Is the 2011 Kia SEDONA reliable?

The 2011 Kia SEDONA has 87 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Kia SEDONA?

Top problems: ENGINE (14 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (13 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (12 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Kia SEDONA?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Kia SEDONA?

The 2011 Kia SEDONA gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Kia SEDONA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Kia SEDONA is approximately $1,295/year (minivan class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Kia SEDONA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Kia SEDONA has 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 62. The most common issue is engine problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: tl*the contact owns a 2011 kia sedona lx. the contact stated that the vehicle was slow to accelerate from a stop and other times it accelerated faster than normal. the failure occurred several times. the vehicle was taken to two authorized dealer who stated that the vehicle was operating as it shoul. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 5 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

14 complaints

16%

• TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AND OTHER TIMES IT ACCELERATED FASTER THAN NORMAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS IT SHOUL
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO MONITOR THE SITUATION BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE W
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND RESTARTED IT AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AND OTHER TIMES IT ACCELERATED FASTER THAN NORMAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS IT SHOUL”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Kia SEDONA

Based on 52 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 83K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 55K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

High-mileage issuemedian 64K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

High-mileage issuemedian 122K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE01/06/2018

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Kia SEDONA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Kia SEDONA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,295

Full coverage / month

$108

Liability only / year

$595

vs US avg

-23%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (minivan)0.91x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1295

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia SEDONA Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2011 SEDONA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 87 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AND OTHER TIMES IT ACCELERATED FASTER THAN NORMAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS IT SHOUL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: CRACK IN THE FUEL RAIL. PROFUSE LEAKING OF GASOLINE ABOVE THE ENGINE WHEN THE CAR IS ON. IMMEDIATE DANGER OF CATCHING FIRE MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. MECHANIC DUMBFOUNDED THAT THE RAIL PIPE IS MADE OF PLASTIC AND NOT METAL.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: PARKING SENSOR FAILED AND MY HUSBAND WAS IN A ACCIDENT, IN OUR NOW 3 WEEK OLD 2011 KIA SEDONA, THEY SOLD US THE FLOOR MODEL, WHICH HAD TO BE JUMPSTARTED WE THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, TOOK IT IN BC LOW GAS MILEGE, AND BC THE DOOR WAS LOSE, THEN 2 DAYS AGO MY HUSBAND WAS BACKING OUT OF A SPOT THE ALARM NE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SEDONA. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND HEARD A LOUD BANG AND GRINDING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND WOULD H
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)