The Lemon Index2016 Kia Sedona.
The 2016 Kia Sedona is worse than average by owner complaints: 50 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 161, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 19 to 21 mpg combined. The best Kia Sedona year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 297 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Sedona year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 37K to 100K miles on the car (100 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 47K–120K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 40K–144K miles
- lights complaints mostly came at 51K–96K miles
Recalls 4
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
- lights 2021
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 intend…
- electrical 2019
Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.
Show all 4 recalls
- body structure 2018
The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 112 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Power sliding door (psd) inspection and/or repair (sa210) - this bulletin provides
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
- SERVICE ACTION: POWER SLIDING DOOR (PSD) INSPECTION AND/OR REPAIR (SA210) - This bulletin has…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- Closed3.3l engine loss of motive power (lomp)2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sedona VAN FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.3L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The passenger motorized sliding door does not alway latch closed. There is a service advisory to repair but no recall. Vehicle failing to latch could cause the door to open while in motion.
2016 Kia Sedona owner · NHTSA complaint 11244322
More owner reports
The sliding door motor does not close the door properly. This is not a warranty issue only a safety issue not covered by Kia. The proper closing of the side door is not their concern.
NHTSA complaint 11292182
While driving at night headlights and tail lights all go out for a minute and then they come back on. This could happen 1-3 times of driving.
NHTSA complaint 11179990
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Kia Sedona reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 161; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Sedona year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2016 Kia Sedona problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (30%), body structure (16%) and lights (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Sedona have?
4 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Sedona get?
19 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Kia Sedona safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Sedona problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 37,100 and 100,000 miles. The middle report was at 69,000 miles, from 100 complaints.
Does the 2016 Kia Sedona have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Kia Sedona cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Kia Sedona have?
3.3L 6-cyl.
What Kia Sedona year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2014 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works