2002 Kia Sedona

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 198 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Kia Sedona years to avoid. Which Kia Sedona years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

108 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Kia Sedona problems

40 of the 198 complaints (20%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System13
050
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator12
021
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration10
316
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission9
000
Air Bags · airbags9
405
Visibility › Windshield8
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes7
100
Seat Belts6
101
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery6
000
Steering5
100

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables05V013000
Filed Jan 19, 200589,238 vehiclesKia Motors America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD TWIST ITSELF OUT OF POSITION.

Risk. THIS CAN PERMIT THE CABLE TO BE HUNG UP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MARCH 20, 2001 THROUGH NOVEMBER 7, 2001 WILL HAVE A GUIDE CLIP INSTALLED ON THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE TENSION FORCE CABLE DOES NOT MOVE OUT OF POSITION. VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING ON NOVEMBER 8, 2001, ALREADY HAVE THE EXTENDED GUIDE, WHICH ACCOMPLISHES THE SAME OBJECTIVE. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly03V135000
Filed Apr 3, 20034,276 vehiclesKia Motors America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME OF THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKERS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE FLOOR PAN HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD BREAK IN A CRASH.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT STRIKERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 25, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542

Seat Belts › Rear/Other03V017000
Filed Jan 22, 200321,248 vehiclesKia Motors America, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN MINI VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE SECOND AND THIRD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 21, 2017IN

THE DOOR HANDLES ARE PLASTIC AND EVENTUALLY BROKE OFF ON THE OUTSIDE SO THAT OPENING THE DOORS -ALL 4- IS TRICKY SINCE ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE HANDLE REMAINS IN PLACE. THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES HAVE A PLASTIC CHROME-LOOKING COATING THAT PEELS OFF AND HAS CUT OUR HANDS SEVERAL TIMES CAUSING US TO NEED BANDAGES AS SOON AS WE RUN IN THE FRONT DOOR.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 17, 2017TX

DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 4, 2016150,000 milesNC

IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PUMP GAS INTO THE VAN. THE PUMP KEEPS SHUTTING OFF NO MATTER HOW SLOW I PUMP OR HOW FAR I PUT THE NOZZLE INTO THE TANK.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 3, 20161,800,000 milesMO

I WAS DRIVING NO LESS THEN THAN BLOCK FROM MY HOUSE - WHEN I NOTICE SMOKE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FUSE PANEL AND NEXT THING YOU KNOW THE WHOLE PANEL BECAME ENGULF IN FLAMES. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND ABLE TO PUT FIRE OUT- BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR BECOME TOTAL IN THE DAMAGE.

Tires
Filed Sep 16, 2015MO

DROVE HOME FROM WORK AT 35 MPH. THE NEXT MORNING NOTICED TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL AROUND MUCH OF THE PERIMETER OF THE TIRE. TIRE WAS FLAT.

Air BagsCrash4 injured
Filed Aug 21, 2015NY

BEFORE THE INCIDENT THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE REAR CAPTAIN CHAIRS SEAT BELT LATCH WHEN TRYING TO BUCKLE THEM. I HAVE THREE SMALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3 YEARS OF AGE AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT AND CRUCIAL THAT SEAT BELTS ARE IN WORKING ORDER WITHOUT ISSUES FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR WELL BEING. BEFORE THE INCIDENT THE SEATS THEMSELVES IN THE REAR ROWS HAD ISSUES LATCHING AS WELL WHEN BEING INSTALLED. ON AUGUST 18, 2015 MYSELF AND THREE SMALL CHILDREN WERE IN A SEVERE HIGH IMPACT ACCIDENT AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS HAD GONE OFF LIKE THEY NEVER EXISTED. MY KIDS AND I SUFFER FROM SEAT BELT ABRASIONS AND I SUFFER FROM BRUISING IN MULTIPLE PLACES FROM MY HEAD DOWN, SHOULDER PAIN AND BACK ISSUES. POLICE, PARAMEDIC'S, COLLISION CENTER, WITNESSES, AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY WERE ALL NOTIFIED OR HAD NOTIFIED ABOUT THE AIRBAGS. APPARENTLY, MY SEAT WHICH WAS THE DRIVER SEAT WAS ALSO COMPLETELY SNAPPED OFF AS WELL. UPDATED 08/26/15*BF

Engine
Filed Feb 22, 2015NE

I HAD MY CAMSHAFT REAR PLUG REPLACED AFTER IN CAME OUT AND LEAKED OIL EVERYWHERE IN 2014. NOW IT'S COME OUT AGAIN DOING THE SAME THING. WHAT CAN I DO TO KEEP IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN AND AGAIN. IS IT THE PLUG OR THE CAMSHAFT THAT'S BLOWING IT OUT. I CAN'T FIND ANY SCHEMATIC TO SHOW ME WHY OR WHAT TO DO. *TR

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Jun 24, 2014180,000 milesTN

GOING DOWN 251 AND THEY WERE BUSH HOGING AND WE SLOWED DOWN AND THE LAST ONE WE WENT BY BROKE THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK WINDOW. *TR

Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 15, 2014WV

BOTH OF MY FRONT DOOR HANDLES ON INSIDE BROKE COMPLETELY OFF EXACTLY THE SAME WAY ONLY WAY TO GET OUT IF MY CAR IS TO ROLL WINDOW DOWN AND OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. ALSO SLIDING DOOR HANDLE SAME MATERIAL BROKE OFF I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD IF THE WINDOWS WERE TO QUIT WORKING I WOULD HAVE NO WAY OUT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 25, 2014127,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING OF THE AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING UNITS. ADDITIONALLY, THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATE. THE POWER DOOR LOCKS AND POWER WINDOWS WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 18, 201492,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEAD, NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 21, 2014130,500 milesGA

THE CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. A NEIGHBOR KNOCKED ON THE DOOR AND TOLD US THAT THE KIA WAS ON FIRE. NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR AT THAT TIME. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS TOTALLY BURNED UP. THE CAR GAVE ME NO OTHER PROBLEMS. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 23, 2013187,376 milesDC

DRIVING HOME AND A DEER JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF MY VAN AND I HIT THE DEER AND TOTALED MY VAN BAD WHERE THE AIR BAGS SHOULD OF WENT OFF BUT IT DIDN'T NOW THERE'S A LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT LOOKS LIKE A GUY SITTING IN A SEAT WITH A BELT ON AND AN AIR BAG IN FRONT OF IT.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 30, 201369,500 milesVA

I DROVE 25 MINUTES FROM A TO B AND PARKED MY CAR. TURNED THE ENGINE OFF SAT THERE WITH THE RADIO ON FOR 1 MINUTE EXACTLY AND I HEAR A. PSHHHHH AND SMOKE RISING QUICKLY, THEN A FLAME FROM THE FUSE BOX BY MY LEFT FOOT. I GOT OUT OPENED THE DOOR LOOKED FOR THE SMOKE AND FLAME THAT WERE REFLECTING AND WAVING. I OPENED THE FUSE BOX SLIDER COVER WITH A KNIFE AND STARTED TO SQUIRT WATER OUT FROM MY BOTTLED WATER QUICKLY. THANK GOODNESS I HAD WATER. FLAME WENT OUT AND I SAW THE INSIDE OF THE FUSE COVER BURNT, AND A FUSE LOOKED LIKE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE BECAUSE THE FUSE LOOKED COMPLETELY MELTED.I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE AFTERMATH RIGHT AFTER THE FIRE WENT OUT. TOMORROW ILL BE CALLING INSURANCE, KIA, AND WHOEVER ELSE THAT CAN HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON AND WHAT I CAN DO TO ENSURE MY SAFETY. PLEASE HELP OR APPROVE A RECALL. THANK GOODNESS I DIDNT EXIT MY CAR SO QUICK OR ALOT OF THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN ON FIRE.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 28, 2013163,000 milesMS

THE HEADLIGHTS KEEPS BLOWING. HAVE REPLACED 3 TIMES. ALL THE LIGHT ON THE INSIDE KEEPS COMING ON (BATTERY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SEAT BELT LIGHT; BELL RINGS). HAD ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND IT IS FINE. THE FUSES ARE FINE. THERE IS DEFECT WITH THIS VEHICLE, I SAW OTHERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT, EVEN ON NEWER MODELS. THE COMPANY NEEDS TO FIX THIS. CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT. AND THE LIGHT REPLACEMENT IS EXPENSIVE. THERE IS A SHAKING AND RUMBLING SOUND COMING FROM VEHICLE. HAVE HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS, HAVE HAD PROBLEMS EVERY SINCE I THIS VEHICLE. ITS BEEN AT THE SHOP MORE THAN ON THE ROAD. HAD I KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SO MANY ISSUES, I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED IT. *TT

Steering
Filed Mar 4, 2013139,582 milesRI

I TOOK THE VAN TO THE MECHANIC ABOUT A MONTH AGO. THEY TOLD ME IT NEEDED A STEERING COUPLER AND A FLANGE. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOOSE WHEN DRIVING AND WOULD MAKE A CREAKING SOUND. *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 13, 2013105,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE THREADS FOR THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT WERE MISSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BALANCER AND BOLT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,500.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 201290,000 milesNJ

AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY - TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC IN 2010. KIA DEALERSHIP IN TURNERSVILLE SAID THAT LIGHT ILLUMINATING WAS NORMAL AND NO ISSUE. I RECENTLY HAD TIMING CHAIN REPLACED BY SAME DEALERSHIP - DIFFERENT TECH. THIS TIME THEY SAID THAT THE LIGHT MEANT THE AIRBAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT! THEY SAID REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED! I AM FURIOUS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 16, 201262,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED AND WAS BLOWING WARM AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND AN INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED, WHICH DETERMINED THAT THE CONDENSER WAS LEAKING. THE DEALER ALSO FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED WITH ONLY TWO INCHES OF METAL LEFT SUPPORTING THE ENGINE. THE CORROSION ALSO SPREAD TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Power Train
Filed Jun 17, 2012194,231 milesTX

FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE IN REVERSE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 11, 2011100,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Tires
Filed Aug 8, 2011179,818 milesFL

KUMHO 798 TIRE TREAD SEPARATION. DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEED, VIBRATION STARTED AND GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. HAD TO CHANGE TO SPARE WHICH AFTER 30 MINUTES WAS DOING THE SAME THING (SAME BRAND AND MODEL TIRE). PURCHASED NEW TIRES OF DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 1, 201165,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE WIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, IT CURRENTLY WILL NOT START AND SHE NOTICED THAT THE HEATING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT ALL OF THE WIRES HAD MELTED, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 25, 201194,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA EX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE BATTERY, BRAKE AND SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL MOMENTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST EIGHT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE SIMILAR FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000.

Seat Belts1 injured
Filed Dec 13, 201050,000 milesHI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED CUTTING OFF HIS CIRCULATION. THE CONTACT HAD TO MOVE THE SEAT BACK TO GET AND UNLOCK THE SEAT BELT. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE PASSENGER SIDE UNLOCKED. THE FAILURE LEFT THE CONTACT INJURED ACROSS THE CHEST AND WAIST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 29, 201060,735 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE FUEL PUMP AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE AIR FLOW SENSOR. SEPTEMBER 2010, THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE STALLING AGAIN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,735. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,084.

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 15, 201075,004 milesNY

2002 KIA SEDONA HAD STEERING PROBLEMS VERY TOUGH TO STEER MAKING IT FEEL REAL DANGEROUS, I TOOK TO DEALER TO CK OUT SAID I NEED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT/UJOINT AT THE PRICE OF $544.16... WHAT A RIPOFF I CAN GET THE PART FOR $100 AND FEEL THAT KIA SHOULD COVER THESE COSTS TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash
Filed Apr 30, 2010AR

2002 KIA SEDONA. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS THE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF AT AN ACCELERATED SPEED AND WOULD NOT STOP DESPITE THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. *TGW THE CONSUMERS HUSBAND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY HIT A TREE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 4, 201080,000 milesCA

ENGINE VIBRATIONS IN SPEED 35 MPH TO 50 MPH IN 5 TO 10 DEGREE UPHILL EVERYDAY. WHEN ITS VIBRATE ENGINE,PUMP MORE GAS GRADUALLY OR OFF GAS PEDAL WILL STOPS VIBRATION. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 20, 2010146,000 milesAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A NEARBY VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND IT ACCELERATED AGAIN CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED; HOWEVER THE DRIVER IN THE VEHICLE IN THE FIRST CRASH SUFFERED A KNEE INJURY. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON MORE THAN 2 OTHER OCCASIONS AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 146000.

Seats
Filed May 7, 2009130,000 milesNH

GOT INTO VAN TODAY TO DRIVE IT AND THE BACK OF THE SEAT BROKE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 7, 2009FL

DOOR HANDLES, PASSENGERS AND DRIVER, FRONT AND BACK. HANDLES IN THE FRONT HAVE BOTH BEEN REPLACED ONCE, AND THE NEW ONES ARE NOW DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN ON THE OUTSIDE. IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND NEEDED TO BE EXITED QUICKLY, OR ENTERED QUICKLY, THIS POSES A SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 29, 200861,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 61,000.

Steering
Filed May 28, 200899,000 milesNY

THERE WAS NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, I WAS PULL ON TO THE ROAD AND LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY STEERING, MY STEERING WHEEL JUST KEPT GOING AROUND AND AROUND, COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING YET TO FIX... *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 27, 200855,000 milesIL

2002 KIA SEDONA WITH STEERING FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT A BOLT FELL OUT AND COULD NOT BE REPLACED UNLESS THE ENTIRE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER STATES THAT WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THE STEERING HAS HAD PROBLEMS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ,THE DRIVERS SEAT MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE FUSE THAT CONTROLLED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS. *JB

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Dec 12, 200772,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 8-10 HOURS WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE WIRING FUSE BOX CAUSED THE ENGINE, RADIO, AND WIPER/WASHER TO ACTIVATE. THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DOUSE THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY DID NOT PROVIDE A REASON AS TO WHY IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE WITH IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,000. UPDATED 03/06/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS DONE, HOWEVER EVER SINCE THE REPAIR, THE SEATS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY. THE CONSUMER HAD WORKED DONE ON THE AIR CONDITIONER. UPDATED

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 10, 2007CA

SINCE PURCHASING A SEDONA VAN IN '02 WE HAVE HAD NONE STOP ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST TWICE, SAME FOR THE ALTERNATOR, AND MOST RECENTLY THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE BEHIND THE PANEL NEST TO THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL. MY WIFE DROVE THE CAR AT 1:00PM TO THE STORE AND THEN CAME HOME, PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, AND LOCKED THE DOORS. AT 10:00PM WE WERE AWAKEN BY A NEIGHBOR WHO TOLD US THAT THE CAR WAS RUNNING, THE WIPERS RUNNING, AND THE INTERIOR FILLING WITH SMOKE. I UNLOCKED THE DOORS AND USED THE EXTINGUISHER TO STOP THE FIRE. THANKFULLY SHE DID NOT PARK IN THE GARAGE OR OUR HOUSE WOULD PROBABLY HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. *TR MM

Electrical System
Filed Nov 7, 2007NY

2002 KIA SEDONA ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. *KB THE MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BECAUSE KIA WOULD NOT RELEASE COMPUTER INFORMATION FOR THE NECESSARY DIAGNOSTICS. THE CONSUMER CALLED SEVERAL OTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE NOT VERY ACCOMDATING. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TWICE. THE BATTERY AND BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE AC WAS RUNNING LOW. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE MAY BE SOME TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THE ALTERNATOR. *JB

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle AssemblyFire
Filed Sep 26, 200777,600 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BEGAN SMOKING. THE SEAT BELT THEN CAUGHT FIRE WHEN IT CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE WIRES ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BELT CONNECTOR AND A PIECE OF HARD PLASTIC AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT (SEAT GUARD). THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. KIA STATED THAT A RECALL REPAIR HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE IN APRIL OF 2006 AND THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CURRENT REPAIRS. THE SEAT BELT AREA OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED AND A NEW ONE HAD BEEN ORDERED BEFORE THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 77,600.

Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices
Filed Sep 4, 200784,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR FAILED AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AS OF YET. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 84,000. UPDATED 09/19/TR *TR

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Sep 4, 200784,000 milesOH

4 MONTHS AGO MY ALTERNATOR WENT, TAKING WITH IT MY ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. AFTER EVERYTHING WAS FIXED BY THE REPAIR SHOP OF MY CHOICE, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND COULD NOT BE RESET BECAUSE KIA WILL NOT RELEASE THE CODES TO DO SO. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND $90 LATER SIMPLY RESET THE CODES TO CLEAR THE LIGHT. NOW I FIND MYSELF WITH THE LIGHT ON AGAIN, AND MY 2002 KIA SEDONA AT THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHY. OF COURSE, IT CANNOT BE AS SIMPLE AS THE CODE NEEDING TO BE RESET, AND I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THERE IS A FAULTY SENSOR IN THE SEATBELT MECHANISM THAT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WILL COST $200 + TO HAVE DONE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A RECURRENT PROBLEM WITH KIA SEDONAS AND I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS NOT A RECALL ITEM. MY SISTER-IN-LAW HAS HAD TO REPLACE THEIRS TWO TIMES NOW, MY FATHER-IN-LAW HAS HAD TO REPLACE HIS AT LEAST ONE TIME, AND MY SISTER-IN-LAWS MOTHER-IN-LAW HAS HAD TO REPLACE HERS AT LEAST TWICE. THESE ARE JUST FAMILY MEMBERS, AND I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. ON THIS SITE ALONE I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL, NOT TO MENTION OTHER MESSAGE BOARDS SHOWING THE SAME COMPLAINTS. AT WHAT POINT DOES A COMPLAINT LIKE THIS GET INVESTIGATED TO BE RECALLED? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF AND I IMPLORE YOU TO INVESTIGATE INTO THIS MALFUNCTION. THANK YOU. *TR UPDATED 09/19/07 *TR

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Aug 2, 200796,059 milesAR

2002 KIA SEDONA WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CAR WENT DEAD WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE**CC IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, WHICH ALSO DAMAGED OTHER COMPONETS. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jul 5, 2007100,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. WHEN THE SLIDING DOORS IS OPENED, THE DOOR DETACHES FROM THE HINGE AND FALLS TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE REPAIR SHOP WHO PLACED THE DOOR BACK ON, BUT STATED THAT THE DOOR WOULD FALL AGAIN IF IT WERE TO BE OPENED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 107,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed May 2, 200750,000 milesFL

THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN OUR 2002 KIA SEDONA. *TR

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Apr 13, 200771,186 milesCO

MOTOR VEHICLE PART DEFECT- SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE, AS I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE FROM THE CARRIER AFTER HAVING A FLAT TIRE ON THE INTERSTATE. THE CARRIER'S THREADS SEEMED TO BE DEFECTIVE, AS I WAS UNABLE TO LOWER OR RAISE THE CARRIER ASSEMBLY. I CONTACTED THE KIA DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT THE SERVICE DIRECTOR REFUSED TO FIX THE ISSUE UNLESS I WAS WILLING TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PARTS. I REFUSED SINCE THE SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY HAS NEVER BEEN USED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2, 2006, WHEN I HAD A FLAT TIRE ON THE INTERSTATE AND DISCOVERED THIS DEFECTIVE PART.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Cables
Filed Mar 22, 200737,275 milesNY

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 KIA SEDONNA WITH 37275 FAILURE MILEAGE AT ANY RATE OF SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE BRAKING. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. RECALL 05V013000 WAS ISSUED FOR VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES. REPAIRS HAD BEEN PERFORMED TWICE ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING STILL PERSISTED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,292. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Feb 15, 2007NJ

THIS IS THE 2ND ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TO BE REPLACED. FIRST ONE WAS AT 40K MILES, AND WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEY TRIED TO GET ME TO PAY FOR THE NEW BATTERY, BUT I INSISTED THAT SINCE THEIR FAULTY PART CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DIE, THEY SHOULD REPLACE AT NO COST. I BOUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER THINKING THE ALTERNATOR WOULD STILL BE COVERED, IT IS NOT. I REFUSED FOR THEM TO REPLACE, SINCE THERE IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THEIR ALTERNATORS. THE SERVICE REP. AGREED THAT THE 2ND ALTERNATOR SHOULD HAVE LASTED FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. I BOUGHT THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO HAS NOW INFORMED THAT THE WIRE TO THE ALTERNATOR WAS FRIED/ROTTED/BURNT/ OFF. THIS IS DUE TO THE WAY THE VAN IS DESIGNED. IT IS APPARENTLY TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST AND HAS CAUSED THE WIRE TO BURN OFF. THIS IS NOW A MAJOR JOB, AND HIS EXPERIENCE TELLS HIM THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. ALSO, HE HAS ADVISED THAT HE HAS SEEN A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES ON THESE VANS. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST OURS THAT NEEDED 3 SETS OF NEW BRAKES FOR LESS THAN 75K MILE ON THE CAR. THE AVERAGE LIFE OF BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 25K. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE ALTERNATOR WIRING IS DEFECTIVE AND WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CAN BE A CAUSE FOR A FIRE. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 23, 200664,100 milesCO

AT 64,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO REVERSE. KIA WILL NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. PEAK KIA GM SAYS THAT IF YOU DRIVE IN COLORADO YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THE SEVERE DRIVING MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND CHANGE FLUID EVERY 30,000 MILES. OF COURSE KIA DOES NOT TELL COLORADO BUYERS THAT THE PLACE THEY LIVE IS CONSIDERED SEVERE DRIVING AND TO FOLLOW THAT SCHEDULE TO RETAIN THE WARRANTY. *JB

Vehicle Speed ControlCrashFire3 injured1 killed
Filed Oct 31, 200632,000 milesKY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY BEEN SERVICED AT A SERVICE DEALER, FOR RECALL # 05V013000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CABLES. THE SERVICE REPORT DID NOT STATE THE CLIP WAS ADDED TO KEEP THE CABLES IN PLACE. ITEMS WERE NOTICED HANGING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY TO 75 MPH. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED THE TRAVEL FORWARD, SWERVED OFF THE ROAD , GLANCED A TREE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THEN IMPACTED A TREE HEAD ON. THE WINDSHIELD WAS TORN OUT BY THE IMPACT AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. A PEDESTRIAN SAW THE CRASH AND WENT TO HELP. THE FIRE WAS PARTIALLY EXTINGUISHED THEN THE 40 YEAR OLD DRIVER WAS PULLED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, A LACERATION TO THE RIGHT KNEE, CUTS AND BURNS FROM THE FINGERS OF THE RIGHT HAND, TO THE SHOULDER, THE HEEL OF THE RIGHT FOOT WAS CRUSHED AND AN UNIDENTIFIED NUMBER OF RIBS WERE BROKEN. THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND BURNS TO 30% OF THE BODY, MOSTLY ON THE LEFT SIDE, WHICH RESULTED IN A COMA. BOTH ARMS AND LEGS WERE BROKEN AS WELL. AN 11 YEAR OLD MALE AND A 9 YEAR OLD FEMALE ESCAPED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE 11 YEAR OLD MALE DIED OF HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES AT THE SCENE AND THE 9 YEAR OLD FEMALE HAD A BROKEN RIGHT ARM AND TRAUMA TO THE RIGHT EYE. A 10 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH HEAD AND CHEST INJURIES, DIED IN THE VEHICLE FIRE. A 12 YEAR OLD MALE DIED ON IMPACT FROM HEAD

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 26, 200678,700 milesMN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE THAT ATTACHES TO THE PASSENGER SIDE MIDDLE SEAT OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED AND DETACHED AT THE SEAM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN INFORMED.

Complaints 1-50 of 198, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202110000Routine
202020100Routine
201939210Routine
201849350Routine
2017134430Routine
20162974142Fatalities reported
2015140390Routine
201439120Routine
20130100Routine
2012108550Routine
201165610Routine
201032530Routine
200948520Routine
20081705100Routine
2007157683Fatalities reported
2006385780Above average
2005185290Routine
20041762142Fatalities reported
20031634210High concern
2002 — this page1983131Fatalities reported

Compare every Sedona year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 19, 2005. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.