59 of the 328 complaints about the 2002 KIA Sedona are about the electrical system — 18% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 49,928 miles.
59
Complaints
0
Crashes
12
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10862700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10574796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10565372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10538031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10471149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10379822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10240270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10219515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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
NHTSA complaint #10211579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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
NHTSA complaint #10211579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #10208599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10208370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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
NHTSA complaint #10201779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10199131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10182729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
DT: THE CONTACT RECEIVED TWO RECALL LETTERS; ONE FOR THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS, AND THE OTHER FOR HEADLIGHTS. SHE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BY PHONE AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE UNTIL JANUARY 11, 2005. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT CONTACT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10145490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN 11/04 MY ABS LIGHTS WENT ON IN MY 02 KIA SEDONA. I TOOK THE VAN TO GET NEW BRAKES AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE ABS SENSOR WAS BROKEN IN PIECES ON THE DRIVER SIDE WHEELS. IN 8/05 MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASH AND STAYED ON. BEFORE I COULD GET MY CAR IN TO DEALERSHIP, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN EARLY 9/05 GOING OVE AN OVERPASS WHEN MY CAR JUST DIED AND LOST ALL POWER. I WAS TOLD THAT MY MASTER FLOW SENSOR WENT BAD AND NEEDED A NEW ONE (WARRANTY). THEY ALSO REPLACED THE SEAT BELT SENSOR IN THE DRIVERS SIDE TO TAKE CARE OF THE AIR BAG LIGHT.2 DAYS LATER MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON. IN 12/05 MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN ALONG WITH THE WARNING BEEP. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND GOT APPT. FOLLOWING TUESDAY. I WAS TOLD IT SHOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THEN. BOTH HEADLIGHTS ALSO WENT OUT. NOW WHEN APPLYING BRAKE MY BRAKE GOES DOWN GRINDS, ADJUST THEN GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN . GOT CAR TO DEALERSHIP TUES AM. IN THE AFTERNOON RECEIVED CALL 1 YR OLD BATTERY IS LEAKING ACID DUE TO FAULTY ALTERNATOR (SENDING TOO MUCH POWER OUT. WAS TOLD MUST REPLACE BATTERY SO THAT DEALERSHIP MAY COMPLETE DIAGNOSIS. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP KIA ONLY WARRANTIES MAIN ISSUE NOT ANY ADDITIONAL ITEMS DAMAGED BY MAIN ISSUE. RECEIVED CALL A LITTLE WHILE AGO, TOLD BAD ALTINATOR NEEDS BATTERY FAULTY SEAT BELT SENSOR NOW IN PASSENGER SEAT BELT (3 MONTHS AGO WAS DRIVERS SIDE ALSO MY HEADLIGHTS ARE BOTH BLOWN - YES FAULTY ALTENATOR MOST LIKELY CAUSED THIS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT MY NEW BRAKES (REPLACED IN AUG 05 AT LESS THAN 3000 MI AGO) ARE WORE THIN AND NEED RELACEMENT ALONG WITH ROTORS WHICH NOW HAVE GROOVES IN THEM AND THEY ARE ALSO TO THIN. I HAVE NOW REPLACED THE BRAKES 4 TIMES ON A VEHICLE THAT IS 4 YRS OLD AND BEING TOLD MUST REPLACE ONCE AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10145225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER BELTS SQUEAL, SLIDDING DOOR DRAGS, PULLEY WAS REPLACED AT 7744 MILES. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** THE PULLEY AND BELT HAVE BEEN REPLACED 10 TIMES. THE ALTERNATOR SEIZED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE A/C FAN MADE LOUD NOISES. THE SLIDING DOOR DRAGGED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT HOLD, THE DEALER ADJUSTED IT THREE TIMES THEN FINALLY REPLACED. AN INTERNAL SHORT IN THE FUSE CLOCK CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENLTY BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE STALLING. THE POWER WINDOWS WOULD STICK AND MAKE NOISE, THE DEALER LUBED IT AND REPLACED THE REGULATOR. THE REAR HATCH RUSTED AROUND HANDLE AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED/REFINISHED TWICE. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD RACKED. OIL LEAKED FROM OIL FILTER. THE FRONT AND REAR WIPERS FAILED. THE SLIDING DOOR HANDLE BROKE. THE DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATED DUE TO BROKEN BAD SWITCH CONTACTS. THE ROTORS WARPED. THE A/C WAS BLOWING WHEN IT WASN'T ON AND SOMETIMES IT BLEW OUT WARM AIR. THE REAR SEAT ARM REST WILL NOT STAY DOWN. THE THRESHOLD ON THE LEFT SIDE IS CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10143219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS IN AUGUST 2005 WHEN THE ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, AND A SENSOR WERE REPLACED. A SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE IN OCTOBER 2005. THEN, ON OCTOBER 28, 2005 THERE A CONTROL VALVE WAS REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON EACH TIME BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NORMALLY REMAINED OFF FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS. HOWEVER, WHEN THE LAST REPAIR WAS MADE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED OFF FOR ONLY ABOUT 50 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER SINCE THEN.
NHTSA complaint #10141264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS IN AUGUST 2005 WHEN THE ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, AND A SENSOR WERE REPLACED. A SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE IN OCTOBER 2005. THEN, ON OCTOBER 28, 2005 THERE A CONTROL VALVE WAS REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON EACH TIME BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NORMALLY REMAINED OFF FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS. HOWEVER, WHEN THE LAST REPAIR WAS MADE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED OFF FOR ONLY ABOUT 50 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER SINCE THEN.
NHTSA complaint #10141264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN THE ELECTRIC LOCK IS USED ON THE KIA SEDONA IT DISABLES THE FOLLOWING: ELECTRIC WINDOWS, DASH LIGHTS (ALL) INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND ALL PARKING LIGHTS ARE LOST. AFTER SETTING OVERNIGHT THE SYSTEMS COME BACK ON LINE SO FAR. HOWEVER IF SOMEONE HITS THE LOCKS AND IT IS AT NIGHT, ALL THE LIGHT THAT ANOTHER DRIVER WOULD SEE FROM THE REAR ARE OUT. THE DRIVER CAN NOT SEE ANY INSTRUMENTS AT ALL. AND ANY WINDOWS THAT WERE OPEN WILL NOT CHANGE POSITION. WE TOOK IT TO KIA THEY SAID A RELAY WAS MISSING. HOWEVER THE ENTIRE PRESCRIBED SET OF RELAYS WERE IN PLACE, THEY ALSO SAID THE FUSE BLOCK WAS MELTED, AND IT HAD TO BE ORDERED, THEY RETURNED THE CAR TO MY WIFE AND SHE DROVE IT HOME AGAIN. THEY PROVIDE A PICTURE OF WHAT WAS ORDERED. I LOOKED AT THE CAR AND THERE WASN'T ANY RELAY MISSING AND IF THE FUSE / RELAY WAS MELTED IT WAS NOT APPARENT FROM THE INSTALLED CONDITION. THERE WAS NOT EVIDENCE THAT ANYTHING WAS REMOVED (ALL BOLTS AND INSTALLATION HARDWARE WAS STILL INTACT AND DIRTY AND NO FINGER PRINTS WERE PRESENT) WE ARE WAITING ON THE PART DELIVERY. THIS CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE YET KIA DID NOT GIVE ANY THOUGHT TO RELEASING IT TO MY WIFE TO DRIVE. WE HAVE PARKED IT UNTIL THE PART COMES IN. THE FAILURE HAS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE LOCKS ARE USED OVER THE LAST WEEK.
NHTSA complaint #10141080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
1) BATTERY DISCHARGE OCCURED DURING SLOW SPEED DRIVING AND HOT CONDITIONS. VEHICLE STALLED AT INTERSECTION AND WAS ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES. 2) SERVICE BULLETIN PUT OUT BY KIA CALLS FOR NEW ALTERNATOR, WITH SMALLER PULLEY AND ECM BATTERY COMPENSATION 3) KIA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CALLS FOR A NEW ALTERNATOR WITH SMALLER PULLEY (65MM ->55MM) AND ECM BATTERY COMPENSATION REVISED.
NHTSA complaint #10135173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
I HAD MY BATTERY REPLACED IN MARCH 2003 BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT START. AUGUST 22ND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY SAID COULD BE THE ALTERNATOR. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY AT 9:00A.M. WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL I NOTICED MY ABS LIGHT WAS ON. I PARKED IT IN DRIVE WAY. IT WOULD NOT START THE NEXT MORNING SO MY HUSBAND JUMPED STARTED IT. I DROVE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND MY CAR STARTING BEEPING, HESITATING, AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON PLUS ALL THE OTHER ONES FROM THE DAY BEFORE. I DROPPED MY DAUGHTER AT SCHOOL AND ABOUT A BLOCK DOWN THE ROAD IN JUST DIED WITH MY SON AND I IN THE CAR. I NOTICED A VAPOR FUME COMING OUT OF THE VENTS BY THE WINDSHIELD WHEN IT DIED. I GOT MY SON AND I OUT OF THE CAR AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID I NEED A NEW ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. I GOT THE ALTERNATOR COVERED AND THEY PUT A NEW BATTERY IN.
NHTSA complaint #10134671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
BATTERY DIES EVERY SUMMER DURING HOT WEATHER. THREE BATTERIES IN 3 YEARS. THE ALTERNATOR DOES NOT SUPPLY BATTERY WITH ENOUGH CURRENT WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING, RADIO, AND LIGHTS ARE ON CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10133544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
2002 SEDONA WAS REPAIRED 2 TIMES WITH LESS THEN 200 MILES ON IT FOR BATTERY DRAINING- CLAIM WAS IT WAS THE RADIO DIDN'T SHUT OFF WITH THE CAR. THEN LAST MONTH WITH 59.000 MILES ON IT I COMPLAINED OF THE CAR HESITATING AND LIGHTS FLICKERING, AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON, CLAIM TO REPAIR WAS TUNE-UP- 1700.00 AND TWO MONTHS LATER MY BATTERY WENT ON FIRE WITH 5 PEOPLE IN IT, 3 CHILDREN AND ONE IS CARRIED OUT HANDICAPPED. LIGHTS FLICKERED, ODOMETER WENT NUTS WITHOUT THE ENGINE RACING, DOOR LOCKS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED, BATTERY LIGHT, BREAK LIGHT, AND AIRBAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON. WIPERS WENT ON WITHOUT TURNING THEM ON WITH THE SWITCH AND THE HAZARDS WENT ON WITHOUT PUSHING THE BUTTON. I AM MORE THEN HAPPY TO FILE A CONSUMER COMPLAINT AND A LAWSUIT. MY DEALER WENT OUT OF BUSINESS I WAS TOLD WHEN MY CAR WENT ON FIRE TWO WEEKS AGO. SO NOW IT IS AT ANOTHER DEALER AND AT 65,000 NOT COVERED, IT WILL BE COVERED. I AM ACTUALLY COMPILING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ON THE SAFETY OF THESE BATTERIES. I WANT MY CAR FIXED AND ALL THESE VANS RECALLED TO FIND OUT THE REASON, I WOULD NOT WANT ONE OF MY FAMILIES KILLED AND DON'T WANT TO WAIT TILL IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE'S. ALL OF US CAN'T BE WRONG AND AS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND A POSSIBLE MEANS OF KILLING PEOPLE WHEN THE DOORS LOCK AND WON'T LET YOU OUT WHEN THE CAR IS ON FIRE - ?? GET WITH IT PEOPLE. RECALL THESE CARS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. USE MY CAR AS YOUR TEST SUBJECT, I OFFER IT. NOW MY DAUGHTERS LUNGS HURT FROM THE SMELL OF THE SULFUR HURRYING TO GET THE KIDS OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10132572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
DT: 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE SMELLED OF SMOKE. THEN, THE VEHICLE STOPPED DUE TO A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PUSHED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT COULD NOT DO SO. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10132219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2ND REQUEST LTR FM RICHARD JORGE (FL) RE HIS DEFECTIVE 2002 KIA SEDONA.*MR WHEN THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 180 MILES IT OVERHEATED AND SHORTED OUT. PRESENTLY, THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR.
NHTSA complaint #10129108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TOO MANY PROBLEMS TO LIST, COMPLETE LEMON
NHTSA complaint #10127796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2002 KIA SEDONA AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE AND BEGAN IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND REMOVING THE KEYS, THE ENGINE STARTED ALONG WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED TO THE DASH AND STEERING COLUMN AREA. A NEARBY CITIZEN EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT MY WIFE AND 3 YOUNG CHILDREN WERE NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10127308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM UNDER ENGINEERED. BATTERY FAILS TO CHARGE IN HOT WEATHER, SAY 90 F OR ABOVE. AMPERAGE TOO LOW FOR USE IN HOT WEATHER WITH AC AT FULL POWER, ESPECIALY WHEN IDLING. I HAVE TRIED A LAGER BATTERY 1,000 CCA, BUT ITS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX. AS THE HOT DAYS GO BY THE BATTERY STARTS TO LOSE ITS POWER AND THEN I NEED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED AND I MEAN 3HR OR MORE OF A DRIVE! I HAVE HAD TO JUMP START 2002 KIA SEDONA 6 TIMES IN HOT WEATHER. TALKED TO DEALER ABOUT IT. THEY SAID IT WAS A VERY COMMON COMPLAIT WITH THE KIA SEDONA IN HOT WEATER CITIES AND THAT KIA IS NOT GOINT TO CHANGE THE WIMPY ALTERMATOR WITH A MORE BEEFY ONE. AS A FORMER TECHNICIAN I KNOW THAT THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD, RADIOS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS WILL SHORT OUT IF NOT REMEDIED. CORTRARY TO MAIN BELIEF THAT ONLY HIGH VOLTAGE CAN CAUSE A SHORT I HAVE FOUND THAT LOW VALTAGE CAN CAUSE A SHORT THEN WHEN YOU INCREASE YOUR VOLTAGE BY JUMP STARTING YOU CAN CAUSE A FIRE. SO HEADS UP (TICK, TOCK,TICK ,TOCK)
NHTSA complaint #10122270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.