NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Kia Sedona Safety Ratings
The 2020 Kia Sedona scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 20 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Kia Sedona achieved a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. This strong performance in federal crash testing contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, an "Exceptional" band score. The model year's safety record is further supported by a single, resolved recall.
The 2020 Kia Sedona received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Kia Sedona ranks 33 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 20 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 33 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Sedona?
The 2020 model year marks a meaningful step up for the Sedona in federal safety metrics. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed four points to 91/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band it held in 2019 at 87/100 into the higher Exceptional band. That gain is driven primarily by a near-perfect crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, reflecting the clean five-star sweep across overall, frontal, and side NHTSA categories. The avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard equipment on this trim configuration, which holds the ceiling on that component. The defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 is consistent with the light recall footprint: a single campaign tied to alternator terminal torque, a manufacturing-process concern rather than a systemic structural or fire-risk issue. With 20 unverified owner complaints and no alleged crashes, injuries, or fatalities in the NHTSA complaint database, the 2020 Sedona's federal safety picture is notably clean for a minivan of this vintage.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Kia Sedona perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Kia Sedona achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. The vehicle secured five out of five stars in both frontal and side impact assessments. Its rollover performance, while not matching the five-star crash ratings, still registered a commendable four stars. Dynamic tip testing by NHTSA resulted in a "No Tip" outcome, with the Sedona's rollover risk calculated at 13 percent.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14396
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Sedona have any recalls?
The 2020 Kia Sedona carries one recall campaign. It targets the electrical system, specifically the alternator: the battery positive terminal nut on the alternator may not have been properly tightened, a condition that could affect charging. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available federal data for this campaign.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR20V399000
Risk: If the alternator B+ terminal nut loosens, electrical arcing may result, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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 recall is SC192.
Reported 2020-07-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Kia Sedona?
Twenty owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Structure and Engine, each cited five times, followed by the Electrical System with three reports. Zero crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the complaint file.
20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Sedona?
A critical recall affecting the alternator terminal necessitates a VIN check for any prospective buyer. This issue, if unaddressed, transfers to the new owner. The remedy for this recall must be performed at a Kia dealership.
- The 2020 Sedona's Safety Index of 91/100 represents a four-point increase over the 2019 model year's 87/100, moving it from the Strong band into the Exceptional band for the first time.
- NHTSA awarded the 2020 Sedona five stars in both the frontal and side crash tests, with the only sub-five result being the four-star rollover rating and a measured rollover risk of 13 percent.
- The single recall for this model year targets the alternator's battery positive terminal nut, which may have been under-torqued during production, a concern specific to 2020 production vehicles.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard on this model year's configuration, which is reflected in the avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 within the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Kia Sedona places
The 2020 Kia Sedona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Kia Sedona safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Sedona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Kia Sedona, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Kia Sedona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Kia Sedona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Kia Sedona. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Sedona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 20 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Kia Sedona. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sedona years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14396), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sedona 2020.
- 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 33 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.