Buy Kia Sedona Tail Light Assembly

Before we dive into the details, here's the big picture: every Kia Sedona (also called the Carnival in other markets) uses a rear-combination lamp that bundles the red running light, bright stop light, turn signal, and reverse light into one housing. Older vans rely on halogen bulbs, while 2015-2021 models add optional LED strips and a quicker-lighting brake filament. Correct bulb sizes (1157/2357 for most years), a 10- to 20-amp fuse, and basic hand tools are usually all you need to replace or upgrade the assembly. Keeping the lens clear of moisture, following federal lighting rules, and checking for recalls will keep the minivan safe-and visible-on the road.

Overview

Overview

The Sedona was sold in North America across three generations: 2002-2005, 2006-2014, and 2015-2021, when the name switched to Carnival. Each generation uses a different-shaped tail lamp, but the job is the same-make the van easy to see from behind day or night.

Key Functions

Key Functions

• Running lamp: steady red glow so drivers behind you can gauge distance.
• Stop lamp (brake light): brighter red signal when you press the pedal.
• Turn signal: flashes amber or red, depending on trim.
• Backup lamp: clear or white light to show the van is in reverse.
• Built-in reflectors: bounce headlights back even when bulbs are off, meeting DOT rules.

Generations & Fitment

Generations & Fitment

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Bulb charts list 1157 for stop/tail, 921 for reverse, and 1156/2357 for rear turn on most builds.

Fuse & Wiring

Fuse & Wiring

• 2015-2020 vans: tail/stop light power comes through 10 A "MODULE3" and 7.5 A "BRAKE SWITCH" fuses in the driver-side dash panel.
• 2006-2014 vans: 20 A "STOP LAMP" fuse in the engine-bay box feeds both rear lamps and the high-mounted stop light. (Fuse Box)
  Always pull the negative battery cable before probing wires.

Safety & Law

Safety & Law

• U.S. vehicles must follow Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, which sets brightness, lens area, and "steady-burning" rules for tail lamps.
• The 2006 Sedona recall (NHTSA 06V349000) fixed a brake-light wire that could short against the steering column.
  Check your VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup.

Common Bulbs

Common Bulbs

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Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Dim or dead lamp: first swap in a known-good bulb; if it still won't light, test the fuse and ground path.
Moisture in lens: a cracked seal lets rain in; gently bake the housing at 200 °F for 10-15 min, dry, then reseal with clear silicone.
Cloudy plastic: sand and polish just like a headlight to remove UV haze.

Replacement Steps

Replacement Steps

1. Open the lift-gate.
2. Remove two Phillips screws holding the rear lamp.
3. Pull the unit straight back-clips release with a pop.
4. Twist each socket counter-clockwise, swap bulbs, or replace the full assembly.
5. Test all lights before reinstalling.

Care & Materials

Care & Materials

Sedona tail-lamp lenses are molded in polycarbonate, a strong plastic that yellows when UV light breaks down its surface. Adding UV-absorbing stabilizers at the factory slows this process, but periodic polishing extends clarity.

When a lamp finally cracks beyond repair, recycle the plastic-see the EPA plastics guide.

Upgrade Ideas

Upgrade Ideas

• LED plug-ins: brighter, cooler-running, and often outlast the van.
• Smoke or clear lenses: legal only if they still meet FMVSS 108 brightness.
• Sequential turn signals: fun, but check your state's code-some areas allow them only if the sweep ends in under 0.5 s.
• Trailer‐tow harness: Sedona's factory tow package includes a dedicated 30 A "TRAILER" fuse so LED trailer tails stay error-free.

Maintenance Tips

Maintenance Tips

• Keep the rear lens clean; road film dims light output.
• Replace bulbs in pairs so brightness matches.
• Inspect the gasket every oil change for cracks.
• Wipe a thin layer of dielectric grease on bulb bases to ward off corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know which tail light fits my Sedona?
A: Match the model year. 2006-2014 and 2015-2021 housings look similar but the mounting pins are in different spots. (Fuse Box)

Q: What bulb goes in my 2017 Sedona stop lamp?
A: A dual-filament 2357 halogen or 1157-type LED replacement.

Q: Can I swap in LEDs without resistors?
A: Yes for 2015-2021 vans; the body control module detects low current automatically. Earlier vans need an in-line resistor or LED-ready flasher.

Q: Where is the fuse for the brake lights?
A: On 2015-2020 models it's a 7.5 A "BRAKE SWITCH" fuse behind the dash panel; on 2006-2014 it's the 20 A "STOP LAMP" fuse under the hood.

Q: My lamp fills with water-what now?
A: Dry it out completely, reseal with clear silicone, and replace any blown bulbs.

Q: Is tinting my tail lights legal?
A: Only if the finished lamp still meets FMVSS 108 brightness and "steady-burning" rules.

Q: What's the torque for the mounting screws?
A: Hand-tight-about 1.5 N·m (13 in-lb). Over-tightening cracks the plastic lip.

Q: Are there any recalls on Sedona tail lamps?
A: Yes. A 2006-era recall fixed a wire that could short and kill the brake lights. Check your VIN at the NHTSA site.

Q: How long should an LED tail bulb last?
A: Quality LEDs are rated for 30,000-plus hours-roughly the life of the vehicle.

Q: Where can I get the factory manuals?
A: Kia posts free PDFs at its owner's portal.

Q: Is there a video that shows the whole swap?
A: Yes-watch the step-by-step 2015-2021 replacement clip linked here.

Further Reading:

• DOT lighting equipment overview
• Kia owner's manuals

These resources expand on regulations, wiring, and model-specific service data.