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U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Kia SEDONA EX problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

34 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

60,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 28 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 34 complaints (17.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior823.5%
Braking behavior514.7%
Electrical and battery issues411.8%
Transmission and shifting38.8%
Engine operation38.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
6
Steering
4
Wheels
3
Engine
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System6
Steering4
Wheels3
Engine2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System2
Power Train:Automatic Transmission2

Electrical System: 6; Steering: 4; Wheels: 3; Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System: 2; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
8
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
7
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0008
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9997
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2006
9
2007
2
2008
7
2009
3
2010
2
2011
3
2012
3
2015
1
2016
2
2018
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20069
20072
20087
20093
20102
20113
20123
20151
20162
20182

2006: 9; 2007: 2; 2008: 7; 2009: 3; 2010: 2; 2011: 3; 2012: 3; 2015: 1; 2016: 2; 2018: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10156428 · 2006-04-29 (April 29, 2006)

HARD TO STEER ON TURNING STEERING DOES NOT WANT TO RETURN ALSO HARD TO TURN AT ANY SPEED. THE U-JOINT ON THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED ALSO.

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10156428 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10175330 · 2006-12-06 (December 6, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO CLEANED THE BRAKES WITH A HARDWARE KIT. THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE BRAKES WERE CLEANED TWO MORE TIMES. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO SUGGESTED THE ROTORS BE CUT. THE PROBLEM RECURRED A FIFTH TIME, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND SHOES. THE PROBLEM RECURRED 3-4 MON…

Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10175330 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10156426 · 2006-04-29 (April 29, 2006)

BRAKES VIBRATING I HAVE TAKEN THIS VAN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM SINCE I HAVE 1400 MILES ON THE VAN EACH TIME THEY TELL ME WARPED ROTORS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 25 YEARS AND NEVER HAD PROBLEM LIKE THIS ALMOST EVER 6 MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO BRING IT IN FOR UNTIL THEY CHANGED THE FRONT PADS WITH A NEW TYPE AT A COST OF $230.00 AT 13,000 MILES 4/28/05 THE PROBLEM SEEM TO BE FIXED BUT AFTER 10,000 MILES ITS BACK 4/28/2006 ONE YEAR TO THE DATE THIS NEEDS TO BE CHECKED. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 14,233 miles reported. Look up ODI 10156426 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10162967 · 2006-07-20 (July 20, 2006)

THIS VAN HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE CD PLAYER DOESN'T WORK ANY MORE. THE ALTERNATOR WITH OUT AT 40,000 MILES. THE FUSES INSIDE KEEP BLOWING. THE AIR CONTROLLER IN THE BACK IN FALLING OUT OF THE CEILING. I HAD TO LEAVE IT WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A WEEK SO THAT THEY COULD FIND THE HESITATION PROBLEM IT WAS HAVING WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE DISTRIBUTOR CABLE, THIS WAS AT ABOUT 17,000 MILES AND THAT WAS ALSO THE MILES AT THE 2ND BRAKES JOB. IT N…

Owner-reported narrative. 17,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10162967 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10171337 · 2006-10-19 (October 19, 2006)

ON TUES. THE 3RD OF OCT. 2006 I WENT TO START MY 2003 KIA SEDONA AND IT WOULD NOT START SO AAA WAS CALLED, THEY CAME AND JUMPED THE BATTERY AND IT WAS ALL SET TO GO. THURSDAY THE 5TH I NOTICED CONSOLE NEAR RADIO WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. FRIDAY OCT. 6TH 2006 I WENT TO GET INTO MY CAR AND I COULD NOT GET THE DOOR OPEN. I NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND BLACK. WHEN I FINALLY GOT INTO THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS COMPLETELY MELTED BY A FIRE THAT OCCURRED SOMETIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY ARE …

Owner-reported narrative. 41,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10171337 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10206614 · 2007-10-23 (October 23, 2007)

THE HYDRAULICS THAT KEEP THE HOOD AND THE BACK OF THE VAN OPEN ARE NOT WORKING. SO YOU ARE STUCK HOLDING THEM OPEN (AND THEY ARE VERY HEAVY) TO PUT IN GROCERIES, ETC. MY DAUGHTER HAS HURT HER HEAD A COUPLE OF TIMES TRYING TO HELP ME KEEP IT OPEN TO GET THE GROCERIES OUT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO BE DOING THIS. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THE INSIDE SOMETIMES WORKS, SOMETIMES NO. THE BACK AIR ADAPTER FOR THE A/C KEEPS FALLING OUT OF THE CEILING. THE A/C ITSELF SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T. THE SEATS IN THE BACK KEEP COMING UNDONE. T…

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10206614 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10156424 · 2006-04-29 (April 29, 2006)

TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING RIGHT WAS TOLD 3 MONTHS AFTER I HAD PURCHASE THIS MINIVAN I HAD LOW FLUID I TOOK IT BACK MANY TIMES AND WAS THE SAME TILL I STARTED SEEING TRANSMISSION FLUID IN MY DRIVE WAY I TOOK IT TO THEN DEALER HE SAID MY AXLE SEAL WAS BAD THEY TOOK OVER A WEEK TO REPAIR IT AND NEVER REPLACED THE MISSING FLUID I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME FOR THE MISSING FLUID KIA WAS NO HELP IN THIS CHARGE THREE MONTHS LATER I HAD TO HAVE THE FLUID CHANGED AT A CHARGE TO ME BECAUSE IT SMELLED BURNT. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 1,433 miles reported. Look up ODI 10156424 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10157391 · 2006-05-11 (May 11, 2006)

WE HAVE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH OUR KIA SEDONA. I'VE LOST COUNT HOW MANY TIMES THIS HAS HAPPENED. I HAVE HAD THE VAN INTO TWO DIFFERENT KIA DEALERSHIPS AND NEITHER ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. WE PURCHASED THE VAN 12-2003 AND STARTING HAVING PROBLEMS 09-2004. WE WILL BE DRIVING THE VAN AND IT WILL START A BUCKING ACTION AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT IT SHOULD BE DOING. IF WE ARE LUCKY, WE CAN LET OFF THE GAS AND THE BUCKING ACTION WILL CEASE. THERE ARE OTHER TIMES WHEN WE LET OFF THE GAS AND IT CONTINUES TO BUC…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10157391 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10170183 · 2006-10-06 (October 6, 2006)

2003 KIA SEDONA WHICH WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW HAS HAD A PROBLEM ALMOST SINCE WE PURCHASED IT, INITIALLY WITH RUNNING ROUGH, THEN TRANSMISSION INTO STALLING, OR LOSS OF POWER AND ALMOST STALLING, WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR OTHER MAIN THOROUGHFARE WHERE RAPID ACCELERATION IS REQUIRED FOR SAFE ENTRY. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AT WHICH WE PURCHASED IT NUMEROUS TIMES. EITHER THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, OR THEY MADE REPAIRS WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ON OCTOBER 4, 2006, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT ON A BUSY 4 …

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10170183 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10269907 · 2009-05-26 (May 26, 2009)

WE FIRST GOT OUR (USED) KIA SEDONA OCT. OF 2007. IT HAD ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE GOT IT- AND NOW IT HAS ABOUT 74,000. 2 MONTHS INTO HAVING IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHENEVER THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 20 DEGREES(F). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD USUALLY GO OFF BY THE NEXT DAY IF IT WAS WARMER OUT OR WOULD STAY ON FOR UP TO 3 DAYS IF IT WAS VERY COLD) IT STARTED TO BUCK A LOT (ABOUT 6 MONTHS INTO HAVING IT) AND WE BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP AND HAD THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, BOOTS, AND COILS REPLACED. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER …

Owner-reported narrative. 49,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10269907 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

34 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

82.4%Usable mileage28 / 34 records
100.0%Valid incident date34 / 34 records
100.0%Valid filing date34 / 34 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates34 / 34 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component200220032004
Electrical System
1122.0%
ODI 10144948 · 58,000 mi

FIRST HAD PROBLEMS WHEN THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN OR UP. ALSO, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD CLICK AND NOT FUNCTION. WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER - THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT - NEXT DAY WHEN OUT OF TOWN THE SAME THING HAPPENED. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A GROUND/SHORT FAULT IN THE WIRING OF THE DOOR HARNESS CONNECTED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THEY WORKED ON IT AGAIN AND STILL NOT FIXED. THREE WEEKS LATER - RECEIVE A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE ABOUT DEFECTIVE WIRING UNDER THE SEATS AND CAUSING SHORTS AND POTE…

Look up ODI 10144948 at NHTSA ↗

617.6%
ODI 10171337 · 41,000 mi

ON TUES. THE 3RD OF OCT. 2006 I WENT TO START MY 2003 KIA SEDONA AND IT WOULD NOT START SO AAA WAS CALLED, THEY CAME AND JUMPED THE BATTERY AND IT WAS ALL SET TO GO. THURSDAY THE 5TH I NOTICED CONSOLE NEAR RADIO WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. FRIDAY OCT. 6TH 2006 I WENT TO GET INTO MY CAR AND I COULD NOT GET THE DOOR OPEN. I NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND BLACK. WHEN I FINALLY GOT INTO THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS COMPLETELY MELTED BY A FIRE THAT OCCURRED SOMETIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY ARE …

Look up ODI 10171337 at NHTSA ↗

410.8%
ODI 10163636 · 13,000 mi

ON THE FIRST INCIDENT, I WENT OUT TO THE VAN, A 2004 KIA SEDONA EX AND IT WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER, JUST MADE A CLICKING NOISE. THEN IT WOULD TURN OVER AND NOT FIRE. I CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO HAVE THEM TOW IT, BUT TRIED LATER BEFORE THEY ARRIVED AND PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR AND IT FINALLY FIRED UP. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS JUST BAD GAS SINCE IT WAS FINE AFTER THAT. YESTERDAY, MY WIFE IS DRIVING IT AND THE RADIO CUTS OFF AND SHE BEGINS TO LOSE POWER AND CANNOT ACCELERATE. SHE WAS WHERE SHE NEEDED TO GO WHEN IT HAPPENED, SO SH…

Look up ODI 10163636 at NHTSA ↗

Steering
24.0%
ODI 10235613 · 70,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA EX. EVERY TIME THE CONTACT DRIVES THE VEHICLE, HE WOULD EXPERIENCE BINDING IN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING UNIVERSAL JOINT. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS DRIVING PROPERLY. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Look up ODI 10235613 at NHTSA ↗

411.8%
ODI 10156428 · 23,000 mi

HARD TO STEER ON TURNING STEERING DOES NOT WANT TO RETURN ALSO HARD TO TURN AT ANY SPEED. THE U-JOINT ON THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED ALSO.

Look up ODI 10156428 at NHTSA ↗

924.3%
ODI 10247164 · 79,618 mi

PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. POPPING AND LOUD TIGHT SOMETIMES. CONCERNED THAT IT COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Look up ODI 10247164 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
36.0%
ODI 10195659 · 59 mi

BRAKES FAILED . *AK

Look up ODI 10195659 at NHTSA ↗

25.9%
ODI 10175330 · 18,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO CLEANED THE BRAKES WITH A HARDWARE KIT. THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE BRAKES WERE CLEANED TWO MORE TIMES. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO SUGGESTED THE ROTORS BE CUT. THE PROBLEM RECURRED A FIFTH TIME, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND SHOES. THE PROBLEM RECURRED 3-4 MON…

Look up ODI 10175330 at NHTSA ↗

616.2%
ODI 10152996

2004 KIA BRAKES SQUEAL AND GRIND, BRAKES WERE REPLACED. *TS THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND EACH TIME THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. *JB

Look up ODI 10152996 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
714.0%
ODI 10411599 · 82,000 mi

ON 2/11/11 MY KIA SEDONA AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND STAYED ON. UPON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I'VE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE ON THE SAME ISSUE. ON 2/28/11, I HAD THE AIRBAG MODULE SENSOR REPLACED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. TWO WEEKS AFTER BEING REPLACED, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN AND STAYED ON. I HAVE REPAIRED/REPLACED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF PARTS ON THIS KIA, MAKING IT THE MOST EXPENSIVE VEHICLE I'VE EVER OWNED IN THE PAST 32 YEARS. I WAS TOLD THAT WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ALWAYS ON, THAT IN AN ACCIDENT MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE 84,…

Look up ODI 10411599 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 10908243 · 99,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA EX. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BY THE HIGHWAY PATROL AND SHERIFF. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT STRAP ACROSS THE CHEST, AND BRUISING ACROSS THE WAISTLINE AND BACK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A POLICE HOLDING STATION AND LATER TO A BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED. THE FAILURE…

Look up ODI 10908243 at NHTSA ↗

12.7%
ODI 10177534 · 30,000 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND COMING OFF A GRAVEL ROAD AT 52 MPHTHE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HITTING A MAILBOX , AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER 3 TIMES, THEN STRIKING A TREE. WHILE VEHICLE WAS ROLLING OVER THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT THERE WERE 4 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE ,3 OF THE PASSENGERS HAD MINOR INJURIES, BUT THE DRIVER, WHO WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT ,WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE , SUSTAINING SEVERE INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY MAINTENANCE …

Look up ODI 10177534 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
36.0%
ODI 10173531 · 73,000 mi

I HAVE HAD MY 02 KIA FOR 2 YEARS. IT RAN GREAT FOR A FEW 1000 MILES BUT THEN IT JUST WENT HAYWIRE. THE PROBLEM THAT COST ME THE MOST TIME AND MONEY TURNED OUT TO BE THE FUEL PUMP. THE KIA DEALER IN CHARLSETON SC ORIGINALLY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS BAD GAS SO I CALLED TO THE GAS STATION ON THE MILITARY BASE THAT I GOT GAS FROM AND RAISED SAND. THEY PULLED THE WHOLE PUMP AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE GOOD GAS SO THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT REIMBURSE MY MONEY SINCE IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT. KIA WANTED TO CHARGE ME 500 DOLLARS TO PULL ALL THE FUEL COMPONENTS AND…

Look up ODI 10173531 at NHTSA ↗

25.9%
ODI 10170183 · 5,000 mi

2003 KIA SEDONA WHICH WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW HAS HAD A PROBLEM ALMOST SINCE WE PURCHASED IT, INITIALLY WITH RUNNING ROUGH, THEN TRANSMISSION INTO STALLING, OR LOSS OF POWER AND ALMOST STALLING, WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR OTHER MAIN THOROUGHFARE WHERE RAPID ACCELERATION IS REQUIRED FOR SAFE ENTRY. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AT WHICH WE PURCHASED IT NUMEROUS TIMES. EITHER THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, OR THEY MADE REPAIRS WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ON OCTOBER 4, 2006, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT ON A BUSY 4 …

Look up ODI 10170183 at NHTSA ↗

38.1%
ODI 10148091

08-30-04: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT - R&R FUEL PUMP; DIAG FUEL PUMP (SAME WORK WAS DONE 5-28-04, PRIOR TO VEHICLE PURCHASE). RT REAR SITS 1/2 INCH HIGHER - NOT ABLE TO CHECK, RESCHEDULED 08-31-04: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT - R&R FRONT HARNESS; HI SCAN WIRING HARNESS; R&R INSTRUMENT HARNESS. RT SIDE OF VAN SITS 1/2 INCH HIGHER - MEASURED; ONLY 1/4 INCH HIGHER; CHECKED SHOCKS; SHOCKS ARE STIFF BUT WITHIN SPECS; NO ADJUSTMENTS NEEDED 07-08-05: VAN SITS LOWER IN DRIVERS SIDE, CK & ADVISE - NO PROBLEM FOUND 09-16-05: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT - REPLACE PSV VALVE; R&…

Look up ODI 10148091 at NHTSA ↗

Seats
48.0%
ODI 10290135 · 118,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE WIRING UNDER THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT MADE CONTACT WITH A METAL SEAT COMPONENT, WHICH CAUSED A SHORTAGE IN THE JUNCTION BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THEY HAVE TO REPAIR THE WIRES AND REPLACE THE JUNCTION BOX. SINCE THE PREVIOUS OWNER RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY OUTLINED IN RECALL # 05V463000,( SEATS) HE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 118,000. THE CONSUMER STATED KIA AGREED TO FIX THE VEHICLE AT THEIR EXPENSE. UPDATED 11/17/09 *JB

Look up ODI 10290135 at NHTSA ↗

25.9%
ODI 10181394 · 24,500 mi

I HAD MY SEDONA 2003, THE POWER SEAT RECALL WAS MADE 4 MONTHS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT(FIRE START ABOVE FUSE BOX), THE DEALER IS NOT TELLING ME THE TRUE ABOUT IT, BECAUSE THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY INSPECTORS FROM KIA MOTORS COMING DOWN TO INSPECT THIS MINIVAN. THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN 6 MONTHS AN THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START WORKING ONE IT OR A SIMPLE AS TELLING ME WHY THIS HAPPENED. *NM

Look up ODI 10181394 at NHTSA ↗

12.7%
ODI 10278783 · 61,100 mi

TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN: WE ARE A FAMILY OF 6 AND ON JULY 21ST OUR 2004 KIA SEDONA EX CAUGHT ON FIRE. WE HAD JUST DRIVEN IT 2 HOURS BEFORE WITH NO INDICATIONS OF A FIRE. WE HEARD A BLARING HORN AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW TO SEE THE NEIGHBOR RUNNING ACROSS THE STREET. WE STEPPED OUT OF THE HOUSE TO FIND OUR VAN IN FLAMES COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE. THE WINDOWS WERE ALL UP AND WE WATCHED THE FIRE DIE DOWN AND SMOKE FILL THE AIR. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND TOOK PICTURES AND MADE A REPORT. AFTER ALL THAT WAS SAID AND DONE WE BEGAN TO…

Look up ODI 10278783 at NHTSA ↗

Wheels
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

38.8%
ODI 10253018 · 78,005 mi

05V232000 - THIS MORNING MY LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF MY 2003 KIA SEDONA AT THE HUB -- NOT THE LUGS AT THE HUB - FORTUNATELY I WASN'T DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND DUE TO THE NOISE IT WAS MAKING REALIZED THAT I HAD A PROBLEM. PER KIA - THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL DID NOT PERTAIN TO MY VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10253018 at NHTSA ↗

38.1%
ODI 10139006 · 28,000 mi

DT: THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH HEAVY CORROSION ON THE FRONT WHEELS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE PROBLEM IN AUGUST 2005, BUT IT HAD BEEN GOING ON BEFORE THEN. HE HAD TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE TWO RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE RECALLS WERE FOR THE REAR WHEELS AND THROTTLE CABLE. THE RECALLS WERE ESC-051 AND SC-049. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT THE FRONT WHEELS ALSO. HE TOLD HIM THAT ANY VEHICLE WOULD HAVE THAT SAME PROBLEM. THE REPAIRS HAVE YET TO BE DONE. *AK UPDATED 11/29/05. *JB

Look up ODI 10139006 at NHTSA ↗

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
24.0%
ODI 10457359 · 142,000 mi

I OWN A 2002 KIA SEDONA. I PURCHASED IT IN FEBRUARY AND WAS FINE UNTIL A MONTH LATER. I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND I GOT ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE VAN STALLED AND JUST SHUT DOWN. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT RESTARTED THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN ABOUT 3 MILES DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I HAD THE FUEL PUMP AND CAMSHAFT REPLACED BUT IT STILL WILL NOT START. THEN THE BATTERY STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED THAT AND IT STILL WILL NOT WORK. I CALLED KIA AND BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY WOULD NOT HELP. THE DEALERSHIP IS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE BEING THAT I AM A SINGLE PARE…

Look up ODI 10457359 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

38.1%
ODI 10241847 · 72,000 mi

2004 KIA SEDONA EX. THERE IS A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CONTAINING A RESERVOIR WHICH CONTROLS REAR BRAKE FORCE ON TURNS AND OTHER BRAKING MANEUVERS. THIS RESERVOIR IS SUBJECT TO LEAKS (LOCATION -- BETWEEN REAR WHEELS). LEAKING FROM THIS RESERVOIR AND LOW PRESSURE TRIGGERS THE 'CHECK ENGINE' AND 'BRAKE FAILURE' LIGHTS. TEMPORARY FIX IS TO REFILL THE RESERVOIR, BUT THIS LEAKAGE PROBLEM APPEARS SYSTEMIC FROM MANUFACTURE. IF LEFT UNATTENDED, CONTROL OVER THE REAR BRAKING SYSTEM IS SEVERELY DIMINISHED. *TR

Look up ODI 10241847 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical System58,363–107,250 mi86,726 mi6
ODI 10171337 · 41,000 mi

ON TUES. THE 3RD OF OCT. 2006 I WENT TO START MY 2003 KIA SEDONA AND IT WOULD NOT START SO AAA WAS CALLED, THEY CAME AND JUMPED THE BATTERY AND IT WAS ALL SET TO GO. THURSDAY THE 5TH I NOTICED CONSOLE NEAR RADIO WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. FRIDAY OCT. 6TH 2006 I WENT TO GET INTO MY CAR AND I COULD NOT GET THE DOOR OPEN. I NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND BLACK. WHEN I FINALLY GOT INTO THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS COMPLETELY MELTED BY A FIRE THAT OCCURRED SOMETIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY ARE …

Look up ODI 10171337 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10441440 · 105,000 mi

ON 12/26/2011 WE WENT OUT TO THE VAN (2003 KIA SEDONA) AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THE WHOLE VAN SMELLED LIKE MELTED PLASTIC. I LOOKED AT THE FUSE BOX AND THE ENTIRE THING WAS MELTED ALONG WITH THE TRIM AND CARPET. I HAVE PICTURES AND A MOVIE TO SHOW THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. KIA OF PUTNAM CONNECTICUT REFUSED RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WE WERE NOT EVEN DRIVING THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED THE ISSUE HAPPENED OVERNIGHT. IF PICTURES ARE REQUESTED PLEASE EMAIL ME AT [XXX] THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREED…

Look up ODI 10441440 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10471289 · 108,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA EX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN HE HEARD THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM SOUNDING. THE CONTACT WAS INSIDE HIS HOME AND OBSERVED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW GLOWING FROM AFAR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,000.

Look up ODI 10471289 at NHTSA ↗

SteeringToo few reports for a range63,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10156428 · 23,000 mi

HARD TO STEER ON TURNING STEERING DOES NOT WANT TO RETURN ALSO HARD TO TURN AT ANY SPEED. THE U-JOINT ON THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED ALSO.

Look up ODI 10156428 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10221789 · 103,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA EX. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY RETURN TO THE PROPER POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING COUPLER ASSEMBLY WAS BEGINNING TO FREEZE. THE FAILURE IS CAUSED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION THAT CAUSES THE COUPLER ASSEMBLY TO RUST. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS INTO ONE POSITION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000. UPDATED 04/03/08: KIA DID NOT MAKE THE STEERING COUPLER ASSEMBLY WITH GREASE FITTINGS …

Look up ODI 10221789 at NHTSA ↗

WheelsToo few reports for a range78,005 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10253018 · 78,005 mi

05V232000 - THIS MORNING MY LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF MY 2003 KIA SEDONA AT THE HUB -- NOT THE LUGS AT THE HUB - FORTUNATELY I WASN'T DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND DUE TO THE NOISE IT WAS MAKING REALIZED THAT I HAD A PROBLEM. PER KIA - THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL DID NOT PERTAIN TO MY VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10253018 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10485365 · 68,451 mi

1)HAPPENED TWICE: CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AFTER A BEEPING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BRIEFLY. THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT GASKET HAD TO REPLACED TWICE IN 7 MONTHS (REPAIRS DONE ON 5/11/10 AND 12/13/2010). NOTE: ENGINE FLUSH 11/24/09; COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTED 2/22/10, RADIATOR FLUSHES 6/8/09 AND 7/30/10 IN ADDITION TO LOF EVERY 3,000 MILES) COOLING SYSTEM /CORROSION ISSUES/COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT INSTALLED: 12/30/05 & 4/8/08, 2) CAR CAREENING AND TIPPING WHEN STEERING HARD TO RIGHT: FRONT HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, SEAL HAD TO…

Look up ODI 10485365 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11157157 · 155,000 mi

THE BREAKS WERE CHANGED DUE TO GRINDING COM TO FIND OUT THERE WAS 1BOLT ON THE BREAK CALIBERS PUT THEM ON AND IT STILL GRINDS AND CAN NOT STOP

Look up ODI 11157157 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range61,726 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10485365 · 68,451 mi

1)HAPPENED TWICE: CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AFTER A BEEPING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BRIEFLY. THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT GASKET HAD TO REPLACED TWICE IN 7 MONTHS (REPAIRS DONE ON 5/11/10 AND 12/13/2010). NOTE: ENGINE FLUSH 11/24/09; COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTED 2/22/10, RADIATOR FLUSHES 6/8/09 AND 7/30/10 IN ADDITION TO LOF EVERY 3,000 MILES) COOLING SYSTEM /CORROSION ISSUES/COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT INSTALLED: 12/30/05 & 4/8/08, 2) CAR CAREENING AND TIPPING WHEN STEERING HARD TO RIGHT: FRONT HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, SEAL HAD TO…

Look up ODI 10485365 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10909962 · 55,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED 2 TIMES IN A MONTHS TIME. THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING NOW THAT THE CONNECTOR TO THE FAN HAS MELTED BECAUSE THE FAN IS PULLING TOO MUCH VOLTAGE. BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND FROM OTHERS, THE ISSUE IS THE CONNECTOR AND NOT THE FAN? I HOPE THEY ARE ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT KEEPS CAUSING THESE ISSUES AND CAN FIX THIS ASAP! I AM SICK OF SPENDING MY NIGHTS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD! NOT TO MENTION THE FINANCIAL STRAIN IT IS PLACING ON MY FAMILY. NOW I KNOW WHY THE PREVIOUS OWNER TRAD…

Look up ODI 10909962 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range27,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10170183 · 5,000 mi

2003 KIA SEDONA WHICH WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW HAS HAD A PROBLEM ALMOST SINCE WE PURCHASED IT, INITIALLY WITH RUNNING ROUGH, THEN TRANSMISSION INTO STALLING, OR LOSS OF POWER AND ALMOST STALLING, WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR OTHER MAIN THOROUGHFARE WHERE RAPID ACCELERATION IS REQUIRED FOR SAFE ENTRY. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AT WHICH WE PURCHASED IT NUMEROUS TIMES. EITHER THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, OR THEY MADE REPAIRS WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ON OCTOBER 4, 2006, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT ON A BUSY 4 …

Look up ODI 10170183 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10269907 · 49,000 mi

WE FIRST GOT OUR (USED) KIA SEDONA OCT. OF 2007. IT HAD ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE GOT IT- AND NOW IT HAS ABOUT 74,000. 2 MONTHS INTO HAVING IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHENEVER THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 20 DEGREES(F). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD USUALLY GO OFF BY THE NEXT DAY IF IT WAS WARMER OUT OR WOULD STAY ON FOR UP TO 3 DAYS IF IT WAS VERY COLD) IT STARTED TO BUCK A LOT (ABOUT 6 MONTHS INTO HAVING IT) AND WE BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP AND HAD THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, BOOTS, AND COILS REPLACED. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER …

Look up ODI 10269907 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range42,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10162967 · 17,000 mi

THIS VAN HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE CD PLAYER DOESN'T WORK ANY MORE. THE ALTERNATOR WITH OUT AT 40,000 MILES. THE FUSES INSIDE KEEP BLOWING. THE AIR CONTROLLER IN THE BACK IN FALLING OUT OF THE CEILING. I HAD TO LEAVE IT WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A WEEK SO THAT THEY COULD FIND THE HESITATION PROBLEM IT WAS HAVING WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE DISTRIBUTOR CABLE, THIS WAS AT ABOUT 17,000 MILES AND THAT WAS ALSO THE MILES AT THE 2ND BRAKES JOB. IT N…

Look up ODI 10162967 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10342082 · 67,000 mi

THE ICV VALVE CLIP IN MY 2003 KIA SEDONA CAME LOOSE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. KIA RECALLED THE SAME CLIP IN ALL SORENTOS FROM 2003-2005. MY VEHICLE AS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND STALLED AS I WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. KIA DOES NOT BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10342082 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust SystemToo few reports for a range63,050 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10239712 · 47,000 mi

HEAVY FUEL FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UPHILL. FUEL FUMES CONCENTRATE TO THE POINT OF REQUIRING THE OWNER TO STOP THE CAR TO VENTILATE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN HOT CLIMATE (TEMP OVER 95DEG, SOUTHWESTERN STATES). THE FUMES SEEM TO APPROACH THE IDLE. DEALER KNEW OF THE PROBLEM; HAD CUSTOMER PAID FIX. KIA WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX. COST IS $175 TO INSTALL TUBING TO DIRECT FUMES OUT OF CARBON FILTER ASSEMBLY TO REAR OF CAR. THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY KIA. IT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THE OCCUPANTS. I HAD REPEATED INCIDENTS WITH …

Look up ODI 10239712 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10250930 · 79,100 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY KIA SEDONA 2003 EX ONE DAY AND SOMEONE YELLED AT ME THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND THE FIRE CAME UP THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, ALSO THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE PANEL IS. I PROCEEDED TO INFORM THE DEALER, BECAUSE I HAD PURCHASED IT USED ON OCTOBER 19, 2007 AND THIS HAPPENED ON MARCH 10, 2008. THE ONLY REASON WHY THE DEALER PRETENDED TO DEAL WITH IT WAS BECAUSE I HAD INFORMED THE DEALER WITHIN LESS THAN A MONTH OF PURCHASING IT OF SOME DETAILS THAT NEEDED ATTENTION, BUT THEY HAD KEPT PUTTING IT OFF. THE D…

Look up ODI 10250930 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range1,433 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10156424 · 1,433 mi

TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING RIGHT WAS TOLD 3 MONTHS AFTER I HAD PURCHASE THIS MINIVAN I HAD LOW FLUID I TOOK IT BACK MANY TIMES AND WAS THE SAME TILL I STARTED SEEING TRANSMISSION FLUID IN MY DRIVE WAY I TOOK IT TO THEN DEALER HE SAID MY AXLE SEAL WAS BAD THEY TOOK OVER A WEEK TO REPAIR IT AND NEVER REPLACED THE MISSING FLUID I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME FOR THE MISSING FLUID KIA WAS NO HELP IN THIS CHARGE THREE MONTHS LATER I HAD TO HAVE THE FLUID CHANGED AT A CHARGE TO ME BECAUSE IT SMELLED BURNT. *NM

Look up ODI 10156424 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 28 reports

2003: 5 complaints · 2004: 8 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2003155
2004158
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20033400
20043700

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical SystemSteeringWheelsEngineEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust SystemPower Train:Automatic Transmission
Electrical System—0
1
ODI 10485365 · 68,451 mi

1)HAPPENED TWICE: CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AFTER A BEEPING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BRIEFLY. THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT GASKET HAD TO REPLACED TWICE IN 7 MONTHS (REPAIRS DONE ON 5/11/10 AND 12/13/2010). NOTE: ENGINE FLUSH 11/24/09; COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTED 2/22/10, RADIATOR FLUSHES 6/8/09 AND 7/30/10 IN ADDITION TO LOF EVERY 3,000 MILES) COOLING SYSTEM /CORROSION ISSUES/COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT INSTALLED: 12/30/05 & 4/8/08, 2) CAR CAREENING AND TIPPING WHEN STEERING HARD TO RIGHT: FRONT HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, SEAL HAD TO…

Look up ODI 10485365 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10485365 · 68,451 mi

1)HAPPENED TWICE: CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AFTER A BEEPING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BRIEFLY. THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT GASKET HAD TO REPLACED TWICE IN 7 MONTHS (REPAIRS DONE ON 5/11/10 AND 12/13/2010). NOTE: ENGINE FLUSH 11/24/09; COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTED 2/22/10, RADIATOR FLUSHES 6/8/09 AND 7/30/10 IN ADDITION TO LOF EVERY 3,000 MILES) COOLING SYSTEM /CORROSION ISSUES/COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT INSTALLED: 12/30/05 & 4/8/08, 2) CAR CAREENING AND TIPPING WHEN STEERING HARD TO RIGHT: FRONT HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, SEAL HAD TO…

Look up ODI 10485365 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10909962 · 55,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED 2 TIMES IN A MONTHS TIME. THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING NOW THAT THE CONNECTOR TO THE FAN HAS MELTED BECAUSE THE FAN IS PULLING TOO MUCH VOLTAGE. BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND FROM OTHERS, THE ISSUE IS THE CONNECTOR AND NOT THE FAN? I HOPE THEY ARE ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT KEEPS CAUSING THESE ISSUES AND CAN FIX THIS ASAP! I AM SICK OF SPENDING MY NIGHTS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD! NOT TO MENTION THE FINANCIAL STRAIN IT IS PLACING ON MY FAMILY. NOW I KNOW WHY THE PREVIOUS OWNER TRAD…

Look up ODI 10909962 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Steering0—000000
Wheels
1
ODI 10485365 · 68,451 mi

1)HAPPENED TWICE: CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AFTER A BEEPING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BRIEFLY. THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT GASKET HAD TO REPLACED TWICE IN 7 MONTHS (REPAIRS DONE ON 5/11/10 AND 12/13/2010). NOTE: ENGINE FLUSH 11/24/09; COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTED 2/22/10, RADIATOR FLUSHES 6/8/09 AND 7/30/10 IN ADDITION TO LOF EVERY 3,000 MILES) COOLING SYSTEM /CORROSION ISSUES/COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT INSTALLED: 12/30/05 & 4/8/08, 2) CAR CAREENING AND TIPPING WHEN STEERING HARD TO RIGHT: FRONT HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, SEAL HAD TO…

Look up ODI 10485365 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 10485365 · 68,451 mi

1)HAPPENED TWICE: CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AFTER A BEEPING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BRIEFLY. THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT GASKET HAD TO REPLACED TWICE IN 7 MONTHS (REPAIRS DONE ON 5/11/10 AND 12/13/2010). NOTE: ENGINE FLUSH 11/24/09; COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTED 2/22/10, RADIATOR FLUSHES 6/8/09 AND 7/30/10 IN ADDITION TO LOF EVERY 3,000 MILES) COOLING SYSTEM /CORROSION ISSUES/COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT INSTALLED: 12/30/05 & 4/8/08, 2) CAR CAREENING AND TIPPING WHEN STEERING HARD TO RIGHT: FRONT HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, SEAL HAD TO…

Look up ODI 10485365 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Engine
2
ODI 10485365 · 68,451 mi

1)HAPPENED TWICE: CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AFTER A BEEPING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BRIEFLY. THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT GASKET HAD TO REPLACED TWICE IN 7 MONTHS (REPAIRS DONE ON 5/11/10 AND 12/13/2010). NOTE: ENGINE FLUSH 11/24/09; COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTED 2/22/10, RADIATOR FLUSHES 6/8/09 AND 7/30/10 IN ADDITION TO LOF EVERY 3,000 MILES) COOLING SYSTEM /CORROSION ISSUES/COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT INSTALLED: 12/30/05 & 4/8/08, 2) CAR CAREENING AND TIPPING WHEN STEERING HARD TO RIGHT: FRONT HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, SEAL HAD TO…

Look up ODI 10485365 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10909962 · 55,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED 2 TIMES IN A MONTHS TIME. THE DEALERSHIP IS SAYING NOW THAT THE CONNECTOR TO THE FAN HAS MELTED BECAUSE THE FAN IS PULLING TOO MUCH VOLTAGE. BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND FROM OTHERS, THE ISSUE IS THE CONNECTOR AND NOT THE FAN? I HOPE THEY ARE ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT KEEPS CAUSING THESE ISSUES AND CAN FIX THIS ASAP! I AM SICK OF SPENDING MY NIGHTS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD! NOT TO MENTION THE FINANCIAL STRAIN IT IS PLACING ON MY FAMILY. NOW I KNOW WHY THE PREVIOUS OWNER TRAD…

Look up ODI 10909962 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10485365 · 68,451 mi

1)HAPPENED TWICE: CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY AFTER A BEEPING NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON BRIEFLY. THERMOSTAT, THERMOSTAT GASKET HAD TO REPLACED TWICE IN 7 MONTHS (REPAIRS DONE ON 5/11/10 AND 12/13/2010). NOTE: ENGINE FLUSH 11/24/09; COOLING SYSTEM PRESSURE TESTED 2/22/10, RADIATOR FLUSHES 6/8/09 AND 7/30/10 IN ADDITION TO LOF EVERY 3,000 MILES) COOLING SYSTEM /CORROSION ISSUES/COOLING SYSTEM CORROSION CONTROL KIT INSTALLED: 12/30/05 & 4/8/08, 2) CAR CAREENING AND TIPPING WHEN STEERING HARD TO RIGHT: FRONT HUB AND WHEEL BEARING, SEAL HAD TO…

Look up ODI 10485365 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling0000—000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System000000—0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 11.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 58,000 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10170183 · 5,000 mi

2003 KIA SEDONA WHICH WE BOUGHT BRAND NEW HAS HAD A PROBLEM ALMOST SINCE WE PURCHASED IT, INITIALLY WITH RUNNING ROUGH, THEN TRANSMISSION INTO STALLING, OR LOSS OF POWER AND ALMOST STALLING, WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR OTHER MAIN THOROUGHFARE WHERE RAPID ACCELERATION IS REQUIRED FOR SAFE ENTRY. WE HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AT WHICH WE PURCHASED IT NUMEROUS TIMES. EITHER THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, OR THEY MADE REPAIRS WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ON OCTOBER 4, 2006, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT ON A BUSY 4 …

Look up ODI 10170183 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10269907 · 49,000 mi

WE FIRST GOT OUR (USED) KIA SEDONA OCT. OF 2007. IT HAD ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE GOT IT- AND NOW IT HAS ABOUT 74,000. 2 MONTHS INTO HAVING IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHENEVER THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 20 DEGREES(F). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD USUALLY GO OFF BY THE NEXT DAY IF IT WAS WARMER OUT OR WOULD STAY ON FOR UP TO 3 DAYS IF IT WAS VERY COLD) IT STARTED TO BUCK A LOT (ABOUT 6 MONTHS INTO HAVING IT) AND WE BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP AND HAD THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, BOOTS, AND COILS REPLACED. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER …

Look up ODI 10269907 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10342082 · 67,000 mi

THE ICV VALVE CLIP IN MY 2003 KIA SEDONA CAME LOOSE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. KIA RECALLED THE SAME CLIP IN ALL SORENTOS FROM 2003-2005. MY VEHICLE AS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND STALLED AS I WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. KIA DOES NOT BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10342082 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 41,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10171337 · 41,000 mi

ON TUES. THE 3RD OF OCT. 2006 I WENT TO START MY 2003 KIA SEDONA AND IT WOULD NOT START SO AAA WAS CALLED, THEY CAME AND JUMPED THE BATTERY AND IT WAS ALL SET TO GO. THURSDAY THE 5TH I NOTICED CONSOLE NEAR RADIO WAS HOT TO THE TOUCH. FRIDAY OCT. 6TH 2006 I WENT TO GET INTO MY CAR AND I COULD NOT GET THE DOOR OPEN. I NOTICED THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND BLACK. WHEN I FINALLY GOT INTO THE CAR THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS COMPLETELY MELTED BY A FIRE THAT OCCURRED SOMETIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY, THEY ARE …

Look up ODI 10171337 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 15,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10206614 · 15,000 mi

THE HYDRAULICS THAT KEEP THE HOOD AND THE BACK OF THE VAN OPEN ARE NOT WORKING. SO YOU ARE STUCK HOLDING THEM OPEN (AND THEY ARE VERY HEAVY) TO PUT IN GROCERIES, ETC. MY DAUGHTER HAS HURT HER HEAD A COUPLE OF TIMES TRYING TO HELP ME KEEP IT OPEN TO GET THE GROCERIES OUT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO BE DOING THIS. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THE INSIDE SOMETIMES WORKS, SOMETIMES NO. THE BACK AIR ADAPTER FOR THE A/C KEEPS FALLING OUT OF THE CEILING. THE A/C ITSELF SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES DOESN'T. THE SEATS IN THE BACK KEEP COMING UNDONE. T…

Look up ODI 10206614 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 79,100 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10250930 · 79,100 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY KIA SEDONA 2003 EX ONE DAY AND SOMEONE YELLED AT ME THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND THE FIRE CAME UP THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, ALSO THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE PANEL IS. I PROCEEDED TO INFORM THE DEALER, BECAUSE I HAD PURCHASED IT USED ON OCTOBER 19, 2007 AND THIS HAPPENED ON MARCH 10, 2008. THE ONLY REASON WHY THE DEALER PRETENDED TO DEAL WITH IT WAS BECAUSE I HAD INFORMED THE DEALER WITHIN LESS THAN A MONTH OF PURCHASING IT OF SOME DETAILS THAT NEEDED ATTENTION, BUT THEY HAD KEPT PUTTING IT OFF. THE D…

Look up ODI 10250930 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 49,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10269907 · 49,000 mi

WE FIRST GOT OUR (USED) KIA SEDONA OCT. OF 2007. IT HAD ABOUT 45,000 MILES ON IT WHEN WE GOT IT- AND NOW IT HAS ABOUT 74,000. 2 MONTHS INTO HAVING IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHENEVER THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 20 DEGREES(F). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD USUALLY GO OFF BY THE NEXT DAY IF IT WAS WARMER OUT OR WOULD STAY ON FOR UP TO 3 DAYS IF IT WAS VERY COLD) IT STARTED TO BUCK A LOT (ABOUT 6 MONTHS INTO HAVING IT) AND WE BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP AND HAD THE SPARK PLUGS, WIRES, BOOTS, AND COILS REPLACED. ABOUT A MONTH AFTER …

Look up ODI 10269907 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b