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2012 Kia Sedona

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Sedona.

Body VANTransmission Automatic 6-spd

The 2012 Kia Sedona is a minivan powered by a V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 city, 24 highway, and 21 combined mpg, and requiring 5.8 quarts of 5W-20 or 5W-30 motor oil for service. Across the model's complaint history spanning 2002 through 2021, the 2012 sits toward the middle of a significant downward trend—2006 peaked at 385 total complaints while 2021 recorded just 8—and its 106 owner complaints and five recalls represent a marked improvement over earlier model years despite remaining above later examples. The Electrical System was the top reported concern for this generation, though the consistent decline in complaints over the vehicle's lifespan suggests that Kia addressed systemic weaknesses through engineering refinements, making the 2012 a more dependable choice than its higher-complaint predecessors while trailing the substantially improved later models.

Model year202120202019201820172016201520142012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/24/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 124R · 660 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 124R · 660 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 6-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length202 in
Overall width78.3 in
Overall height69.3 in
Wheelbase118.9 in
Curb weight4601 lb
Track (front / rear)66.5 / 66.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 24 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Sedona of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.4–9.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.40 sec — 2015 SXL
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2015SXL 3.3L V67.40 sec15.80 sec276 hpFWD
2015SXL 3.3L V67.80 sec16.10 sec276 hpFWD
2015SXL 3.3L V67.80 sec16.00 sec276 hpFWD
2015SXL 3.3L V67.90 sec16.10 sec276 hpFWD
2016SX 3.3L V67.80 sec16.00 sec276 hpFWD
2006LX 3.8L V68.00 sec16.10 sec244 hpFWD
2006EX 3.8L V68.20 sec16.20 sec244 hpFWD
2006EX 3.8L V68.30 sec16.50 sec244 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.8 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 26.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.2
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-20 · 5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.8 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts210-224 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts53-56 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts29-33 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug26.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs15-17 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub177-199 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub145-188 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance.56-.68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance5950-8050 ohms
Ignition Timing8, Not adjutstable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance10 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.92-2.04 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity6.75-7.43 oz
Standard BCI Group Number124R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance660 cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)55.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance13.8-15.2 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression128-149 PSI. 14 Maximum variation PSI

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle36-43 ft-lbs / 58-72 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.078 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in / 0.0002 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in / 0.0012 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.47 in / 1.102 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.47 in / 1.102 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.41 in / 1.023 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1tighten bolts in sequence 2, 1, 4, 3, 6, 5, 8, 72.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi.

At 7,500 miAir Conditioning System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect)
Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level)
Every 24,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
At 30,000 miBattery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Pedal Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2012 Sedona sits at a distinct inflection point in the model's federal record: complaints rose to 106 from 65 in 2011, while TSBs peaked for the generation at 85, signaling heightened dealer-level service activity despite recalls holding steady at five. This contrasts sharply with the 2009–2010 nadir (32–47 complaints) and the 2013 collapse to zero complaints and just one recall, suggesting 2012 captured a brief resurgence of reported issues — led by Electrical System (13) and Engine (12) categories — before a sharp correction. The five crash and five fire complaints in 2012 are notable but the data doesn't specify root causes. Later years (2015–2016) saw far higher complaint volumes (136–289) and TSBs (112–146), indicating 2012's elevation was moderate in the full generational arc. For a buyer, the 2012 shows above-average early-generation complaint and TSB density but avoids the severe spikes of the initial 2002–2006 run and the later 2015–2016 surge; verify all five recalls are closed and scrutinize electrical and engine systems during inspection.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
85
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
106
Owner complaints
5 involved a crash · 5 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 106 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System13
Engine12
Unknown Or Other8
Structure8
Vehicle Speed Control7
Air Bags5
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Power Train4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V363000Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control ModuleReported 01/06/2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short… Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit…

20V101000Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel RailReported 21/02/2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak. Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 85 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_CS2312_R12026-02-18StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_CS23122025-12-17StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
CS2312_OWNR2025-12-17StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner…
TSB_TRA046_R52025-04-17Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Sedona. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 124R batteryVehicles taking 5.8 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Sedona take?

5.8 qt of 5W-20 OR 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Sedona have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Sedona get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg.