NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Kia Sedona Safety Ratings
The 2019 Kia Sedona scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 35 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Kia Sedona enters the used market with a strong safety profile. It achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it squarely in our "Strong" band. All of its NHTSA crash-test results are among the highest available. Furthermore, its recall record is clean: neither of the two recalls issued carries a do-not-drive designation.
The 2019 Kia Sedona received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Kia Sedona ranks 44 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 35 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 44 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Kia Sedona?
The 2019 Kia Sedona achieved a Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This robust score is primarily driven by its crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, reflecting near-perfect NHTSA crash performance. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology score of 6 out of 10 tempers the overall safety rating. This is a direct consequence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems being optional equipment. Vehicles not configured with these packages present a notable gap in active safety hardware. The defect record reflects two active recall campaigns, contributing to a sub-score of 14.75 out of 20. One recall addresses a broad multi-model airbag issue, while the other pertains to a seat belt buckle problem specific to 8-passenger Sedona models. Additionally, 35 unverified owner complaints have been lodged, with the majority concerning the engine and vehicle structure. While these complaints do not factor into the Safety Index, they warrant monitoring. No prior-year Safety Index is available for direct comparison.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Kia Sedona perform in crash tests?
A 13 percent rollover risk brings the 2019 Kia Sedona's rollover rating to 4 out of 5 stars, an outlier in an otherwise top-rated vehicle. NHTSA awarded the Sedona 5 out of 5 stars overall, with the same top score in both frontal and side crash tests. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13002
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Kia Sedona have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. One targets the air bag system across several 2017 to 2019 Kia models including the Sedona. The second, specific to 2019 Sedona vehicles with an 8-passenger arrangement, addresses a rear seat belt buckle assembly. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available data.
AIR BAGS22V031000
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
Reported 2022-01-25
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY19V207000
Risk: A seat belt that cannot be properly used increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt installation, and reinstall the seat belt buckle to the correct side if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia 's number for this recall is SC177.
Reported 2019-03-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has logged 35 unverified owner allegations for the 2019 Sedona. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine with 9 reports and Structure with 8, followed by unverified claims touching the Electrical System, Power Train, and Fuel System. Two alleged crashes and five alleged injuries appear in the record.
35 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Kia Sedona?
Any shopper considering a used 2019 Sedona should run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool before purchase. Both the air bag and the seat belt buckle campaigns may or may not have been remedied on a given unit, and confirming completed repairs at no cost to the buyer is the single most important safety step.
- The 2019 Sedona earned 5 out of 5 NHTSA stars in both frontal and side crash tests, with the only star deduction appearing in the rollover category at 4 out of 5 and a calculated rollover risk of 13 percent.
- A seat belt buckle recall issued in 2019 applies specifically to 2019 Sedona units configured with an 8-passenger seating arrangement, making it a model-year-specific and trim-specific concern not shared with earlier Sedona years.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional rather than standard on this model year, which pulled the avoidance technology sub-score to 6 out of 10 and is a key reason the Safety Index did not score higher despite strong crash results.
- The 35 unverified NHTSA complaints include alleged Engine and Structure issues as the top two categories, and the complaint record extends through mid-2026, meaning new allegations have continued to accumulate well into the vehicle's used-market life.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Kia Sedona places
The 2019 Kia Sedona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Kia Sedona safety questions
Was the 2019 Kia Sedona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Kia Sedona, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Kia Sedona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Kia Sedona earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Sedona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Kia Sedona. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Kia Sedona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 35 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Kia Sedona. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sedona years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13002), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sedona 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 44 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.