2012 Kia Sedona Review
Price Estimate: $2,083 - $5,311
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent warranty
- comfortable ride
- quiet cabin
- great value.
Cons
- Some subpar interior materials and controls
- restrictive and tiered options packages.
What’s new
The 2012 Kia Sedona carries over unchanged.
Edmunds says
Although still an excellent, feature-laden minivan, the 2012 Kia Sedona lags behind revamped rivals and begs for the upgrade treatment recently given to other Kia models.
For sale near Visalia, CA
58 listings
- $4,999fair price$366 below market
- 157,891 miles
- 7 Seats, 18 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- 131 mi away
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Parking sensors
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Modesto, CA
- Features and Specs:
- 21 Combined MPG (18 City/25 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- KNDMG4C7XC6432268
- Stock:
- 1852
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- 124,299 miles
- 7 Seats, 18 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- 493 mi away
- Bluetooth
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Parking sensors
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Sandy, UT
This 2012 Kia Sedona LX combines family-friendly functionality with reliable everyday performance. The silver exterior presents a clean, professional ...
- Features and Specs:
- 21 Combined MPG (18 City/25 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- KNDMG4C77C6465681
- Stock:
- C6465681T
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 09-07-2026
Vehicle overview
Kia might need to revisit some landmark legislation from the first Bush II administration, for the automaker has clearly left a child behind. While busy overhauling its Optima and giving fresh legs to its Sportage, Sorento and Rio models, Kia has left the Sedona minivan to languish outside the company's halls of engineering and design. That's a shame, because the 2012 Kia Sedona packs the kind of features, conveniences and warranty in a package that from more established competitors would cost additional thousands.
The neglect of the Sedona is especially critical in light of the redesigned minivans from Chrysler, Dodge, Honda and Toyota. In comparison, Kia gave its van a slight power bump and some minor styling tweaks last year. For 2012, the Sedona gets only a few different exterior colors and an optional rear-seat entertainment system for both trim levels. It's still an exceptional value, but the Sedona suddenly looks a little tired within its class and even within its own brand family.
Ultimately, the 2012 Kia Sedona is still a smart pick if you want a safe and comfortable minivan that won't bust the bank. But the reality is that the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna offer a number of selective advantages, including better fuel economy, more enjoyable driving dynamics, fresher interior designs and superior resale value. There are also the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, laudable efforts from the home team.
If you want a minivan that offers a lot for less, the Sedona still deserves a look. As for us, we'll be waiting until Kia gets around to giving the Sedona the redesign it deserves.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Kia Sedona is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 271 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift control is the only available transmission. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2012 Kia Sedona include antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The Sedona earned the top "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Driving
The 2012 Kia Sedona's 3.5-liter V6 generates plenty of power for family and domestic shuttling duties, and like the Honda Odyssey, the Sedona handles well for a minivan. Its commendable cornering feel offers confidence enough to weave around the road's unexpected obstructions. Ride quality doesn't suffer any for the Kia's heightened reflexes either, as the cabin keeps calm and quiet on the highway and over rougher pavement.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the 2012 Kia Sedona features a modest design that's plain but not unattractive. Most interior materials have a more premium feel, but some elements -- such as instrument bezels, rings and knobs -- feel a little flimsy, underscoring the advantage held by the Sedona's redesigned competitors. Gauges and controls are intuitively placed, with the exception of the haphazardly arrayed manual controls for the climate system.
All three rows of seats provide adequate headroom and legroom, and they're comfortable enough for long-distance road trips. Small storage bins and pockets are plentiful, providing storage for everyone's bottles, cups and portable distractions. The 60/40-split third-row seat folds into the floor and the second-row seats can be folded down at the seatbacks or removed entirely, yielding a competitive 142 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
2012 Kia Sedona models
The 2012 Kia Sedona is offered in LX and EX trim levels.
Standard LX features include 16-inch wheels, roof rails, keyless entry, full power accessories, rear parking sensors, front and rear-air conditioning, a fold-down table between the front seats and removable second-row captain's chairs. Also standard are 60/40-split fold-flat third-row bench seats, cloth upholstery, a tilt steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, Bluetooth and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with satellite radio and a USB/auxiliary input jack. A rear seat DVD entertainment system is also available.
Upgrading to the EX trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated outside mirrors, a power tailgate, power rear quarter windows, power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and wood interior trim. The EX also includes dual power-sliding doors, chrome exterior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rearview camera. These features, along with 16-inch alloy wheels, are also available to LX buyers through the Power package.
Additional options on EX models are bundled into packages. The Luxury package adds a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory and tri-zone automatic climate control. Upgrading to either the Premium Entertainment package or Navigation package (you can't get both) requires the Luxury package first. The former package includes a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a 10-speaker Infinity audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer, while the Navigation package adds a navigation system and eight-speaker Infinity audio.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners consistently appreciate the 2012 Kia Sedona for its strong engine performance and reliable nature. Many find the 3.5-liter V6 engine more than adequate for daily driving needs, offering smooth and powerful acceleration that suits both city and highway travel. Despite the competition with higher brand recognition, the Sedona impresses with value; several owners highlight the financial appeal and substantial savings compared to similar minivans from Honda and Toyota. Interior comfort stands out, especially with features like captain's chairs and ample storage, making it a practical choice for families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts. Drivers also commend the vehicle's reliability, often noting how minimal maintenance issues and consistent performance over high mileage contribute to a sense of security. The six-speed automatic transmission garners praise for delivering seamless shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience. Additionally, the backup camera and large, unobstructed windows contribute to excellent visibility, a feature appreciated for its contribution to safety and ease of maneuvering in tight spots.
Common Issues
The 2012 Kia Sedona is not without its share of issues that owners have expressed concerns about. A notably frustrating problem involves the vehicle's oil pressure sensor, which may require expensive repairs thanks to its inconvenient placement within the engine's manifold. Some owners report a bothersome auto-lock feature that unlocks all doors upon parking, raising major security concerns. Additionally, the minivan's interior materials have been criticized for not living up to expectations, with parts such as the seat arms and controls requiring frequent adjustments or exhibiting wear and tear. Concerns have also been raised about noise from the original tires, prompting some to replace them early in favor of quieter alternatives. There are reports of minor electrical problems, particularly with the radio and window operations, leading to both annoyance and repair costs. Fuel efficiency falls short of expectations for some drivers, who are frustrated by the frequent need for refueling, hinting at potential discrepancies in advertised versus actual mileage. Lastly, the folding and removal process of the second-row seats lacks the flexibility found in competitors, presenting a challenge for those needing quick reconfiguration.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
Everyday drivers find the 2012 Kia Sedona to be a reliable and solid choice for family transportation. Many appreciate its spacious interior layout, which accommodates both passengers and cargo effectively for various lifestyle needs, including hauling sports gear or embarking on long trips. The minivan's ride comfort and handling receive positive feedback, as drivers often mention its stability and refined driving experience both on highways and winding roads. However, while the strong V6 engine provides impressive power, some drivers note a trade-off with fuel economy, observing more frequent visits to the pump than initially expected. Despite some gripes about interior material quality and minor electronics issues, the overall sentiment suggests that these challenges do not heavily detract from the vehicle's practicality and day-to-day satisfaction. Owners frequently highlight their appreciation for the extensive warranty, seeing it as assurance against unexpected repairs as the vehicle ages. Security concerns about automated door locks and other quirks might frustrate some, but many drivers still feel the Sedona was a smart investment, especially for those seeking affordable and capable family transportation.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$378/mo for Sedona LX
Sedona LX
vs
$402/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Reliability
The 2012 Kia Sedona has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #4 out of 14 among Minivans. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#4 out of 14 among Minivans
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$467/yr
vs. $549/yr
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
Frequency
1.11x/yr
vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
Severity
11.4%
vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan
for Average Minivan
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
5 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 20V101000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC188
- Manufactured from:
- 2010-03-03 to 2012-08-14
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 51465
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.
- Corrective Action:
- 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.
- Recall Number:
- 18V363000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC165
- Manufactured from:
- 2010-08-12 to 2012-08-14
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 507587
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- 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.
- Corrective Action:
- The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is planned to begin on July 27, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
- Recall Number:
- 16V389000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC134
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-06-15 to 2014-04-04
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 219800
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- 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.
- Corrective Action:
- 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.
- Recall Number:
- 16V387000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC133
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-06-15 to 2012-08-14
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 97884
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- 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.
- Recall Number:
- 13V550000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SC100
- Manufactured from:
- 2005-06-15 to 2012-08-14
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 79867
- Defect Description:
- 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.
- Defect Consequence:
- A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- 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 is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.
Warranty
5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 10 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Kia Sedona Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(58%)
4(27%)
3(11%)
2(4%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2012 Sedona
5 out of 5 stars2012sedona, 01/22/2012
2012 Kia Sedona LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
We traded our 2011 Soul for this Sedona.
The soul was a great little car but it was difficult for us to get in and out especially with artificial knees.
We absolutely love our Sedona, we have the power package on it which gives you a lot of extras.
We average round about driving 23-24 mpg.
Not as good as the soul but it sure is a lot easier to get in and out of.
The engine is very … powerful and will throw you in the back seat if you kick the gas.
It has a six speed transmission and we don't even feel it shift.
At seventy mph it runs around 1600-1700 rpms.
That in itself saves the engine greatly over times.
With GM, and Ford quit making vans you only have a very few choices. Love it.
Good Van... 100K look out!
3 out of 5 starsDan, 04/20/2016
2011 Kia Sedona LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I have owned several Kia Sedonas' and over all we have been satisfied. I even recommend them to friends that are in the market for a van. I like that the Kia has light truck tires on it. This isn't so good for a ride, but is great in a rural venue. It also lends to a more durable tire. I feel that Kia has kind of skimped on the interior of the van. It could have more options, but I think … they were trying to keep the cost down and threw some of them out the window. There are several issues to be aware of... 1. the AC pump is prone to going out at least once in the vans life. And even when it is working properly, it makes a rather annoying noise. 2. Be prepared to replace the idler pulley at least once. I have owned 2 vans and this has happened to both. 3. The paint job is kinda cheep. The handles are starting to peel and stuff... could have done better. 4. The bucket seat arms are always coming lose and require me tightening them up once a month.... rather stupid. For my major complaint.... 5. at 100K miles be prepared for something to happen. Right now I am dealing with the oil pressure sensor that is leaking oil. The shop wanted $500 to replace it so I decided to tackle it my self. I think $500 for them to do it would have been a better deal. Wicked pain in the butt!! This being said, I hope to have it fixed and back on the road. I would like to run this bad boy till the wheels fall off. I think I would buy another Kia, because there are some good points, but just be aware of the 100k jinks.
My Aircraft Carrier
5 out of 5 starsMark, 09/11/2016
2012 Kia Sedona LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Bought this mainly to carry myself and several larger RC model aircraft on almost daily 60 mile round trips to flying site. Grew quickly to really like this vehicle. At 91K miles its been perfect in reliability and still tight and rattle free as new. I appreciate the smooth and strong acceleration, ride and excellent handling. My gas mileage has been a consistent 24 mpg in mixed … driving. OEM Yokohoma tires got noisier and noisier as they wore down, so replaced them early at about 49K miles with Generals which are much quieter with no loss of handling. Only thing I really miss is the fold into the floor center row seats found on the Chrysler minivans. I just take mine out and leave them home in the garage but would rather have the flexability of being there if I need them. Folding up against the front seats is available, but takes up too much needed room in my application. Dealers constant attempted upselling of servicing is annoying but follow the factory recommendations and it's not much of a burden at all. Would I buy it again? In a heartbeat.
Great minivan for the price!
4.13 out of 5 starsscoop14, 03/23/2012
2011 Kia Sedona LX 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
My 2011 Sedona was $6000 less out the door than Sienna and has a better warranty. Our local Kia dealership is also a well respected family business. Sienna drove slightly better but certainly not $6000 worth! Truth is with two kids & a dog to haul around it needs to be comfortable, solid & safe - it is. The Sedona's 3.5 V6 is powerful, willing, and sounds really good winding out. The … auto shifts cleanly and manual mode works well in the hills. The 18/25 mileage figures are accurate. I meet or exceed these numbers when driven calmly. 5600 miles so far and one problem (sticky purge valve = rough idle) fixed without problem under warranty with loaner provided. Happy so far with my first Kia.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Kia Sedona, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sedona since its last redesign.
2012 Sedona Features & Specs
LX
| Est. Market Value | $4,407 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $378/month |
| Seating | 7 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 32.2 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sedona include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover13.6%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestPoor
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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