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2016 Kia Sedona electrical problems

46 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 72,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
46
of this car's complaints
15%
typical mileage
72,000
crashes
3
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer
    3

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Sedona electrical problems in other years

20022005201020152021

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Kia Sedona electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 17

Related recalls

Electrical system: softwareReported September 17, 2021 · 88,576 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. 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 intended.
Risk
A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.

Recall number 21V725000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported February 19, 2019 · 94,389 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.
Risk
If a child is in a child seat in the front seat, a broken ODS wiring harness will not prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent the wiring harness from breaking. If the harness is found damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC175.

Recall number 19V109000 · Recall details

What 2016 Kia Sedona owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Body, Electrical · IL

Both Sliding door on left and right side wouldn’t close and stayed open for a short period of time. Now the door can’t be opened because it doesn’t latch.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Body, Electrical · MA

2016 Kia Sedona with power sliding doors. Both rear power sliding doors fail to completely latch upon closing. Doors make loud clicking sounds while attempting to close and require manual pushing to latch. Kia of Attleboro diagnosed and confirmed in writing that both rear door roller arm assemblies are completely missing the roller, and that this condition is contributing to the latching failure. Both power sliding door motors and rear door latches also need replacement. This is a safety hazard as the doors may appear closed but are not fully latched, posing a serious risk of doors opening while driving, particularly with children as passengers. The condition has been confirmed in writing by a Kia dealership. Kia Motors America issued Warranty Bulletin WTY019 in March 2021 specifically extending coverage for this exact latching condition on 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles to 15 years/unlimited miles. The covered components (motors and latches) have been approved for warranty replacement. However, Kia America has denied coverage for the roller arm assemblies despite their own dealer's written confirmation that these parts are directly contributing to the covered latching failure. Components are available for inspection upon request. No warning lamps appeared prior to failure. Problem developed gradually with increasing noise before doors failed to latch completely.

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Electrical, Locks · 159,259 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the climate control panel became inoperable, failing to distribute heat and air conditioning. While the middle and third-row climate systems functioned, an abnormal burning odor was detected. The fan speed adjustment button experienced an electrical short, and upon removing the climate control panel, the wiring harness was found burnt. The contact stated that the climate control panel was previously replaced. Additionally, the power sliding door was inoperable. No warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V109000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was caused by the climate control panel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,259.

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Electrical · 187,000 miles · FL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 107,000. It was later discovered upon checking a Carfax Report that the mileage was 187,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · 96,000 miles · GA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while her nephew was driving, the nephew made a left-hand turn, and the vehicle was hit on the front right quarter panel. The contact stated that her nephew had turned on the left-hand signal and was halfway through making the left turn when the accident occurred. The other vehicle drove on the opposite side and stated that the left-hand turn signal was not on. The contact's nephew was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags were deployed. The contact's nephew had minor injuries and had a bruise on the right arm and chest that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The contact then had the vehicle towed to the residence and no longer driven. The insurance company was contacted, and the results are pending. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle had an open recall pending: the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V725000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that there was a passenger in the vehicle. The passenger was sitting on the front passenger seat and was not injured. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Electrical · TN

The hitch lifts have went bad. When you open the back hatch it goes all the way up and then immediately goes back down about half way. It’s a huge safety concern. I have been hit in the head numerous times.

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · 300,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle from the dealer, the air bag warning light illuminated while driving, and the front passenger’s seat detection system failed to detect a passenger. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V109000 (Electrical System). The contact was also informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Electrical · 220,000 miles · TX

Odometer Fraud. The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the vehicle was traded for another vehicle at the used car dealer while the mileage was 220,000; however, the used car dealer later listed the mileage as 180,000.

Filed May 21, 2025 · Electrical · 104,000 miles · FL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 68,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's engine and electrical system appear to have failed, resulting in a fire originating from the engine compartment. The vehicle is currently at a salvage yard and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The fire occurred while my wife was picking up our children from school. Fortunately, they were able to exit the vehicle safely, but the incident posed a significant risk to their safety and could have resulted in severe injury or death. The vehicle was completely engulfed in flames and is now unusable. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The specific issue leading to the fire has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. However, the vehicle had been previously serviced by Gilman Honda on March 12, 2024, due to a loud grinding noise and issues with the air conditioning, for which I was charged $855. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Kia or any other manufacturer representative. I have opened a case with Kia, and they are aware of the incident and have expressed interest in inspecting the vehicle. My insurance company has been informed, but they have not inspected the vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lights or messages indicating a potential problem immediately before the fire. However, the vehicle had been experiencing intermittent grinding noises and air conditioning malfunctions, which were brought to the attention of the service department on March 12, 2024.

Questions about the 2016 Kia Sedona electrical

Does the 2016 Kia Sedona have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the electrical of the 2016 Kia Sedona, 15% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2016 Kia Sedona electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 72,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Kia Sedona electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 21V725000, 19V109000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Kia Sedona have the most electrical problems?

The Kia Sedona model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (79 complaints), 2002 (50 complaints) and 2016 (46 complaints).

Other 2016 Kia Sedona problems

Engine 150Lights 37Body 25Airbags 19Transmission 13Fuel system 10Brakes 8Seat belts 8Locks 6Steering 6Acceleration 5Seats 5Tires 2Visibility 2Driver assistance 1Wheels 1

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