2003 Kia Sedona Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Kia Sedona, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical2713.3%
- Brakes2612.8%
- Airbags2512.3%
- Engine2512.3%
- Interior & seats167.9%
- Driver assistance136.4%
- Seat belts125.9%
- Suspension115.4%
- Other / unspecified104.9%
- Tires & wheels94.4%
- Fuel system83.9%
- Visibility52.5%
- Heating & air conditioning42.0%
- Body & structure42.0%
- Steering31.5%
- Transmission31.5%
- Exterior lighting21.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED HALFWAY DOWN WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SWERVED ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND STOPPED 30 YARDS IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC COMPUTER BRAKING MODULE DID NOT ALLOW THE BRAKES TO STOP COMPLETELY; THEREFORE, THE COMPUTER REACTED AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE TRAVELING ON ICE. THE DEALER (MORITZ KIA HURST, 110 NE LOOP 820, HURST, TX 76053, (817) 591-7063) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,800.
ABS LIGHT ON FRONT BRAKES ON DRIVERS SIDE NOT WORKING RIGHT
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR FIRE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CUTS ON THE FACE AND ARMS. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED SHRAPNEL IN THE RIGHT EYE WITH BRUISING, ALONG WITH GLASS IN HER FACE AND HAIR. THE FOUR PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SUSTAINED RINGING IN THE EARS. THE AMBULANCE PROVIDED ROUTINE ASSISTANCE, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (CASE NUMBER: 15-1706-00760). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,511.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. DURING THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE DESIRED GEAR WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD SAW FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED HOWEVER, HER NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH A WATER HOSE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS GETS REGULAR USE. BOLT BROKE WHEN SECOND ROW PASSENGER SIDE SEATBACK WAS RELEASED AND FOLDED FORWARD FOR ACCESS TO THIRD ROW SEATING. THE SEAT HAD NOT BEEN USED FOR THE PREVIOUS 2-3 WEEKS. SEAT IS STILL IN FOLDED POSITION. I AM RETIRED AND CANNOT AFFORD REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF SEAT. *TR
7 YEAR OLD CHILD SAT IN 3RD ROW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND THE SEAT BACK COLLAPSED BACKWARDS. WHEN WE TOOK THE SEAT OUT WE NOTED THAT THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE SEAT BACK TO THE BASE SEAT HAD SHEARED OFF OF BOTH SIDES. THIS SEAT HAS NORMAL USE AND THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED ESPECIALLY WITHOUT UNUSUAL FORCE BEING APPLIED TO THE SEATBACK. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR HER RECALL NOTICE SINCE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT PROVIDED THE DEALER WITH COPIES OF THE RECALL NOTICE WITH HER VEHICLE INFORMATION LISTED AND THEY DECLINED TO REPAIR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT HER VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS BASED UPON THE VIN. THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT HONOR THE RECALL AFTER CONFIRMING THAT SHE RECEIVED APPROVAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SHE IS CURRENTLY RESPONSIBLE TO ASSUME THE COST FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO THE RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,291. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER(S) ARE: 03V158000 , 05V013000 , 05V232000.
2003 KIA SEDONA ACCELERATES WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE SPEED (CRUISE) CONTROL IS ENABLED, BUT NOT ACTIVATED (SET BUTTON HAS NOT BEEN PUSHED). THIS IS NOT THE KNOWN CABLE FREEZING PROBLEM, SINCE WE LIVE IN FLORIDA. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM IF IN TRAFFIC AND CAN'T REACT FAST ENOUGH TO HIT THE BRAKES BEFORE IMPACTING A CAR IN FRONT. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM AFTER A SHORT DRIVE AND NOTHING WAS DONE. *JB
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, THE SECOND ROW SEAT BELT ANCHOR CABLES SNAPPED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 KIA SEDONA WITH 136000 MILES. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE SRS INDICATOR LIGHT STARTED STAYING LIT ON THE DASH. MY MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE CODE WAS B1513, WHICH INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE (FEMALE END). THEY ORDERED THAT PART NEW FROM KIA AND REPLACED IT (FOR A COST OF $238). THE INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT DISPLAY FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS WHEN IT WENT ON AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE CODES WERE B1511 AND B1513, WHICH INDICATES PROBLEMS WITH BOTH THE DIVER AND PASSENGER BUCKLES. MY MECHANIC BELIEVES IT IS A WIRING ISSUE, AND AT THIS POINT WE ARE NOT REPLACING THE SEATBELTS, BECAUSE I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT IT WOULD REALLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE COST TO REPLACE THE SRS WIRING IS PROHIBITIVE (OVER $1000). I FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, AS NO ONE CAN SAY FOR SURE THAT MY AIRBAGS WILL STILL DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STILL DRIVES VERY WELL. KIA SHOULD BE MORE PROACTIVE ABOUT REPLACING/REPAIRING FAULTY SRS COMPONENTS, EVEN IN OLDER VEHICLES. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE LEFT REAR WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT TAKE A REPORT. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR THE REPAIR WAS $400.00. THE WHEEL BEARING SEALS, BREAK DRUM, AND MOUNTAIN PLATE MIGHT NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
I PURCHASED MY 2003 KIA SEDONA IN NOVEMBER 2005. SO FAR THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED: FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY LEFT SIDE ONCE, RIGHT SIDE 2X'S, THE ALTERNATOR, THE WIPER MOTOR, TWO RECALLS, THE BATTERY, NOW AT 65,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE TIMING BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED. HOWEVER THE WARRANTY COMPANY SAYS THEY WONT REPLACE IT BECAUSE THE COST OF THE REPAIR EXCEEDS THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THIS IS SIMPLY OUTRAGEOUS. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR EVERY SERVICE NEEDED. TRANSMISSION, OIL FILTER ECT. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR WHEEL BEARING FREEZING UP MAKING TIRE COME OFF
MY AIRBAG LITE HAS BEEN TURNING OFF AND ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES..EG. LITE TURNS ON AND IS ON FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 SECONDS THEN TURNS OFF. NOW, 11/17/2014 WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE IT, THE LIGHT WENT ON AND HAS STAYED ON EVER SINCE WHEN THE IGNITION IS ON. I WANTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW BUT THEY ARE OUT OF BUSINESS. TODAY ON FOX NEWS I HEAD WHERE THEY ARE HAVING SOME TROUBLE WITH SEAT BELTS ON DIFFERENT CARS. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO. I LOVE THE CAR AND WANT TO KEEP IT. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH IT. IT HAS BEEN GREAT!! PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT I SHOULD DO. THANK YOU. RESPECTFULLY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON FEB. 25, 2018, WE PURCHASED A 2003 KIA SEDONA VAN FROM CITY START AUTO SALES IN PARADISE, CA. ALL FOUR TIRES AND THE SPARE WERE GOODYEAR INTEGRITY 215/70R15. THE TIRES READ MAX. PSI 44, BUT THE VAN SAID TO RUN AT 35 PSI. SO, ONCE A WEEK ON A COOL MORNING (BETWEEN 68-75 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITHOUT IT HAVE BEEN DRIVEN), MY WIFE OR I WOULD MAKE SURE THE TIRES WERE 34-35 PSI. DURING THIS 3 MONTH PERIOD, WE NOTICED NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. ON MAY 31, 2018, I WAS DRIVING FROM MY HOUSE IN MAGALIA, CA TO CHICO, CA. JUST AS I STARTED TO MERGE ONTO HWY 99 IN CHICO, I HEARD A THUMPING SOUND, THEN A BANG--TWICE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SAW 2 TIRES HAD COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT AND ONE WAS SERIOUSLY SHOWING THE METAL BELT. I HAD TO PAY TO GET A TOW TRUCK OUT AND IMMEDIATELY PURCHASE 4 NEW TIRES. WE'VE HAD A LITTLE WORK DONE ON THE REAR-LEFT FENDER CONTINUED TO HAVE WEIRD SOUNDS COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR WHERE THE WORST BLOW OUT HAPPENED. I JUST HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO TAKE IT IN YET. I KNOW IT WAS HOTTER IN CHICO THAN AT MY HOME, BUT IT WAS PROBABLY IN THE UPPER 80'S AT THAT TIME. I HAD NO WARNING AND IF IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, IT WOULD'VE BEEN A DISASTER. THE TIRE COMPANY SHOWED US THE SPARE, SAID WE COULD USE IT AS ONE FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT EVEN IT IS SHOWING SOMETHING WRONG TO THE TIRE GUY.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE FR380 TIRES, TIRE SIZE P215/70/R15. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE CENTER WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND BOTH REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TIRE TREAD EXHIBITED PREMATURE WEAR. THE SIMILAR FAILURE RECURRED ONE YEAR AND NINE MONTHS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE THREE TIRES. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO NOTIFY THE TIRE CENTER FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AND TO DETERMINE WHICH TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
I BOUGHT A 2003 SEDONA USED IN 2007 WITH ABOUT 50000 MILES AND HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS EVER SINCE. 1ST IN 7/08 I WENT TO A LOCAL SHOP (NOT KIA) BECAUSE MY ENGINE SEEMED VERY LOUD. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEEDED NEW MOTOR MOUNTS N THAT IT WAS KIND OF UNUSUAL FOR A CAR TO NEED THEM SO SOON. I DID CALL KIA N ASK THEM ABOUT THIS AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD TO BAD FOR YOU. SO I HAD THEM FIXED ($556.36). NOT EVEN A FEW WEEKS LATER MY AC WAS BLOWING HOT. SAME MECHANIC TOLD ME MY AC WAS OUT N THAT ONE OF THE HOSES NEEDED REPLACED. HAD TO WAIT A FEW YEARS BUT HAD IT REPLACED ($1050.72). HAD MY 1ST BRAKE JOB DONE IN 2008 EVER SINCE I'VE HAD TO HAVE MY BRAKES REPLACE 2-3 YEARLY PLUS HAD TO HAVE NEW CALIPERS. NO ONE CAN TELL ME WAY THE BREAKPADS WEAR OUT SO QUICKLY. I DONT DRIVE A UNUSUAL AMOUNT. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE 2 INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AND NOW HAVE A BROKEN EXTERIOR HANDLE. MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE I DRIVE WHICH SCARES ME READING OTHERS AIRBAG STORIES. WHEN I TRY TO FILL MY CAR WITH GAS THE PUMP WILL CLICK OFF AFTER A DOLLAR OR 2 LIKE ITS FULL BUT ITS NOT. AND JUST A WEEK OR SO AGO I WAS OB THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUUSE CONTROL ON ALL OF A SUDDEN I SMELT THIS OVERPOWERING SMELL OF GAS. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED BUT DIDNT SEE ANYTHING WRONG. CONTINUED DRIVING AGAIN SMELLED GAS TRIED TURNING OFF THE AC DIDNT HELP. TRIED TURNING OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL THE SMELL INSTANTLY STOPPED. I HOPE THAT SOMETHING CAN B DONE TO HELP ME AND THE OTHERS WITH KIAS. I HAVE SOME OF MY REPAIR PAPERWORK. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR ME PLEASE CALL ME. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASHBOARD TOWARDS THE BOTTOM. THE FAILURE WAS NOT A RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. WHEN A SHARP TURN WAS MADE, THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING NOISE SIMILAR TO METAL RUBBING AGAINST METAL. HE BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE ORIGINATED FROM THE GLASS FRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,000.
I PURCHASED MY 2003 KIA SEDONA IN NOVEMBER 2005. SO FAR THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED: FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY LEFT SIDE ONCE, RIGHT SIDE 2X'S, THE ALTERNATOR, THE WIPER MOTOR, TWO RECALLS, THE BATTERY, NOW AT 65,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE TIMING BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED. HOWEVER THE WARRANTY COMPANY SAYS THEY WONT REPLACE IT BECAUSE THE COST OF THE REPAIR EXCEEDS THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THIS IS SIMPLY OUTRAGEOUS. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR EVERY SERVICE NEEDED. TRANSMISSION, OIL FILTER ECT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2003 KIA SEDONA WITH PROBLEMS WITH LOSING POWER, CHOKING. **NAR**CC THE BUTTERFLY PLATES WERE FOUND LOOSE IN THE PLENUM AND THE SCREWS WERE MISSING. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY FROM THE FACTORY. WHEN THE BUTTERFLY'S FAILED THE CONSUMER WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH THE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. THE A/C FAILED IN THE MIDDLE F THE SUMMER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED WHEN IT WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR, THE FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FAILED ALONG WITH THE REAR PASSENGER AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over and left the vehicle. The contact returned 2 days later and drove the vehicle home. The contact stated that the check engine, brakes and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. Dealer/manufacturer was contacted but no open recalls.*JB Consumer stated in addition to the prior issues has airbag lights on and brakes that lock up in the rain. Power steering was repaired but still having problems.
2003 KIA SEDONA - MILEAGE ON THIS VAN 48,177 1. STEERING STIFFNESS, MAKE IT HARD TO TURN ABOUT 90% OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING. 2. ROUGH ENGINE - MISSED FIRE DUE TO THE COIL LEAKAGE AND ABOUT STARTED ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS AGO. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED MY 2003 KIA SEDONA IN NOVEMBER 2005. SO FAR THE FOLLOWING HAVE BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED: FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY LEFT SIDE ONCE, RIGHT SIDE 2X'S, THE ALTERNATOR, THE WIPER MOTOR, TWO RECALLS, THE BATTERY, NOW AT 65,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE TIMING BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED. HOWEVER THE WARRANTY COMPANY SAYS THEY WONT REPLACE IT BECAUSE THE COST OF THE REPAIR EXCEEDS THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THIS IS SIMPLY OUTRAGEOUS. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR EVERY SERVICE NEEDED. TRANSMISSION, OIL FILTER ECT. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 55-65 MPH THE VEHICLE SHAKES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES AND REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION SWITCH ONCE. THIS ATTEMPT DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 05/30/06
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A KIA SEDONA VAN WITH APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES. IT HAS HAD NUMEROUS HEADLIGHTS BULBS THAT HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. IN AN ATTEMPT TO PREVENT THIS, THE DEALERSHIP HAS EVEN REPLACED THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT. THE LAST TIME A BULB BURNED OUT THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED BOTH BULBS EVEN THOUGH ONLY ONE BULB BURNED OUT. THE RATIONAL FOR REPLACING BOTH BULBS WAS THAT ALL OF THE CURRENT WAS DIVERTED TO THE HEADLIGHT THAT WASN'T BURNED OUT, HENCE IT SHORTENED THE LIFE OF THE BULB THAT WAS WORKING. HOWEVER, SIX WEEKS LATER A NEW BULB WAS ALREADY BURNED OUT. AS I UNDERSTAND FROM TALKING WITH REPRESENTATIVES AT MY DEALERSHIP, THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE WITH THE KIA VAN. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM TWICE WHEN TRAVELLING OUT OF STATE -- ONCE WHEN IT WAS FOGGY AND BOTH TIMES AT NIGHT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE A CAR LOSE A HEADLIGHT OUT-OF-THE BLUE AT NIGHT WHEN TRAVELING ON UNFAMILIAR ROADS. PLUS, THIS IS BECOMING EXPENSIVE! *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHEN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS ACTIVATED, THE SIGNAL SWITCH REMAINED ENGAGED UNTIL IT WAS MANUALLY DISENGAGED. THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL FAILED BECAUSE IT DOES NOT OPERATE THE SAME AS THE RIGHT SIGNAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ACTUALLY A STANDARD FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .