Is the 2018 Kia SEDONA reliable?

The 2018 Kia SEDONA has 62 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Kia SEDONA?

Top problems: ENGINE (20 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (10 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Kia SEDONA?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Kia SEDONA?

The 2018 Kia SEDONA gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Kia SEDONA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Kia SEDONA is approximately $1,432/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.

2018 Kia SEDONA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Kia SEDONA has 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 62. The most common issue is engine problems (32% of all complaints), specifically: our 2018 kia sedona sxl caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving. it almost killed my wife (driver) and my 4 year old son. car had been driven only 2 blocks after picking up my son from daycare. the car started to produce black smoke incessantly from the engine compartment that made vi. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.

7 fire reports 3 crash reports 3 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

20 complaints

32%

• Our 2018 Kia Sedona SXL caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving. IT almost killed my wife (driver) and my 4 year old son. Car had been driven only 2 blocks after picking up my son from daycare. The car started to produce black smoke incessantly from the engine compartment that made vi
• We barely use it and just for Sunday service only which our church is just 2 miles away from our home. We did the oil change last July 2022 and on December 2022, Suddenly the engine stops working (ONLY 120 MILEAGE ADDED). NO WARNING LIGHTS or INDICATION saying ENGINE OLI needs to change. My son hea
• Vehicle was idling when smoke and fire started presumably from the engine causing a car fire. We are the insurance company that paid for the car and Clearcover Insurance is now the owner.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 4 fire reports

“Our 2018 Kia Sedona SXL caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving. IT almost killed my wife (driver) and my 4 year old son. Car had been driven only 2 blocks after picking up my son from daycare. The car started to produce black smoke incessantly from the engine compartment that made vi”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Kia SEDONA

Based on 18 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 17K 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+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 5 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 (3)

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR23/05/2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.

Risk: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Kia SEDONA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

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 2018 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

$1,432

Full coverage / month

$119

Liability only / year

$559

vs US avg

-14%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (minivan)0.91x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1432

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 2018 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 62 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: Our 2018 Kia Sedona SXL caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving. IT almost killed my wife (driver) and my 4 year old son. Car had been driven only 2 blocks after picking up my son from daycare. The car started to produce black smoke incessantly from the engine compartment that made vi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOOR SENOR FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO GET TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DOOR. THE FAILURE HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. ANCIRA KIA (6139 BANDERA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78238 (210) 509-2913) DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE SLIDING DOOR SE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: WE PURCHASED BRAND NEW A 2016 KIA SEDONA FROM THE DEALERSHIP. WITHIN THE 2 YEARS WE OWNED IT WE HAD TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND STAY ON, OR WOULD FLICKER OFF AND ONE AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THEY FOUND IT TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE PASSENG
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: VEHICLE MPG IS NOT ACCURATE. STATES 18-24 MPG. WE ARE GETTING 17 MPG ON AVERAGE WITH SOME HIGHWAY DRIVING. FILLING UP TANK EVERY 4-5 DAYS ABOUT 15 GALLON OF FUEL EACH FILL UP. VAN IS NEW AND HAS 2500 MILES. FEEL THAT MILEAGE CLAIM IS NOT ACCURATE. 3.3L ENGINE. 2018 KIA SEDONA EX.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)