800 | 0 | 5 | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 20 | 65,245 | 1 | 5 | 21 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 39 | 30,000 | 2 | 5 | 21 | 13 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 49 | 16,895 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 28 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 134 | 40,000 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 297 | 69,000 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 84 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 140 | 55,000 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 39 | 60,000 | 1 | 5 | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 108 | 70,000 | 5 | — | 21 | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 65 | 79,660 | 6 | — | 21 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 32 | 79,845 | 5 | — | 19 | 14 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 48 | 45,712 | 5 | — | 18 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 170 | 52,846 | 5 | — | 18 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 157 | 70,674 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 385 | 83,250 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 185 | 25,000 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 176 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 163 | 48,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 198 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Kia Sedona model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Kia Sedona have?
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 2021 Kia Sedona as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Kia Sedona is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 2 complaints (20% of the total), followed by engine with 2.
Has the 2021 Kia Sedona been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Kia Sedona do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Kia Sedona 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Sedona get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Kia Sedona (Sedona, 3.3L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Kia Sedona reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,800 miles and the middle half falls between 6,800 and 6,800 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.