2011 Kia Sedona
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- 5dr Van FWD LX, 5dr Van FWD LX-Convenience/EX
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 202 in
- Curb weight
- 4,601 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints52 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 150 for similar models.
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Kia Sedona is a minivan offered with a 3.5L 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 4,601 lb (5dr Van FWD LX).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 1% better than the 2011 minivan average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
- Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 3.8L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 19 to 21
- Lightest version 214 lb heavier
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Sedona →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Van FWD LX | 202 in | 78.3 in | 69.3 in | 118.9 in | 66.5 / 66.5 in | 4,601 lb | 57/43 |
| 5dr Van FWD LX-Convenience/EX | 202 in | 78.3 in | 72 in | 118.9 in | 66.5 / 66.5 in | 4,601 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 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | +1% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Kia Sedona.
Similar 2011 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Kia Sedona (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Toyota Sienna | 21 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2011 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2011 Chrysler Town and Country | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Nissan Quest | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Volkswagen Routan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Feb 21, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V101000 · 51,465 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC188.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Jun 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V363000 · 507,587 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
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.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V114000 · 980,377 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Risk
- Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Not every 2011 Kia Sedona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Kia Sedona buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 10 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 97,000 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 2011 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 |
| 2010 Sedona | 19 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 22 |
| 2009 Sedona | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 19 |
| 2008 Sedona | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 73 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →