Recall 21V725 affects 88,576 2015-2017 Kia Sedona vehicles because the turn signal can activate the wrong way. Repair is free at a franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 88,576 2015-2017 Sedona minivans because Smart Junction Box software can read the multifunction switch incorrectly and activate the turn signal in the opposite direction from the driver's choice. That wrong signal increases crash risk, and Kia dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Smart Junction Box in the 2015-2017 Kia Sedona is an electronic control box that reads driver inputs and sends commands to vehicle systems. For the turn signals, it reads the multifunction switch, the steering-column stalk the driver moves to signal left or right. The box is supposed to match that input to the correct outside lamp and the matching arrow on the instrument cluster.
On affected Sedonas, the software inside the Smart Junction Box reads the switch signal incorrectly. When that happens, the vehicle activates the opposite turn signal from the direction the driver selected. Kia corrected the software logic so the box rejects the unintended signal direction instead of sending the wrong lamp command.
If the problem happens, the driver sees the wrong turn-signal arrow flashing on the instrument cluster. That is the warning sign before or during the failure.
Who's affected?
Both affected systems trace to the same Smart Junction Box used across the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Sedona.
| 2015 Kia Sedona | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Sedona | Turn signal |
| 2016 Kia Sedona | electrical system software |
| 2016 Kia Sedona | Turn signal |
| 2017 Kia Sedona | electrical system software |
| 2017 Kia Sedona | Turn signal |
| Units affected | 88,576 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction tells other drivers the wrong direction and increases crash risk. If the instrument cluster shows a signal direction you did not select, use caution, cancel the signal, and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Kia Sedona is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free SJB software update that corrects the turn signal logic.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V725 when you call.
- Use extra care when signaling turns or lane changes until the software update is complete.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions and reference Kia recall SC217.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician updates the Smart Junction Box software so it properly interprets multifunction switch signals for the turn signals. The recall repair is free, including the software update and labor. If you already paid for a related repair before the recall work, Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers repair expenses already incurred. Bring repair invoices and payment documentation to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service for the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 8, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 8, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 12, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V725?
Recall 21V725 covers 88,576 2015-2017 Kia Sedona vehicles with Smart Junction Box software that can misread the multifunction switch and activate the turn signal in the opposite direction. Kia dealers will update the SJB software for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Kia Sedona is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sedona is included in recall 21V725. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the Smart Junction Box software update. Reference recall number 21V725 or Kia recall SC217 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kia's remedy is a free Smart Junction Box software update at a franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a turn signal that activates in the opposite direction from what the driver intended. That can mislead nearby drivers and increase crash risk. Kia's free dealer repair updates the Smart Junction Box software so the signal logic works correctly.
What if I bought my Kia Sedona used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Sedona is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall 21V725 or Kia recall SC217.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V725000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V725 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V725000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →