2012 model year · 589+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 589+ owner reports, the 2012 Kia Sedona has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Power Sliding Door Cable Fraying and Failure with 589 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $700. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2006-2014 Kia Sedona, the 2nd and 3rd generation Sedona (2006-2014) is notorious for power sliding door cable failures. The steel cable that drives the power sliding door frays and eventually snaps, leaving the door inoperable or stuck partially open. The cable routing puts excessive stress on the cable at bend points. This was one of the most common complaints for these model years.
Replace the power sliding door cable assembly. OEM cable assembly (Kia part varies by year) runs $150-300. Aftermarket cables from Dorman (part #924-554 for 2006-2012) are $80-150. Labor is 2-3 hours. Some owners switch to manual-only mode after repair to extend cable life.
Parts and tips from 589+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2014 Kia Sedona, sliding door upper and center rollers wear out, causing the door to bind, squeak, and become difficult to open or close. The latch mechanism also fails, preventing the door from fully closing or opening. Common on both manual and power door versions.
Replace worn rollers (upper, center, and lower). Lubricate track with white lithium grease. Replace latch assembly if door won't fully engage. Adjust striker plate for proper door alignment. Power door cable may need replacement if frayed.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2014 Kia Sedona, the alternator is positioned in a heat trap near the exhaust manifold, causing premature failure. The voltage regulator overheats, leading to undercharging or overcharging. Multiple alternator replacements within 100,000 miles are common.
Replace alternator with high-quality aftermarket unit (Denso or Bosch). Add heat shielding between exhaust manifold and alternator if clearance allows. Check all battery cable connections and ground straps.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 and originally sold in, or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 originally sold in, or currently registered in Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to salty environments.
+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 589+ owner reports, the 2012-2012 Kia Sedona has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power Sliding Door Cable Fraying and Failure, Alternator Overheating and Premature Failure, Sliding Door Latch and Roller Mechanism Failure. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2012-2012 Kia Sedona has 3 known issues documented across 589+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Kia Sedona issues range from $150 to $700, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The 2nd and 3rd generation Sedona (2006-2014) is notorious for power sliding door cable failures. The steel cable that drives the power sliding door frays and eventually snaps, leaving the door inoperable or stuck partially open. The cable routing puts excessive stress on the cab… Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: medium.
The alternator is positioned in a heat trap near the exhaust manifold, causing premature failure. The voltage regulator overheats, leading to undercharging or overcharging. Multiple alternator replacements within 100,000 miles are common. Repairs typically run $250-$500. Severity: medium.
Sliding door upper and center rollers wear out, causing the door to bind, squeak, and become difficult to open or close. The latch mechanism also fails, preventing the door from fully closing or opening. Common on both manual and power door versions. Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
