KIA Sedona Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 8, 2026 · 181 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the KIA Sedona across 11 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (72). The words owners use most often: “brakes rotors” (11% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Brakes rotors: mentioned in 20 of 181 complaints (11%)
  • Brake pads: mentioned in 17 of 181 complaints (9%)
  • Electrical service: mentioned in 10 of 181 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?

Based on 128 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles59 · 46%
10k–25k miles28 · 22%
25k–50k miles23 · 18%
50k–75k miles9 · 7%
75k–100k miles3 · 2%
100k–150k miles2 · 2%
150k+ miles4 · 3%

How serious are the reports?

Of 181 complaints, 10 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 3 an injury.

KIA Sedona service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year

Peak: 2005, with 72 complaints
2002: 262002262003: 172003172004: 282004282005: 722005722006: 202006202007: 5200752008: 8200882010: 2201022012: 1201212016: 1201612018: 120181

n = 181 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearService Brakes, Hydraulic complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2018 Sedona12%63,000
2016 Sedona10%130,000
2012 Sedona11%50
2010 Sedona26%75,000
2008 Sedona85%9,547
2007 Sedona53%88,363
2006 Sedona205%46,536
2005 Sedona7239%8,000
2004 Sedona2816%13,740
2003 Sedona1710%12,000
2002 Sedona2613%22,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2007, with 37 complaints
2002: 5200252003: 882004: 132004132005: 30302006: 282006282007: 37372008: 202008202009: 12122010: 9201092011: 442013: 1201312020: 442022: 2202222024: 222025: 3202532026: 33

n = 181 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Electrical system; service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/moduleFeb 14, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V088000 · 228,829 vehicles

Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Risk: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 19, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V265000 · 13,060 vehicles

Model years: 2006

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear caliper brake hoses may be out of position. An improperly positioned rear caliper brake hose may contact rear suspension components and over time breach the integrity of the hose.

Risk: This would result in the loss of brake fluid, which could cause decreased brake function, leading to crash and personal injuries.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the positioning of the rear caliper brake hoses and adjust or replace them free of charge. The recall began on september 15, 2006. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2007 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while his son was in the driveway about to drive off, the vehicle started smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes…

Received Jul 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11753707

The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sedona. The vehicle was bought used close to four years ago. The contact was unaware that the vehicle had received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 16V389000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES), and 16V387000…

Received May 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11736057

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Check Auto Emergency System" was displayed and the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, an unknown fluid was leaking near the front passenger’s side wheel. The vehicle was…

Received Apr 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11731469

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The message "ESC OFF" was displayed. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the engine had overheated, causing an electrical short and battery failure. The battery was…

Received Nov 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11698939

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had experienced the vehicle rolling while attempting to park the vehicle. On…

Received Apr 9, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11653732

Frequently asked questions

Do all KIA Sedonas have service brakes, hydraulic problems?

No. NHTSA has 181 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the KIA Sedona. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the KIA Sedona service brakes, hydraulic?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the KIA Sedona?

The most frequent phrase is “brakes rotors”, in 20 of 181 complaints, followed by “brake pads” (17).

Other KIA Sedona problems

See all KIA Sedona problems.