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2016 Kia Sedona air bags problems

19 owner reports2 crashes3 injuries

This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.

What owners report

  • “I purchased the minivan as a used car last year and I noticed that the airbag light turned on when a passenger would sit on the front passenger seat. I tried to get a diagnosis ever since but many shops that I brought my minivan to didn’t work with airbags. So I eventually brought my minivan to a Kia dealership, Luther Bloomington Kia in Bloomington, Minnesota, and got 2 diagnostics: the first one was on 7/9/26, and the second one was on 8/26/26. Both diagnostics found and confirmed that there i…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 09/03/2026

  • “This concerns an unresolved airbag safety issue that went undetected due to a negligent recall inspection at a Kia dealership. On March 16, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Ed Voyles Kia of Chamblee, GA for a recall inspection to determine whether damaged wiring under the passenger seat was causing my airbag warning light to remain on. I dealt with the service advisor throughout the process. After the appointment, I was told the inspection was complete and no wiring damage was found. Upon leaving t…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 04/21/2026

  • “My 2016 Kia Sedona is affected by Safety Recall SC175 (Front Passenger Seat Occupant Detection System Wiring Harness), documented here: [XXX] . Kia and the servicing dealer, Rick Case Kia, report to NHTSA that this recall was completed in 2019. However, the defect described in SC175 is still present and easily reproducible. The dealer continues to insist the repair was completed, but the symptoms match the recall description exactly and the issue now poses a clear safety risk to the front passe…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 11/30/2025

  • “The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle from the dealer, the air bag warning light illuminated while driving, and the front passenger’s seat detection system failed to detect a passenger. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V109000 (Electrical System). The contact was also informed that a diagnostic test was needed to determine the cause of t…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 10/14/2025

  • “I am filing a formal complaint against Kia regarding Recall SC175 affecting this vehicle Kia has refused to perform this recall on my vehicle, claiming that the work was already completed. However, after reviewing the official campaign documentation (NHTSA Campaign Documentation – SC175), it is evident that the corrective work specified by the recall was not performed on my vehicle. My vehicle continues to exhibit the issue addressed by Recall SC175, confirming that either the recall was not c…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 09/15/2025

  • “My vehicle has a recall 19V109000. The description of the issue is "Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied." This issue has been diagnosed as having this very specific problem, Kia claims that this problem was previously fixed in my car, however it has not been fixed. I have been trying for sometime to get Kia and my local Kia Dealer to fix it but they just keep responding that this was al…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 08/02/2025

  • “I have a 2016 kia sedona. Engines on the vehicle have been known to be bad and I already had 1 engine replaced under their extended warranty that covers to 150000 miles after a blown head gasket. I got a new engine 11/2024 however car overheats & coolant leak everywhere&bust hoses. I was told to replace radiator and all cooling/heater hoses, but video show coolant bubbling car still overheating. Replaced one loose hose under warranty. Car overheats again was told to replace relay switch for fan …”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 07/15/2025

  • “Airbag warning light repeatedly coming on. First time told harness under seat problem paid then reimbursed as recall. Year later on again dealer took care unknown fix. During May of this year same airbag light on when took in for oil change and asked if could fix seat thing again. I'm very short rest of drivers tall so seat moved positions farthest forward to farthest back. Told must make diagnostic appointment earliest February. Today told front passenger side air bag needs to be replaced. Our …”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 02/06/2024

Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.

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How common are 2016 Kia Sedona air bags problems?
19 owners reported air bags issues to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sedona, 2 involving a crash. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Is there a recall for 2016 Kia Sedona air bags problems?
No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.

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