Makes›Kia›Sedona›2006

2006 Kia Sedona

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Kia Sedona
Pictured: 2011 Kia Sedona LX -- 04-22-2011. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Minivan - 2WD
Body styles
5dr Van FWD EX, 5dr Van FWD LX
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
Length
202 in
Curb weight
4,387–4,645 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints170 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 23 for similar models — most often about the suspension.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Kia Sedona is a minivan offered with a 3.8L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 202 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,645 lb (5dr Van FWD EX).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 3% worse than the 2006 minivan average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.

What changed for 2006

  • New body dimensions: 7.9 in longer, wheelbase +4.3 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 3.8L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Sedona →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
5dr Van FWD EX202 in78.3 in72 in118.9 in66.1 / 65.7 in4,645 lb57/43
5dr Van FWD LX202 in78.3 in69.3 in118.9 in66.1 / 65.7 in4,387 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sedona3.8L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-3%$3,700494
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2006 Minivan - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Kia Sedona under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 minivans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Kia Sedona (this car)18 MPGNot rated4
2006 Toyota Sienna19 MPGNot rated8
2006 Honda Odyssey20 MPGNot rated2
2006 Chrysler Town and Country19 MPGNot rated1
2006 Nissan Quest19 MPGNot rated0
2006 Ford Freestar18 MPGNot rated1
2006 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan20 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (4)

Electrical System · Feb 14, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V088000 · 228,829 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jun 1, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V387000 · 97,884 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models. 2008-2012 models will either have their front lower control arms replaced or additional anti-corrosion coating will be applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC133.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Jun 1, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V389000 · 219,800 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Nov 5, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V550000 · 79,867 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Kia Sedona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

170Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
8Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
120,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Suspension52
Electrical System46
Air Bags37
Service Brakes19
Engine13
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)10
Steering8
Unknown Or Other8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/12: 120/02: 320/03: 220/04: 720/05: 520/06: 120/07: 220/08: 120/09: 320/10: 120/12: 221/07: 121/08: 121/11: 121/12: 122/02: 122/03: 222/12: 123/04: 123/10: 123/12: 124/01: 126/02: 126/05: 119/1220/0420/0720/1021/0822/0223/0424/01max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Kia Sedona buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 52 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Electrical System — 46 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 37 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 120,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Kia Sedona. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sedona years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2021 Sedona21201.6 in★★★★★010
2020 Sedona21201.6 in★★★★★120
2019 Sedona21201.6 in★★★★★239
2018 Sedona21201.6 in★★★★★349
2017 Sedona21201.6 in★★★★★4134
2016 Sedona21201.6 in★★★★★4297
2015 Sedona21201.6 in★★★★★3140
2014 Sedona20202 in★★★★★137
2012 Sedona21202 inNot rated586
2011 Sedona21202 inNot rated652
2010 Sedona19202 inNot rated522
2009 Sedona18202 inNot rated519

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →