Recall 20V399 affects 5,385 2020 Kia Sedona vehicles for a loose alternator B+ terminal nut. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 5,385 2020 Sedona vehicles because the battery positive (B+) terminal nut on the alternator can loosen over time after improper assembly tightening. If the nut loosens, electrical arcing can increase the risk of a fire, and Kia dealers will tighten the connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The alternator on the 2020 Kia Sedona charges the battery and helps power the electrical system while the engine is running. Its battery positive terminal, often called the B+ terminal, is the stud and nut connection that carries charging current from the alternator toward the battery.
On affected Sedonas, that terminal nut was not tightened to the proper torque during assembly. As the vehicle is driven, vibration can let the nut loosen over time. A loose B+ connection leaves the high-current cable less secure, so the alternator connection can lose firm contact instead of carrying power through a tight metal-to-metal joint.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the issue is at the alternator terminal nut, an owner should not rely on a dashboard light, noise, or starting problem to confirm whether the vehicle is included.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Kia Sedona | electrical system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 5,385 |
Not every 2020 Kia Sedona minivan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the alternator B+ terminal nut loosens, electrical arcing can start and raise the risk of a fire. The recall does not list a warning sign, so schedule the dealer inspection soon instead of waiting for symptoms. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Kia Sedona is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free alternator B+ terminal nut inspection and tightening that addresses the loose connection and fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V399 and Kia recall SC192 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop and contact the dealer if you smell burning, see smoke, or notice electrical problems.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the alternator B+ terminal nut and tightens it if needed. The inspection, tightening, parts, and labor are free under the recall. Kia's General Reimbursement Plan, filed May 11, 2020, covers repair expenses already incurred. If you paid for this alternator terminal repair before the recall repair, contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 and keep documentation for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 8, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 6, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 6, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 14, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V399?
Recall 20V399 covers 5,385 2020 Kia Sedona vans with an alternator B+ terminal nut that was not tightened properly during assembly. If the nut loosens, electrical arcing can increase fire risk. Kia dealers will inspect the nut and tighten it as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Kia Sedona is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 20V399. If your VIN is included, call a franchised Kia dealer and ask for recall 20V399 or Kia recall SC192. The dealer will inspect the alternator B+ terminal nut and tighten it as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Kia dealers will inspect the alternator B+ terminal nut and tighten it as necessary free of charge, regardless of where the van was purchased.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is electrical arcing at the alternator B+ terminal, which can increase fire risk. This recall is not marked do-not-drive, but owners with an included VIN should schedule the free dealer inspection and tightening before relying on the vehicle for regular use.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V399000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V399 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V399000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →