2020 KIA Sedona

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
Good Reliability

This 2020 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the KIA brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis

The 2020 Sedona analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Safety & Reliability Score

91/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.85
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 KIA Sedona

Model Year2020
MakeKIA
ModelSedona
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Aug20
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep20
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

5 complaints (29% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 17 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(6%)
🟡Medium
3(18%)
🟢Low
13(76%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 60k-80k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 51,200 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 8 of 17 complaints (47% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (25%)
20k-40k
1 reports (13%)
40k-60k
1 reports (13%)
60k-80k
3 reports (38%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (13%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 20V399000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Summary

Kia Motors America (KIA) is recalling certain 2020 Sedona vehicles. The battery positive (B+) terminal nut on the alternator may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly causing it to loosen over time.

Consequence

If the alternator B+ terminal nut loosens, electrical arcing may result, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator B+ terminal nut, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC192.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

17 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Sedona.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning29%
Check Engine Light24%
Stuck24%
Accident12%
Battery12%
Stall12%
Smell6%
Acceleration Issues6%
Dead Battery/Car6%
Peel6%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Check engine light came on all of a sudden. Smell of exhaust/gas coming from car. Took car to the dealership to get the cause of the check engine light coming on. Dealership said it came back 02 sensor bank 2 and exhaust gasket to header.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ENGINE

Problem: The Vehicle Slows down all of a sudden on the middle of the road from around 70 miles to 10 miles, then slowly drives at 15 or 20 miles speed. Safety Concern: On the Interstate Hwy, this has happened many time. Fortunately without any accidents. Very recently also this happened and I do not drive the vehicle out now, since it does not accelerate. Reason: The failure of the accelerator Pedal. Symptoms: The "Check Engine" light comes one and the Engine abruptly slows down. First time it occurred: I a year after the Vehicle was bought -- 15000 miles -- Company did a Warranty replacement after almost a month (Multiple Visits). Second time it occurred: After 4 years-- 50000 miles -- company did a Warranty Replacement after a month (Multiple visits). Third time it is occurring: After 5 years -- 63000 miles -- Company claims it is no longer a warranty issue and also it is a different problem that is causing the same issue and charging me $5000 for repairs. Present Situation: The Vehicle is unusable and since it is the 3rd time this is happening, there is a serious issue with the Vehicle and I am worried about my/my families Safety. A replacement of the Vehicle with the fully tested one (With no such safety issues)and with guarantee that the Company/Its dealers will service the vehicle without delay will be helpful. Available details: All the correspondence from the first time this issue happened (complete correspondence with the company of my safety and replacement of the vehicle) is available. Also my Service records with the Dealerships and the warranty issues are also available. The False charges by the dealers is also available. The recent visit to another authorized Car shop and their report that this issue is the same old Accelerator pedal issue is also available.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure recurred when the dealer attempted to test-drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000. The VIN was not available.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The last week of February I took my 2020 Kia Sedona at 67,500 miles into Kia Ferguson in Tulsa, OK to have them replace my High Pressure Fuel Pump which was covered under an extended warranty. When I received my van back, the battery was dead and the AC wasn't working nor the control knob.(it was stuck) I had to replace my battery, and that Friday Kia said they would take a look at it. When I went to pick up my van, they told me it was going to cost $1500 to fix, and that I was responsible. I called Kia consumer Affairs, and discussed this with them as well. To no avail, I am being held responsible. I took my van somewhere else however was quoted higher. I asked if after they fix it was there a possibility it still might not work and that it could be something else, and the gentleman said yes. I don't want to put all of this money to fix a problem, Kia may have inadvertently disconnected something that really just needed to be reconnected. This is a safety issue for me and my children, as I get weak when I am overheated, and it gets entirely too hot in Oklahoma during the summers. I didn't have any prior issues with my AC prior to them replacing my high pressure fuel pump.

Body/Interior🔵 Low
STRUCTURE

Sliding door malfunction. Door will not hold its weight and full force closes or opens if operating at an inclined position.

Body/Interior🔵 Low
STRUCTURE

Sliding door trys to continue to open when already open all the way, it try’s to open too far, jams and clicks, then beeps.

Body/Interior🔵 Low
STRUCTURE

I have multiple spots of the pearl white paint peeling/flaking/bubbling off the vehicle in multiple places. 1st spot noticed was on the roof just behind the sunroof and the 2nd spot is the edge of the liftgate.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I received a letter from Kia America, Inc. extending the warranty on the high pressure fuel pump on my 2020 Kia Sedona. They claim that the fuel control valve plunger may wear unevenly and over time become stuck in the open position. They state different things can happen including stalling. My research found that it can cause stalling at high speeds or in heavy traffic and it may cause a loss of control over the vehicle. ARE THEY TRYING TO AVOID A RECALL. I am [XXX] and this sounds real dangerous. Does a serious accident have to happen before a recall is ordered? i have attached a copy of the letter below. [XXX] cell [XXX] email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I felt it was necessary to follow up on the open recall I have on my vehicle. I have owned the vehicle since Nov. 2019 and not once have we been contacted either by mail, verbal communication, by the NHTSA or the dealership of which the vehicle was purchased. Here we are in April 2024 and just a random click on “check recalls” button located on our vehicle insurance company website, made me aware of the open bulletin. I guess my question is, why are the insurance companies not offering the owner information on this? Or even the company who has been placed as lien holder? Why are we solely dependent on the USPS to deliver correspondence in hopes of making it to the correct address and owner? What happens if the owner has moved and the notification of recall did not forward to the new address? Too many “what if’s” in this scenario to allow unnecessary delay of repair. I’d like to see insurance companies begin notifying the owner as well. Makes sense to me. Or again, even the lien holder could attach notification to that months bill.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN

Oil consumption test failed. Told by dealer the first part of the repair is not covered under the power train warranty because my vehicle is not listed on the list of affected vehicles even though it has the GDI motor that is listed. It's a V6 and not a 4 cylinder and the V6 is not on the list. Dealership in knoxville has done the oil consumption test. Vehicle was bought new in November of 2019 and services have been preformed according to manufacturers recommendation. Van has 104,500 miles on it. Has a 200,000 power train warranty. Kia customer service said it is not covered on the manufacturer warranty because it ends at 100,000 miles. Dealership says its not covered on 200,000 mile power train warranty and Dealership ship isn't responsible because my vehicle and motor are not on the list. I wasn't even aware this was an issue until my van started acting up between oil changes and the oil pressure light came on and the van started stalling. At that time I put 4.5 quarts of oil in it and scheduled the Dealership visit just before 100,000 miles but was told to bring it back if the oil level dropped again. Now it's past 100,000 miles and they didn't register the complaint I made before 100,000 miles. 2nd part of oil consumption test was done today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 KIA Sedona?

Yes, the 2020 KIA Sedona has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR.

Is the 2020 KIA Sedona safe to drive?

The 2020 KIA Sedona has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 KIA Sedona has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local KIA dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electrical system

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm electrical system recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all electrical system recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V399000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your KIA dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.