Which Kia Sedona Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)
For two decades, the Sedona was Kia’s best-selling vehicle. Most Sedona variants are regarded as decent minivans for their pricing they also require less maintenance in contrast to other vehicles in its class.
Due to their close association with problematic events, the years 2002, 2012, and 2015 should be avoided at all costs.
However, there are some other models that have so many complaints, recalls, and other concerns that you should avoid purchasing them. Make sure you read the entire post before making a decision on which year to buy and which year to avoid.
Kia Sedona Years to Avoid (List of Years)
It is recommended that you avoid purchasing certain years since they have many defects, including recalls and consumer complaints, that have been recorded by owners. Those are the models-
- 2002 Kia Sedona
- 2005 Kia Sedona
- 2006 Kia Sedona
- 2012 Kia Sedona
- 2015 Kia Sedona
- 2016 Kia Sedona
These Kia Sedona model years should be avoided at all costs since they have the worst problems, and owners have expressed their worries about these vehicles on a number of times.
The common issues of overall Kia Sedona years are:
- An Alternator Failed
- A warning light on the dashboard indicates trouble.
- Died out the battery
Worst Years of Kia Sedona:
These are the worst models of Kia Sedona:
- 2002 Kia Sedona
- 2012 Kia Sedona
- 2015 Kia Sedona
Since of additional characteristics like greater repair costs or more problems at shorter mileage, the 2002 model year is the worst. The 2015 has overall more complaints than the 2002, Kia Sedona’s battery dead is the most commonly reported issue.
What Makes These Kia Sedona Years Worth Avoiding?
I’ve narrowed down a small list of years to avoid based on customer complaints and comments across a variety of automotive-related websites and forums. Here are the reasons why and the specific concerns that make certain years’ worth avoiding.
2002 Kia Sedona Problems:
A total of 26 complaints have been filed against the 2002 Kia Sedona. Engine difficulties, interior accessory problems, and ac-related problems are the most frequently seen.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued three recalls for the 2002 Kia Sedona.
When the A/C is running, they may produce a rattling sound and excessive vibrations. In other circumstances, some owners have reported that their air conditioners either don’t function or blow hot air. Changing the A/C compressor clutch assembly might remedy the problem.
2005 Kia Sedona Problems:
2005 Kia Sedona crankshaft position sensor malfunctions are rather commonplace. Many customers have said that their cars have stalled, jerked, and even stopped running on them. Swelling, dizziness, and shortness of breath are all possible side effects of severe jerking.
More than 118,447 Sedonas were recalled to repair the speed control wire in 2005 and more than 37,358 cars were recalled in 2006 to fix the rear wheel bearing issue.
2006 Kia Sedona Problems:
Owners of the 2006 Kia Sedona have reported many issues with the headlights and turn signals. Some owners report that their headlights burn out or blow out every few months or even weeks.
Also, their turn signal lights may fail or not function in any way at all. Airbag light or an irregular squeaking sound may accompany these external illumination problems.
A broken ignition coil might result in an engine misfire. A malfunctioning AC compressor clutch assembly can generate excessive noise or vibration when the air conditioning is turned on.
2012 Kia Sedona Problems:
Another car to avoid is the 2012 Kia Sedona. First and foremost, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given it a less-than-ideal grade.
In most IIHS test categories, the 2012 Sedona received a good or excellent rating, however a few areas received just acceptable or bad scores.
It’s possible that the 2012 Sedona minivan’s roof may be deadly if it were to roll over. A satisfactory grade was also given to the building’s framework and safety cage.
Several safety recalls have been issued for this model year, making it potentially hazardous. Five recalls are listed on CarComplaints.
Consumers who sued over a 2014 model’s defects also got their complaints about 2012 versions of the vehicle. A soy-based coating on the wiring of the minivan was said to attract rats, according to the complaint. They devour cables, causing them to be damaged.
2015 Kia Sedona Problems:
Carcomplaints have recorded total 30 complaints for 2015 Kia Sedona.
This year’s Kia Sedona’s faulty battery is one of its most common issues. At roughly 3,400 miles, it’s common for relatively new automobiles to experience this issue.
Some owners have reported that their batteries abruptly failed, forcing them into uncomfortable situations. They say they had to jump start their Sedonas’ batteries on average once every week.
Others were taken aback by the number of times they had to recharge their batteries in the span of a single week. Faulty starter, loss of power steering, faulty battery and brake lights, and a flashing instrument panel are few recoded issues.
Interior accessories problems such as irritating rattle noise, second row seats difficult to slide, plastic breaks on lever, ignition cylinder frozen, radio not working properly have been noted.
2016 Kia Sedona Problems:
In spite of its high price and recent release date, the 2016 Kia Sedona appears to be a dud. From 2015 to 2020, the third generation of Kia Complaints lists the 2016 Sedona as a model to steer clear of.
Electrical problems are the most frequently reported by NHTSA owners of the 2016 Sedona. When the switch is set to the left, the turn signal will flash to the right instead of the left, which is quite dangerous on the road, according to one motorist. Headlights suddenly went out for other drivers, putting them at greater risk of a collision at night.
Which Kia Sedona Years are Safe to Buy?
These are the models you can buy without any doubt:
- 2010 Kia Sedona
- 2017 Kia Sedona
- 2020 Kia Sedona
Nearly two decades ago, the Kia Sedona was introduced in the United States. There is a plethora of positive owner testimonials for the Sedona on various automotive forums.
The most current version of the Kia Sedona has been deemed trustworthy by a number of respected sources.
Consumers may expect to get 4.5 out of 5 ratings from US News and World Report for these products. The 2017 and 2022 Kia Sedona models have just a few minor issues and recalls. So, comparing its predecessors, these two years models are the safest years to buy.
In terms of quality and reliability, J.D. Power ranks the most recent Sedona second among the top four minivans, with an 81 out of 100 score. Most experts advocate extra rustproofing once the 5-year anti-perforation warranty expires on a more current Sedona model.
Although the Sedona has been replaced by the more contemporary Carnival, it remains a good value for most families because to its high level of dependability and low price.
In order to get the best sense of the vehicle, it’s usually a good idea to check out many models from various years. Every year has its own atmosphere and characteristics, even if generations tend to be rather similar.
To get the Sedona that best suits your needs, you’ll need to look around 2010, 2017 and 2020 models.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a secure, problem-free family vehicle, steer clear of the above-mentioned Kia Sedona models.
In order to get a trouble-free vehicle, you should also follow the safest kia Sedona model years.
Even though this article has all the information you need to know about Sedona, I’d encourage you to conduct some homework before making a purchase to ensure that you’re making an informed decision.
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