2016 Kia Sedona Safety Report

The 2016 Kia Sedona presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its real-world reliability and potential for critical component failures raise significant concerns. With 279 total complaints, including 10 crashes, 13 fires, 9 injuries, and 2 deaths, there's a clear pattern of serious issues. The most alarming trend is the high number of engine-related complaints, accounting for 111 reports, many detailing sudden engine failure, knocking, loss of power, and even fires, often at mileages between 100,000-140,000 miles. This suggests a systemic problem that could lead to dangerous situations on the road. Beyond the engine, the vehicle has been subject to four recalls addressing critical safety components. These include a recall for faulty automatic transmission shift lever components that could lead to vehicle rollaway, a turn signal issue that could cause signals to activate in the opposite direction, a problem with the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness affecting airbag deployment, and a power sliding door defect that could cause injury if it fails to auto-reverse. The presence of these recalls, combined with ongoing complaints about engine failure and other electrical issues, indicates that while the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, its operational safety and reliability are compromised by significant mechanical and electrical vulnerabilities. The high volume of engine complaints, some describing complete engine seizure or failure at highway speeds with children in the vehicle, directly contradicts the high crash test scores by creating hazardous driving conditions. The reported deaths and injuries, while low in number, underscore the potential severity of these failures. Consumers should be aware that despite strong crash protection, the risk of sudden mechanical failure, particularly with the engine, is a prominent and concerning aspect of this vehicle's safety profile.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, the 2016 Kia Sedona carries a high risk of severe engine failure and has multiple safety recalls; proceed with extreme caution and ensure all recalls are addressed and a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the engine, is conducted.