2004 Kia Sedona

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 176 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the wheels. It has been recalled 2 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
45,000 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 2004 Kia Sedona problems

32 of the 176 complaints (18%) are about the wheels.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Wheels24
000
Steering17
000
Electrical System10
040
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine9
000
Wheels › Hub8
000
Unknown or Other8
020
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration7
203
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing7
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes7
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes7
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables05V329000
Filed Jul 20, 2005118,447 vehiclesKia Motors America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, FREEZING CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE WATER ON THE THROTTLE CABLE TO FREEZE DURING NORMAL OPERATION. RESISTANCE TO MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN OCCUR WHEN THE DRIVER LIFTS THEIR FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL.

Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE THE CABLE TO STICK, THUS PREVENTING THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE. SUCH AN EVENT CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MODIFY A PROTECTIVE SLEEVE AROUND THE THROTTLE CABLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Wheels05V232000
Filed May 19, 200537,358 vehiclesKia Motors America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS, MOISTURE CAN ACCUMULATE AROUND THE REAR HUB CAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING.

Risk. WHEEL BEARING FAILURE MAY OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR HUB CAPS FREE OF CHARGE. UPON INSPECTION, SOME VEHICLES WILL ALSO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR OUTER BEARINGS AND/OR HUB ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
EngineFire
Filed Sep 25, 2026GA

In XXX, my 2004 Kia Sedona caught fire shortly after I arrived at work in [XXX]. My [XXX] daughter was with me because she was sick. After parking, I removed her from the back seat and went inside the salon. Minutes later, I returned and saw smoke coming from the engine. Within seconds, the front of the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was parked near a building, and the fire and smoke spread toward the building. The fire department responded and made a report. The vehicle was completely disabled and later sold to a salvage yard because I could not drive or transport it. My insurance did not cover the fire because I did not have fire coverage. I am especially concerned because my daughter had been inside the vehicle moments before the fire. Fortunately, I removed her before the fire started. I later contacted Kia America, which opened Case No. XXX and requested the vehicle's location for investigation. Kia also requested preservation of the vehicle, but it had already been destroyed by the fire and sold to salvage. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident for possible safety defects, recalls, investigations, or similar fire complaints involving the 2004 Kia Sedona or its components. I can provide the fire report, Kia correspondence, and other supporting records. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Oct 8, 2021IN

Everything appears normal driving down road bout 45 to 50 mph. Slowed down for car n front was turning when I noticed smoke coming from under hood around headlights both sides. Then we pulled into a storage unit place. When even more smoke . I got out popped hood it was all on fire. I turned off van and a friend and I got a couple cups and dipped in water puddle and put fire out , while we were watching to make sure it restarted 2 more times. After half hour goes by and no more smoke . Closed van up found a ride home after contacting insurance company.

Wheels
Filed Mar 28, 202018,000 milesAZ

I HAVE A 2004 KIA SENDONA LX VAN AND THE WHEEL BARRINGS ARE BAD I FIXED IT ONCE ALREADY A MONTH AGO AND IT IS ALREADY BROKEN AGAIN BOTH TIMES IT COMPLETELY FELL APART IN TO LITTLE PEICES WHEN I TOOK THE WHEEL OFF.

EngineFire
Filed Apr 2, 2019100,100 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,100.

EngineFire
Filed Oct 21, 201825,000 milesGA

MY 2004 KIA SEDONA WAS SITTING STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY ENGINE WAS OFF. WHEN SOMETHING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO ENGINE PARTS ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE ENGINE. SUCH BE AS FLUID RESERVOIRS WIRING, FUSE BOX, AND MORE.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Mar 21, 2018214,000 milesGA

ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30 AM, MY WIFE'S 2004 KIA SEDONA SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY OF OUR HOME. I HAD DRIVEN IT THAT MORNING TO RUN A QUICK ERRAND, ACTUAL DRIVE TIME LESS THAN HALF AN HOUR WITHOUT ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. I RETURNED HOME, PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY BEHIND MY FORD WINDSTAR. BOTH MY WIFE AND MYSELF WERE IN OUR HOUSE WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD BOOM FOLLOWED SHORTLY BY A SECOND BOOM. THAT IS WHEN WE SAW THAT FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF HER VAN AND THE REAR OF MY WINDSTAR WAS ON FIRE. WE IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER OUR LOCAL FIRE COMPANY ARRIVED AND BEGAN FIGHTING THE BLAZE. BY THAT TIME BOTH VEHICLES WERE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE KIA. BOTH VEHICLES ARE A TOTAL LOSS. UNTIL THIS INCIDENT, NOTWITHSTANDING BASIC MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS, THE KIA SEDONA WAS A VERY RELIABLE VEHICLE. AS WITH THE WINDSTAR, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS WERE DONE ON A REGULAR AND AS NEEDED BASIS BY THE SAME SHOP THAT HAS WORKED ON ALL OUR VEHICLES FOR OVER 10 YEARS. I AM SURE I CAN PRODUCE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR RECORDS IF NEEDED. THE LAST TIME THE KIA WAS SERVICED WAS LATE OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR TO REPLACE AN ALTERNATOR.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 5, 2017101,294 milesMA

WHEN I WENT TO START MY CAR IT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF, AS IT OCCASIONALLY DOES. THE RPM'S DROPPED AND THE ENGINE CUT OUT. USUALLY THE PROBLEM IS RESOLVED BY ME REVVING THE ENGINE FOR A MINUTE OR TWO, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED LONGER THAN USUAL. IT EVENTUALLY STAYED ON AND I TRIED TO DRIVE AWAY. AS I CHANGED INTO GEAR EVERYTHING SEEMED OKAY, I REVERSED FROM WHERE I WAS PARKED THEN I PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD THE ENGINE CUT OUT AND I WAS STUCK THERE FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS LUCKILY. I DROVE BACK TO WHERE I WAS PARKED AND AS I STOPPED THE ENGINE CUT OUT ON ME. THIS TYPICALLY HAS HAPPENED TO ME WHEN THE GAS TANK WAS BELOW HALF. I MANAGED TO GET TO A GAS STATION AND FILL UP AND THAT STOPPED THE PROBLEM.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 1, 2017158,000 milesID

"TAKATA RECALL" ON TUESDAY MAY 9, 2017 WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. TO OUR AMAZEMENT AND HORROR, NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED . 'WE WERE HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VAN . THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR REQUIRED ASSISTANCE FROM THE POLICE/FIRE FIGHTERS ASSISTANCE TO EXIT THE VAN HOWEVER THE SLIDING DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED REQUIRING REMOVING THE BABY THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND WE BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN OUR VAN WAS STRUCK BY THE OTHER CAR EXITING A PARKING LOT. NEITHER ONE OF US SAW THE ADVANCE NOR IMPACT OF THE OTHER CAR. AFTER REALIZING WHAT HAPPENED WE CALL EMERGENCY VEHICLES FOR ASSISTANCE. WE WERE INSTRUCTED TO MOVE OUR VAN TO A SAFE LOCATION AND WAIT FOR H

EngineFire
Filed May 15, 2017110,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. WHILE STATIONARY, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 30, 2017100,000 milesSC

TAKATA RECALL..MY VAN STALLS OUT NO MATTER WHERE..STOPPED AT IDLE IT RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF..DRIVING AVERAGE SPEED IN TOWN 45MPH IT RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF..ON THE HWY. SPEEDS AVERAGE FROM 55 TO 70 MPH IT RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF ..IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS..I HAVE REPLACED THE FOLLOWING.. FUEL PUMP FUEL FILTER FUEL PUMP RELAYS THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR OXYGEN SENSOR FUEL COIL PACKS SPARK PLUGS INTAKE GASKETS INJECTORS AIR FILTER JUST LIKE THE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ON THE FORUMEBAY ABOUT KIA SEDONA..I'VE PUT $1000'S IN THE VAN WITH NO SOLUTION TO THE DANGEROUS ISSUES..THE ONLY THING LEFT TO CHANGE IS THE INTERNAL WIRING..THIS PROBLEM IS WAY TO COMMON FOR KIA NOT TO HAVE A RECALL ON IT..ITS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO HAVE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT..NOT JUST FOR ME BUT FOR EVERYONE THAT HAS A KIA SEDONA..ITS OBVIOUSLY A SHORT IN THE WIRING AND IS A MANUFACTURER FLAW FOR SO MANY PEOPLE TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE..BTW MY VAN ONLY HAS 100.000 MILES ON IT I'VE SEEN SOME AS LOW AS 30.000 WITH THIS SAME ISSUE..NO EXCUSES FOR THIS..ANY KIND OF ELECTRONIC SHORT OUT HAS POTENTIAL FOR FIRE NOT TO MENTION THE HAZARDS OF THE VAN RANDOMLY STOPPING IN TOWN AT INTERSECTION ON THE INTERSTATE .

Steering
Filed Nov 4, 2015120,500 milesFL

MY STEERING IN MY 2004 KIA SEDONA LX IS TENDING TO BIND AND NEARLY LOCK UP AROUND TURNS. THIS PROBLEM COMES AND GOES.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 14, 2015130,000 milesCA

UPON RETURNING HOME AND PARKING MY VAN AFTER RUNNING AN ERRAND OF ABOUT 5 MILES, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RAN TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITHIN 60 (SIXTY) SECONDS AFTER SEEING THE SMOKE. REMOVING THE AIR CLEANER AND OTHER COMPONENTS, -- THE WIRE HARNESS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS FOUND CHARRED BY THE FIRE. NO IMMEDIATE REASON WAS FOUND FOR THIS INCIDENT TO OCCUR.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 19, 2015172,000 milesFL

CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED AFTER DRIVING ENGINE WAS OFF . HISTORY OF OIL LEAKS. #15003607 VAN TOTALED AND SENT TO SALVAGE YARD. *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 6, 2015297,400 milesOH

MY VAN WONT STEER. IT IS TIGHT AND WONT LET ME GO LEFT OR RIGHT.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 30, 2014150,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. WHILE OPENING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE, ALL FOUR DOORS ON THE VEHICLE LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 6/11/15*CN UPDATED 06/16/15*JB

Steering
Filed Dec 26, 201460,000 milesOR

WHILE DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS THE BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT WILL COME ON INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER OF STEERING. WHEN TAKEN TO KIA DEALERSHIP TO FIX PROBLEM THEY TOLD US IT IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG KIA CARS. THEY CHECKED ALL BELTS, BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ALL TESTS CAME BACK NORMAL. WHILE DRIVING IT IS DANGEROUS TO LOSE POWER OF STEERING ESPECIALLY IN WET CONDITIONS. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 24, 201496,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED AND SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE AT A SLOWER SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V329000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 22, 2014129,994 milesFL

WHILE MAKING RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS THE STEERING BECOMES VERY TIGHT. THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS FINE. NO OTHER WARNINGS. THIS MADE ME VERY SCARED TO MAKE TURNS. I DID MY BEST TO AVOID TURNS ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY FOR TWO DAYS. IN MY 32 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME. WHEN I TOOK IT TO TIRE CHOICE AND TOTAL CAR CARE THEY SAID IT WAS MY INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD IT REPLACED THAT DAY 9/20/14. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 14, 2014139,685 milesFL

WIRING UNDER SEAT SHORTED CAUSING SMALL FIRE INSIDE..EXTINGUISHED WIRING UNDER CAR IN SAME AREA MELTED SHORTING EVERY THING OUT. *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 25, 2014MO

STEERING NOISE AND HIGHER THAN NORMAL STEERING RESISTANCE REFERENCE BULLETIN TSB-019 THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL! ARE WE JUST WAITING FOR A WRECK THAT ACTUALLY KILLS SOME ONE? WE WERE TURNING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND HAD TO BE TURNED BACK TO STRAIGHT OR ELSE IT WOULD HAVE JUST KEPT TURNING US INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 13, 2014152,500 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA .THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DEER BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Tires
Filed Aug 23, 2013AL

THIS IS THE SECOND SET OF DOUGLAS TIRES I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR EVEN THOUGH WALMART SAYS IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THEY GET HOLES IN THE SIDE OF THE TIRES THIS TIME THE WHOLE INSIDE OF MY TIRE IS GONE LOOKS LIKE ROPE HANGING OUT ME AND MY DAUGHTER COULD OF BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED SO I THINK THAT DOUGLAS SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE MY TIRES ON MY KIA MINI VAN I AM SICK AND TIRED OF WALMART AND THE DOUGLAS TIRES I CANNOT AFFORD MORE TIRES HERE IS THE DOT NUMBER ON THE TIRES AND THE SIZETHEY R EXTRA TRAC [[ MTS 215/70R15 MD34 O1R 17/11 SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Jul 29, 2013135,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE AGENCY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Jul 24, 201363,000 milesMA

ABS MODULE IS DEAD. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 4, 2013NM

VAN DOES NOT STAY STARTED. SENSOR CONTROL AND SHORT ON SEATS. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Jan 22, 201378,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A CAR WASH, SHE SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE THEN TRAVELED OVER A CURB BEFORE CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE FRONT AND REAR TIRES BECAME FLAT AND THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. BOTH THE CONTACT AND A FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING FROM THE CRASH AND WERE TRANSPORTED VIA AMBULANCE TO A HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF THEIR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 1, 2012100,000 milesKY

THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES, THE LATEST IN NOVEMBER WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE, DURING RUSH HOUR, GOING 60 MILES PER HOUR. MY VAN KEEPS DYING WHILE I'M DRIVING WHETHER IT WAS A SENSOR OR OUT OF GAS, WHATEVER THE REASON, WHEN POWER GOES OUT, THE BRAKE LOCKS UP AND I HAVE NO CONTROL TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE VAN. IT HAS TO COAST UNTIL IT STOPS ON ITS OWN. THE LAST TIME TOOK ME A MILE AND HALF TO FINALLY STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE INJURY/AND OR DEATH IF THERE ARE OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 5, 2012100,900 milesAZ

DRIVING IN MOUNTAINS IN SOUTHWEST IN OCTOBER USING CRUISE CONTROL AT 60 MPH. THE CRUISE WAS DISENGAGED BY THE DRIVER AS A TURN APPROACHED. VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FULLY. BRAKES DID NOT SLOW IT AND THEY BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. DRIVER PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV PAST 6000 RPM'S. IN NEUTRAL, VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP. AFTER A TOW TO A REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC FOUND THE CRUISE CONTROL ASSEMBLY BROKE AND THE CABLE CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE RECOILED PULLING THE THROTTLE WIDE OPEN. THE MECHANIC DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM THE THROTTLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN NORMALLY WITHOUT CRUISE. *TR

Tires
Filed Aug 28, 201280,700 milesIL

ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2012, MY WIFE TOOK OUR GRANDDAUGHTER SHOPPING. AFTER DROPPING HER OFF AT HOME, MY WIFE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE ~30 MILES HOME. ON THE WAY SHE NOTED A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. SHE STOPPED AT A GAS STATION ABOUT HALFWAY HOME TO CALL ME AND ASK THAT I COME OUT TO CHANGE THE TIRE. AT THAT TIME SHE NOTED A BLISTER IN THE TIRE SIDEWALL. MOMENTS LATER THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE SITTING AT THE GAS STATION. THE FOLLOWING DAY I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE FIRESTONE DEALER WHERE THE TIRES WHERE PURCHASED IN THE FALL OF 2010. AFTER LISTENING TO A LITANY OF EXCUSES FOR THE FAILURE, INCLUDING; SHE (MY WIFE) MUST HAVE HIT A POT HOLE, TIRES WERE UNDER INFLATED, FRONT WHEELS WERE NOT ALIGNED, TIRES HAD NOT BEEN ROTATED, FINALLY THE SALESPERSON CONCEDED THAT THE TIRE SHOULD NOT HAVE BLOWN OUT. THE BAD TIRE WAS REPLACED AT MINIMUM EXPENSE TO ME, BUT I PAID FOR MOST OF THE OTHER FRONT TIRE, IN ORDER TO HAVE TWO TIRES WITH SIMILAR WEAR ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 201260,000 milesAZ

MULTIPLE INSTANCES WHERE VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO START. WILL SUBSEQUENTLY TURN OVER FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT 5 SECONDS AND FINALLY "CATCHES" AND WILL RUN ROUGH. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL RUN ROUGH, HESITATE AND STALL, MOSTLY AT TIMES DURING A FULL STOP ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO NORMAL DRIVING SPEED IN TRAFFIC AND THROUGH TURNING. UPON INSPECTION AT DEALERSHIP, NO FAULTY PARTS FOUND AND CONDITION "DISAPPEARS". UPON RECEIPT OF VEHICLE FROM DEALERSHIP, PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED TO PLAGUE VEHICLE. REPLACED MANY PARTS UNDER THE ADVISEMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE NEVER FOUND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. NO CHECK ENGINE CODE PRESENT DURING PROBLEM. HAS LEFT FAMILY STRANDED ON MORE THAN A FEW OCCASIONS MAKING VEHICLE UNRELIABLE AND UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 17, 201283,325 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 2 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,325 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 13, 2012DE

CPSC#I1230221A. 2004 KIA SEDONA. CONSUMER STATED HE WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY IN STARTING THE VEHICLE DUE TO STALLING. THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF WHILE IDLING AND WHILE DRIVING. LOSS OF POWER RESULTS IN DIFFICULTY IN STEERING THE VEHICLE. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED NONE OF THE REPAIRS, HAVE FIXED THE STALLING ISSUE.

Steering
Filed Oct 31, 201168,000 milesNY

INCREASED STEERING EFFORT NOTED. RESEARCHED AND FOUND NHTSA ACTION # 10027724, AND FOUND IT WAS OPENED AND CLOSED TWICE. THE ACTION APPEARED TO BE RELATED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND ASSOCIATED UNIVERSAL JOINT. LUBRICATING THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT APPEARED TO SLIGHTLY LESSEN STEERING EFFORT. *TR

Wheels
Filed Oct 4, 201178,000 milesCA

THE WHEEL BEARINGS DISINTEGRATED AND CAUSED THE WHOLE HUB TO COME OFF. LUCKILY WE WERE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER FROM OUR DESTINATION AND WEREN'T GOING VERY FAST. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 4, 201180,800 milesCA

VAN WAS MAKING A HIGH-PITCHED WHINING SOUND. TOOK IT IN AND FOUND THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THEY TESTED IT AND IT WAS STILL NOT RUNNING PROPERLY SO THEY DUG A LITTLE DEEPER AND FOUND THAT THE COILS AND WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. GOT THE VAN BACK IN WORKING CONDITION AND LESS THAN TWO DAYS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. TOOK IT BACK AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THANKS TO LAWS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, WE CANNOT REPLACE WITH AN AFTERMARKET ($200); INSTEAD WE WERE QUOTED $1K, AND THAT APPARENTLY IS ON THE CHEAP SIDE. THE GOV.'T HAS A WARRANTY PROGRAM TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS ON VEHICLES 80,000 MILES OR LESS. WE WERE JUST OUT OF THAT LIMIT. TOO BAD FOR US. WE'RE TRADING IT IN. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 21, 201161,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE CONTACT TAPPED ON THE BRAKES AND THEN THE ACCELERATOR IN ORDER FOR THE STEERING WHEEL TO UNLOCK. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE JERKS AND THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM HAS WORSENED SIGNIFICANTLY. UPDATED 07/19/11

Steering
Filed May 3, 201188,000 milesNJ

THE STEERING IN MY 2004 KIA SEDONA IS MALFUCTIONING. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT NOW TAKES A GREAT AMOUNT OF EFFORT SOME OF THE TIME. IT COMES AND GOES. AS YOU TURN THE WHEEL IT GOES FROM EASY TO VERY DIFFICULT AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. AFTER A TURN YOU MUST TURN THE WHEEL BACK TO GO STRAIGHT OR IT WILL CONTINUE TO TURN. THESE 2 PROBLEMS ARE VERY DANGEROUS AS I COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT JUST BY MAKING A TURN. *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 26, 2011105,000 milesMI

STEERING BINDING. WAS TOLD AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP THAT THEY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH STEERING IN SEDONAS NOW I AM PAYING A HIGH PRICE TO GET VEHICLE FIXED. I ASKED WHY ISNT IT ON RECALL LIST THEY SAID THEY DONT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. I AM LEASING A 2004 KIASEDONA. I HAVE HAD PROBLEM WITH TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT AS FOUND IN OTHER COMPLAINTS AND WAS TOLD THE RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE FIXED. *TR

Tires
Filed Apr 8, 201188,065 milesFL

75,000 MILE TIRES COMING APART AFTER 23,844 MILES ! AFTER VISITING RELATIVES IN STUART FLA ON OUR WAY HOME ON I-95 HEADING SOUTH TO POMPANO BEACH AT 70MPH OUR VAN STARTED TO VIBRATE VICIOUSLY IN THE REAR,I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY TO CHECK THE TIRES,I THOUGHT ONE OF THE REAR WHEELS CAME LOOSE I JUST HAD IT IN AT THE POMPANO BEACH PEPBOYS FOR A TIRE ROTATION AND FRONTEND ALIGNMENT,AFTER CHECKING ALL THE WHEEL NUTS ON THE REAR AND FRONT WHEELS I FOUND NONE TO BE LOOSE. I DID NOT HAVE A FLASHLIGHT TO INSPECT THE TIRES WITH US,I HAD TO WAIT TILL WE ARRIVED HOME SO I COULD SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO THE TIRES,I HAD TO KEEP THE SPEED DOWN TO 55 MPH BECAUSE OF THE BAD VIBRATION TO MAKE IT HOME THIS WAS AT 9PM SUNDAY NIGHT. MONDAY MORNING I INSPECTED THE TIRES,I FOUND THE TIRES TO HAVE CRACKS ALL AROUND BOTH SIDES OF THE TIRES WHERE THE TREAD COMES TOGETHER WITH THE SIDEWALL. THE LEFT REAR TIRE IS THE WORST,THE TREAD HAS A BULGE THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL NEXT TO THE SIDEWALL. I FELL THAT ALL OF THE TIRES ON MY VAN NOT TO BE SAFE TIRES AND I DON'T TRUST THEM. *TR

Steering
Filed Mar 15, 2011145,000 milesNJ

POWER STEERING SEEMS TO FADE IN AND OUT INTERMITTENTLY. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SEE THAT THERE AREA A LOT OF KIA SADONA OWNER THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE HOWEVER THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND THIS SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF NOW BEFORE SOME ONE GETS KILLED. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Mar 15, 201136,000 milesMO

MY 2004 KIA SEDONA HAS HAD AN "AIR BAG" LIGHT ON THE DASH FOR SOME TIME. IT HAPPENED WHILE IT WAS IN THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY PERIOD, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. HE SAID THEY WOULD ORDER THEM AND CALL ME WHEN THEY ARRIVED. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS WITH NO CALL WE WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WERE TOLD THAT SINCE WE DID NOT COME BACK, THEY THOUGHT WE NO LONGER NEEDED THE PARTS AND USED THEM ON SOMEONE ELSE'S VEHICLE. WE PROTESTED AND TOLD THEM TO GET THEM AGAIN. WHEN THEY ARRIVED, WE WENT BACK TO GET THE REPAIRS DONE. AT THIS TIME, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT AND THE COST WOULD BE SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE EXTENDED "BUMPER TO BUMPER" WARRANTY FROM ZURICH AMERICAN COST $1,000.00 AND WAS TOTALLY A WASTE OF MONEY. THE VAN WAS IN WARRANTY WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST REPORTED. A CALL TO KIA PRODUCED NOTHING. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS UP TO THE DEALER. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 28, 201159,430 milesKS

I OWN A 2004 KIA SEDONA 3.5L THAT I PURCHASED ON 08-31-2010 WITH 53638 MILES ON IT. ON 01-25-2011 AS I WAS DRIVING I HEARD A RATTLING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I STOPPED TO OPEN THE HOOD AND CONFIRM THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE, IT WAS. I DROVE TO THE NEAREST AUTO MECHANIC AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED TO BE TOLD THAT I HAD A BLOWN ENGINE AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I HAD IT TOWED TO HE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP TO BE LOOKED AT FURTHER. THE ENGINE WAS OPENED UP TO BE INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE #6 CYLINDER WAS COMING APART AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE VAN CURRENTLY HA ONLY 59430 MILES ON IT. IT IS UNDER THE 60000 MILE WARRANTY MARK BUT OVER THE 5 YEAR PORTION. I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE THAT THERE WAS A KIA SERVICE BULLETIN THAT MENTIONED THAT THE 2004 KIA SEDONA 3.5L ENGINE HAD SCORING ON THE #6 CYLINDER FROM THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS WHICH ALSO RESULTED IN A GASKET DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION. THIS CLEARLY SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY SERVICE. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY CASE OF THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM WITH THE #6 CYLINDER. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Dec 29, 201087,000 milesIL

I HAVE A 2004 KIA SEDONA THE REAR COOLANT LINES HAVE FAILED AND NOW I AM LEAKING COOLANT AND IT WILL COST $1000 TO FIX. IT HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN. NOW I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR SAFELY. *TR

Wheels
Filed Nov 17, 201097,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CRACKING NOISE. A FEW MOMENTS LATER, HE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE HUB AND THE BEARING WAS MISSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 05V232000 (WHEELS). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 22, 201055,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A TURN THE RACK A PINION STEERING MADE A CLANGING NOISE IN STAGES, JERKS BACK AND FORTH AND BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN. THE DEALER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Wheels
Filed Sep 10, 201078,000 milesNC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH SHE HEARD A ROARING NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED SHE NEEDED NEW WHEEL BEARINGS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND SHE WAS INFORMED HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V232000, WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust
Filed Aug 27, 201080,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER POWER SEAT INDEPENDENTLY MOVED FORWARD AND UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE SEAT BACK IN PLACE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MOTOR SWITCH HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HER EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 18, 201080,000 milesNY

MY 2004 KIA SEDONA STEERING COLUMN DISINTEGRATED CAUSING STEERING FAILURE. IT HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED AT MY COST. *TR

Steering
Filed Jul 26, 201063,000 milesNJ

2004 KIA SEDONA. STEERING THIS VEHICLE BECAME EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN EXECUTING TURNS, ESPECIALLY EXITING FROM HIGHWAYS. STEERING FEELS AS IF IT IS BINDING AND ABOUT TO SEIZE. STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT DRIVER EFFORT. THE PROBLEM IS MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. KIA SIMPLY ADVISED ME THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE STEERING MECHANISM IS NOT PART OF THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE REPAIR SHOP INDICATES THE STEERING SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACEMENT OF THE RACK AND PINION MECHANISM. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN NJ AND IT HAS BEEN USED PRIMARILY IN NJ AND THE NORTHEAST; THE VEHICLE IS USED AS THE FAMILY CAR WITH MOST DRIVING DONE LOCALLY WITHIN TOWN. MILEAGE IS APPROX 63,000. THE PROBLEM IS NOT RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING FLUID OR PUMP. THE STEERING MECHANISM IS ABOUT THE MOST BASIC AND CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM ON A CAR NEXT TO THE BRAKES. PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS LISTED ON THE NHTSA SITE MENTION A PROBLEM RATE 11 TIMES HIGHER IN SALT BELT STATES (MY VEHICLE HAD TO HAVE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED FOR THIS ISSUE VIA A SAFETY RECALL). IT SEEMS THIS IS SOMETHING THE CAR MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO RECONSIDER. *TR

SeatsFire
Filed Jul 20, 2010120,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS. SUDDENLY, THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE JUNCTION BOX COVERING WAS REMOVED IT WAS ON FIRE. THE POLICE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE CONSEQUENCES RELATED TO THE FIRE AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V463000 (SEATS). THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RECOVERY FACILITY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 176, 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
2004 — this page1762142Fatalities reported
20031634210High concern
20021983131Fatalities reported

Compare every Sedona year →

Reading this record

2 deaths 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: Jul 20, 2005. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.