2012 Kia Sedona
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 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
- 5 campaigns
Overview
The 2012 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% worse than the 2012 minivan average of 21.3 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 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Sedona — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 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 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Kia Sedona.
Similar 2012 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Sedona (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Toyota Sienna | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2012 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chrysler Town and Country | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Nissan Quest | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Routan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (5)
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.
Not every 2012 Kia Sedona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Kia Sedona buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 17 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 13 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 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 2012 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 | Not rated | 4 | 297 |
| 2015 Sedona | 21 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 140 |
| 2014 Sedona | 20 | 202 in | Not rated | 1 | 37 |
| 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 |
| 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 →