NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Sedona Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Sedona scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Kia Sedona achieves an overall five-star crash protection rating from NHTSA, contributing to its Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100. This model year distinguishes itself with no active recall campaigns, a notable factor for used-market consideration. Its modest volume of owner complaints further reinforces a strong safety profile.
The 2021 Kia Sedona received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Sedona ranks 30 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 | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 30 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Sedona?
The 2021 Kia Sedona holds a Safety Index of 91/100, matching its 2020 predecessor exactly and sustaining the Exceptional band for a second consecutive year. That stability is meaningful because it reflects genuinely strong underlying numbers rather than a rebound from a prior dip. Crash protection accounts for 66 of a possible 70 index points, the dominant driver of the score, and the NHTSA star ratings back that up: five stars across overall, frontal, and side categories. The rollover score of four stars and a 13 percent rollover risk is the lone area below maximum, though the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result, which is the preferred outcome. The avoidance technology subscore of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this model year, a meaningful distinction for buyers who want those systems and need to confirm they are present on a specific vehicle. The defect record subscore of 18.75 out of 20 is bolstered by the clean recall slate: zero campaigns on file. Eight unverified owner complaints is a low volume for a model year, and no fatalities are alleged.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Sedona perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Kia Sedona earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This result is bolstered by five-star performances in both frontal and side crash tests. While strong across the board, the Sedona received four out of five stars for rollover protection, reflecting a 13 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15140
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Sedona have any recalls?
The 2021 Kia Sedona carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open recall components to flag, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has received eight owner complaints for the 2021 Sedona. Unverified allegations span Electrical System, Unknown or Other, Vehicle Speed Control, and Tires, each with two reports, plus single allegations touching Exterior Lighting and Engine. Two complaints allege crash involvement and one alleges injury.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Sedona?
Before purchasing any 2021 Sedona, run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no campaigns have been added since this data was compiled. Verify that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are equipped if those safety features matter to your decision, as both were optional on this model year.
- The 2021 Sedona carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect record that contributes 18.75 out of 20 points to its Safety Index.
- NHTSA awarded this model year five stars in overall, frontal, and side crash categories, with a four-star rollover rating and a 13 percent rollover risk.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on the 2021 Sedona, meaning buyers must verify whether a specific used unit is equipped with these systems.
- Eight unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA include two alleging crash involvement and one alleging injury, with the highest complaint concentration in Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control, and Tires.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Sedona places
The 2021 Kia Sedona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Sedona safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Sedona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 Kia Sedona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Kia Sedona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Kia Sedona as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Sedona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Sedona. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sedona years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15140), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sedona 2021.
- 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 30 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.