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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Van FWD EX | 202 in | 78.3 in | 72 in | 118.9 in | 66.1 / 65.7 in | 4,645 lb | 57/43 |
| 5dr Van FWD LX | 202 in | 78.3 in | 69.3 in | 118.9 in | 66.1 / 65.7 in | 4,387 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedona | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -3% | $3,700 | 494 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Kia Sedona (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chrysler Town and Country | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Nissan Quest | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford Freestar | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
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.
Not every 2006 Kia Sedona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Kia Sedona buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 52 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Electrical System — 46 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 37 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 120,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2020 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 20 |
| 2019 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 39 |
| 2018 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 49 |
| 2017 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 134 |
| 2016 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 297 |
| 2015 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 140 |
| 2014 Sedona | 20 | 202 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 37 |
| 2012 Sedona | 21 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 86 |
| 2011 Sedona | 21 | 202 in | Not rated | 6 | 52 |
| 2010 Sedona | 19 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 22 |
| 2009 Sedona | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 19 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →