Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sedona vs Toyota Camry
How the KIA Sedona and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Sedona vs Toyota Camry: The Sedona has 830 complaints over 10 years (83/year) and 24 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (206/year) and 31 recalls. The Sedona's issues often involve serious safety failures like doors opening while driving, whereas the Camry's complaints are more frequent but sometimes less severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sedona or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sedona
The KIA Sedona is a minivan that owners often rely on for family hauling, but NHTSA data shows 830 complaints over 10 years, averaging 83 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and body structure, with reports of oil consumption, sudden power loss, and sliding doors that open while driving. There are also 24 recalls and 34 injuries reported, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with 2,056 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 206 per year. Complaints cluster around the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners describing hesitation, shuddering, key removal problems, and brake noises. Despite 31 recalls and 158 injuries, the Camry's issues are often different in nature and may be more manageable with proper maintenance.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sedona | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 830 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 26 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 83.0 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 34 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Sedona
- 01ENGINE322
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM171
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER108
- 04STRUCTURE101
- 05EXTERIOR LIGHTING76
Owners report oil consumption issues starting around 100,000 miles, often accompanied by check engine lights for O2 sensors. Some also describe sudden power loss where the vehicle slows from highway speeds to 10 mph, which is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly braking on the interstate with forward collision and check engine lights, as well as sliding doors that do not stay closed and can open while driving. These electrical glitches can be unpredictable and dangerous.
The sliding doors are a recurring structural problem, with reports of doors not latching completely and opening while the van is moving. This is a major safety issue, especially with children on board.
Some owners report ECU communication failures that shut down the engine while driving, and anti-theft system issues. These are hard to diagnose and can leave you stranded.
“March 2024 just before hitting 100,000 miles I started having oil consumption issues. Current milage is 137,300 About 10,000 miles ago my check engine light came on. I took it to an auto parts store and it was reading bank 1 O2 sensor. I took it for an oil ch…”
“Problem: The Vehicle Slows down all of a sudden on the middle of the road from around 70 miles to 10 miles, then slowly drives at 15 or 20 miles speed. Safety Concern: On the Interstate Hwy, this has happened many time. Fortunately without any accidents. Very…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent ignition key sticking where the key cannot be removed even in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering at various speeds with check engine lights.
Complaints include delayed throttle response where pressing the accelerator has a several-second lag before the car moves. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic.
The electronic parking brake may not disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is common but still concerning.
Multiple systems like stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests complex electronic issues that may be costly to fix.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Sedona — 24 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (KIA) is recalling certain 2020 Sedona vehicles. The battery positive (B+) terminal nut on the alternator may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly causing it to loosen over time.
The risk: If the alternator B+ terminal nut loosens, electrical arcing may result, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator B+ terminal nut, tightening it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this…
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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…
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.
The 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.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air b…
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-8…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
KIA Sedona or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The KIA Sedona has far fewer complaints per year (83 vs. 206), but its issues often involve serious safety failures like doors opening while driving and sudden engine shutdowns. The Toyota Camry has more complaints overall, but many are about drivability and brake noises that may be less immediately dangerous. In practice, the Sedona may have fewer problems, but the ones it has can be more severe.
Key differences
- The KIA Sedona has 830 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2,056, but the Sedona's issues include sliding doors opening while driving and sudden engine shutdowns.
- The Camry's most common complaint area is the power train, with key sticking and hesitation, whereas the Sedona's top area is the engine, with oil consumption and power loss.
- The Sedona has 24 recalls and 34 injuries, while the Camry has 31 recalls and 158 injuries, indicating different recall and injury profiles.
- Electrical system problems in the Sedona include unintended braking and door malfunctions, while Camry electrical issues often involve multiple driver-assist systems failing at once.
- Check the sliding doors thoroughly: open and close them multiple times, and test the auto-close mechanism to ensure they latch securely and do not open while driving.
- Inspect for engine oil consumption: check the oil level, look for blue smoke from the exhaust, and ask for maintenance records to see if oil changes were frequent.
- Test the ignition key: ensure it can be inserted and removed smoothly in Park, and check for any sticking or difficulty turning.
- Listen for brake noises: during a test drive, press the brake pedal and listen for clicking or vibrating sounds, and test the electronic parking brake to ensure it engages and disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to check for recalls and accident damage.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and electrical systems, focusing on the specific complaint areas.
- For the Sedona, test all doors, especially the sliding doors, and check for any signs of oil leaks or consumption.
- For the Camry, test the ignition key, brakes, and all electronic driver-assist features during a test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and confirm that all recall repairs have been completed.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA Sedona | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 | 157 |
| 2020 | 20 | 274 |
| 2019 | 38 | 395 |
| 2018 | 48 | 744 |
| 2017 | 134 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Sedona or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sedona vs Toyota Camry
- KIA Sedona total complaints
- 830
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- KIA Sedona total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA Sedona avg complaints/year
- 83.0
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sedona
- KIA Sedona top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN