Overview
The 2017 Kia Sedona is a front-wheel-drive minivan designed for families who want three-row seating, a smooth ride, and strong value compared to pricier rivals. It belongs to the third-generation Sedona (introduced for 2015), which brought a more refined cabin, improved safety tech, and a more upscale driving feel than earlier models. With available premium trims and lots of standard equipment for the money, the 2017 Sedona targets shoppers cross-shopping the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Chrysler Pacifica but looking for a budget-friendly alternative. It’s ideal for daily commuting, carpools, road trips, and anyone who needs flexible seating and cargo space.
Key Features
1) V6 POWERTRAIN: All 2017 Sedona trims use a 3.3L V6 (276 hp, 248 lb-ft) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing confident passing power even when loaded with passengers and cargo.
2) THREE-ROW VERSATILITY: Seating for up to eight (depending on configuration) with a family-friendly cabin layout, available leather seating, and flexible cargo space for strollers, sports gear, or luggage.
3) SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSIST TECH: Available features may include forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning (availability varies by trim/package).
4) COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE: Available power sliding doors and power liftgate, tri-zone climate control on equipped models, and an easy-to-live-with ride quality that’s tuned more like a crossover than a traditional van.
5) INFOTAINMENT OPTIONS: Depending on trim, look for touchscreen audio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and available rear-seat entertainment features that help on longer trips.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers researching 2017 Kia Sedona reliability often find that many owners report dependable day-to-day operation, but there are a few recurring complaints to know before buying. Here are some 2017 Kia Sedona common issues that show up in owner reports and service discussions:
1) SLIDING DOOR PROBLEMS (POWER DOORS): On models equipped with power sliding doors, some owners report doors that hesitate, reverse, fail to latch, or stop working intermittently. This can be caused by door rollers, latches, sensors, wiring, or the motor assembly, and it may show up anywhere from 40,000–90,000 miles depending on use and climate.
2) ELECTRICAL/INFOTAINMENT GLITCHES: Intermittent issues like a freezing touchscreen, Bluetooth disconnects, or backup camera oddities are commonly mentioned. These problems may be resolved with software updates, but some cases involve module replacement or wiring checks, often reported around 30,000–80,000 miles.
3) ENGINE OIL LEAKS OR SEEPAGE: Some owners note oil seepage from gaskets/seals (such as valve cover areas) as mileage climbs, typically appearing around 70,000–120,000 miles. Not every Sedona experiences this, but it’s worth inspecting, especially if there’s an oil smell or residue on the engine.
4) SUSPENSION/STEERING NOISE AND WEAR: Clunks over bumps or wandering steering can develop as components wear, such as sway bar links, bushings, struts, or alignment-related tire wear. These concerns are more likely as the van approaches 80,000–120,000 miles, especially with frequent heavy loads or rough roads.