2019 Kia Sedona Safety Report
2019 Kia Sedona: High crash test ratings, but concerning airbag recall and persistent power sliding door and engine complaints.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Kia Sedona
Reliability Score
The 2019 Kia Sedona receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2019 Kia Sedona
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Kia Sedona:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Non-Deployment Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip, preventing airbag deployment. Confirmed by recall and multiple crash complaints where airbags failed to deploy. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Power Sliding Door Malfunction Doors fail to latch, open unexpectedly, beep constantly, or cause injury due to sensor failure. Multiple complaints describe doors not closing or opening too far. |
Medium | Common | 0-75000 miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption/Engine Failure Engine consumes excessive oil, leading to dangerously low levels without warning, rattling noises, and in some cases, complete engine failure with a hole in the housing. |
High | Occasional | 2500-75000 miles |
| Fuel Odor In Cabin Strong, unpleasant fuel odor inside the cabin, sometimes accompanied by a flashing check engine light, making occupants sick. |
Medium | Rare | variable miles |
| Brake Light Failure Repeated failure of brake lights, particularly the driver's side, requiring frequent replacement. |
Low | Occasional | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Kia Sedona:
Primarily related to power sliding door malfunctions, including failure to latch, unexpected opening, and sensor issues.
Issues like excessive oil consumption, engine failure, rattling noises, and cylinder head leaks.
Non-deployment in crashes, linked to a specific recall.
Strong fuel odor inside the cabin and check engine light issues.
Vehicle jerking, hesitating, or losing power during acceleration, and hard downshifts.
Frequent failure of brake lights, especially the driver's side.
Premature dry rot and shaking at highway speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Kia Sedona
Is the 2019 Kia Sedona safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Kia Sedona received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has two safety recalls, one for airbag non-deployment and another for seat belt buckles, and 32 owner complaints, including 2 crashes and 5 injuries. While crash test performance is strong, real-world issues like airbag failures and power sliding door malfunctions are concerning.
What are common problems with the 2019 Kia Sedona?
The most reported issues for the 2019 Kia Sedona are related to the STRUCTURE (18.75% of complaints), primarily power sliding door malfunctions (failing to latch, opening unexpectedly, or causing injury). ENGINE problems also account for 18.75% of complaints, including excessive oil consumption and engine failure. Airbag non-deployment (6.25%) and fuel system odors (6.25%) are also notable.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Kia Sedona?
Yes, the 2019 Kia Sedona has two recalls. One recall (NHTSA ID: 19V806000) addresses the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) which may prevent airbags from deploying. The second recall (NHTSA ID: 19V670000) concerns an improperly installed second-row middle seat belt buckle.
Does the 2019 Kia Sedona have engine problems?
Yes, engine problems are a significant concern, accounting for 18.75% of total complaints. Owners report issues such as excessive oil consumption, engine failure (including a 'hole in bottom engine housing'), rattling noises, and cylinder head leaks, sometimes at relatively low mileage (e.g., 75,000 miles).
How do the power sliding doors perform on the 2019 Kia Sedona?
The power sliding doors are a frequent source of complaints, falling under the 'STRUCTURE' category (18.75% of complaints). Owners report issues where doors fail to latch, beep constantly, open unexpectedly, or even cause injury due to sensor failures. This is a well-documented problem by owners.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the airbag recall and numerous complaints regarding power sliding doors and engine issues; a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verification of recall completion are highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Kia Sedona
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Kia Sedona. The data includes 32 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Kia Sedona an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.