TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Kia Sedona body problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1crash
5injuries
What stands out
Of the 12 model years of Kia Sedona we track for body problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 31.
Owners have filed 31 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN CHANNEL REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information on some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from June 15, 2005 through May 06, 2013, which may experience wind noise coming from the front door window/door frame area, at highway speeds, and/or glass run channel deformation caused by improper sealing of the front windows. To correct this concern, follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the left and right side front door glass run channels.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION: FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN CHANNEL REPLACEMENT (SA167) - This bulletin provides information on some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from June 15, 2005 through May 06, 2013, which may experience wind noise coming from the front door window/door frame area, at highway speeds, and/or glass run channel deformation caused by improper sealing of the front windows.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: FRONT DOOR GLASS RUN CHANNEL REPLACEMENT -This bulletin provides information on some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from June 15, 2005 to May 06, 2013, which may experience wind noise coming from the sides of the windshield, at highway speeds, and/or glass run channel deformation caused by improper sealing of the front windows.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power sliding doors are the dominant complaint in this cluster. Owners repeatedly describe doors popping open without warning during highway driving, refusing to latch closed, or bouncing open immediately after closing. Some doors are stuck open and won't shut. The failures happen intermittently, making them difficult for dealers to reproduce, yet owners report the problem recurring within weeks or months of "fixes." Control modules, latches, cables, and computer resets have been replaced multiple times on the same vehicle—temporarily, before the same or opposite door fails again. Dealers have acknowledged seeing this issue before; some state parts are on back order. One owner tied the sliding door shut with rope rather than risk it opening while driving children. The electrical system treats a failed mechanical latch as an intentional open command, so the vehicle doesn't alert the driver to a defect.
Hood latch failures are less frequent but more dangerous. Owners report the hood flying open at 45–60 mph, striking the windshield hard enough to shatter it, and in one case leading to a guardrail collision. A recall (16V-389/SC134) was issued for this, though some owners were not notified and dealerships initially denied its existence.
Subframe and undercarriage corrosion appears in several reports, with one owner experiencing a complete subframe snap at highway speeds and another noting the engine was unsupported on one side. Clear coat peeling from the hood and rear—particularly on gold-colored vehicles—is also noted. Early AC failure affecting only one side and poor-quality repair work round out the body-related issues.
Same Kia Sedona body reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Power sliding door latches fail — doors open or won't close
The power sliding door latches (passenger and/or driver side) fail intermittently or persistently, causing doors to pop open while driving, refuse to latch when closing, or bounce back open after closing. Some fail to open fully. The electrical system registers the mechanical latch failure as an intentional open command and does not alert the driver to a defect. Dealers have reported seeing this repeatedly but claim it is not common.
When: As early as 350 miles; most commonly within 1–2 years of ownership; failure mileage ranges from 300 to 111,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Door opens unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds; Door will not latch when closing, bounces back open; Door closes then immediately re-opens; Door stuck in open position, will not close at all; Intermittent failure, difficult for dealers to replicate; Door opens after moisture exposure or car wash; Grinding noise when attempting to close; No manual override available if electronic system fails
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced door latch assemblies, control modules (both passenger and driver side), door cables, cable nuts, and reset/re-learned computer systems. Repairs are temporary; the same or opposite door fails again within weeks to months. One owner tied door shut with rope as a workaround. Parts frequently on back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for sliding door latch defect (owners mention voluntary recall designation). Dealers cite no TSBs or recalls under warranty after a certain period. One dealership stated doors operating 'as per design.' Some owners report KIA warranty initially covered repairs, but not after warranty expiration or if first dealer denied defect.
Hood unlatches while driving — opens and strikes windshield
The hood latch fails while vehicle is in motion, causing the hood to open. The hood strike force breaks the lift strut supports and damages the windshield. One case resulted in a guardrail impact and major front-end damage when driver lost control due to hood obstruction.
When: Incidents occur at 45–60+ mph; happens suddenly during normal operation; some owners report hood was properly latched before incident
Symptoms owners cite: Hood suddenly opens while driving; Hood strikes windshield with force; Windshield cracks or shatters from hood impact; Lift strut supports break, allowing over-extension; Vision obstruction; Vehicle damage to bumper, right front side, hood
Repairs/costs cited: Hood replacement, windshield replacement, bumper repair, latch repair or replacement. One owner used an Ethernet cable to temporarily secure hood for low-speed driving home. One dealership produced paperwork stating 'no problem with equipment' after 4 hours of service, despite hood having opened and struck windshield.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 16V-389 / SC134 issued for hood latch defect. KIA customer service advised to proceed to authorized dealership and stated KIA would cover costs if latch was faulty. One owner was told dealership had no recalls on file despite receiving recall document from KIA case worker.
Air conditioning compressor/system fails — inadequate cooling
The A/C compressor or system fails prematurely, resulting in loss of cold air on one side of the vehicle (driver side) while the other side (passenger side, rear) continues to cool. Freon leaks out rapidly or the system loses refrigerant. One dealer blamed the owner for road debris damage; a second dealer identified it as a manufacturer defect. Freon added by dealers does not resolve the issue permanently.
When: Early spring use (first season after purchase for some); brand new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Driver side A/C produces hot or warm air; Passenger side and rear A/C produces cold air normally; Freon leaks or runs out rapidly after addition; A/C air temperature hotter than outside ambient (100+ degrees)
Repairs/costs cited: Freon (refrigerant) addition by dealership did not fix the problem permanently. Second dealership added freon and cold air remained functional for 9+ months thereafter. Cost estimate of $1,100 for repair mentioned by first dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First dealership denied warranty coverage, claiming owner caused the defect via road debris collision. Second dealership confirmed manufacturer defect but stated warranty was already denied in the computer system by first dealership, so KIA would not cover repair.
Subframe corrosion and structural rot — suspension/engine support deterioration
The front subframe, subframe bushings, and undercarriage corrode or rot prematurely, compromising structural integrity. In one case, the subframe on the driver side snapped entirely, with the wheel floating in the wheel well. In another, subframe bushings were completely shot and the engine was not held on one side. Paint peeling and clearcoat failure also reported on hood and rear of vehicle.
When: As early as 5 years and 80,000 miles; as late as 11 years at 150,000 miles; one case at 36,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang or pop noise when weight shifts right to left on front end; Loud bang or pop when taking left-hand corners; Wheel shaking and grinding while braking; Shuddering during braking; Noise worsens over time; Visible corrosion on front subframe; Subframe completely corroded or rotted; Engine not held securely on one or both sides; Clear coat peeling from hood and rear of vehicle (gold-colored vehicles noted)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported subframe snap required full inspection and repair by local trusted shop. Another owner planned to perform subframe bushing and subframe repair himself. Dealer was unable to resolve noise issue after multiple visits; local shop identified the corrosion and rot. One case involved replacement of control arms due to breakage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for passenger front control arm breakage (owner was initially denied reimbursement, then KIA called back and reimbursed repair costs). A recall was subsequently issued for this exact problem. No mention of manufacturer response regarding subframe corrosion.
Hood and body paint defects — poor factory finish and workmanship
Hood paint is defective or damaged at delivery (messed up finish). Clear coat peels from hood and rear of vehicle, particularly on gold-colored vehicles. Dealer repair work is substandard, including spray paint overspray onto interior door panels and poorly executed handle repainting.
When: Present at vehicle purchase (new); clear coat failure occurs over time
Symptoms owners cite: Hood paint messed up at delivery; Clear coat peeling from hood; Clear coat peeling from rear of vehicle; Handles show melted plastic at delivery; Spray paint overspray onto interior door panels during repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted hood paint and handle repair. Handle repainting performed with spray paint, resulting in overspray onto interior door panels. Workmanship described as substandard. Two trips to dealership required; problem not fully resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No mention of TSB or recall; warranty coverage not specified.
Exposed wiring in sliding door — incomplete assembly or defective cover
Wires protrude from the plastic wiring cover in the rear passenger sliding door, exposing bare wires. The clamp that holds the wires in place is missing or loose.
When: Observed at approximately 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wires protruding from plastic wiring cover; Clamp loose or missing
Repairs/costs cited: Owner identified that clamp needed to be replaced. Vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not reported.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2006 Kia Sedona?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2006 Kia Sedona?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 12,000 and 92,554 miles, with the median around 45,983. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 92,554. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Kia/Sedona.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.