Owners have filed 214 complaints
about the 2003 KIA Sedona with NHTSA between 2003 and 2022.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 60
Against the median year of the KIA Sedona. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 64
38% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Engine
618.8%
Latch
515.6%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
412.5%
Wheel Bearing
412.5%
Frontal
412.5%
AIR Conditioner
39.4%
Body
39.4%
Rotor
39.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
74.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
138.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2013.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3925.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2818.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
117.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2516.6%
150,000+ miles
85.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 Kia Sedona Van
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2003peak 10Dec 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 KIA Sedona
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08017Opened 28 Aug 2008Closed 1 Jul 2009STEERING
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDING
ODIS ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA SHOWS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS OCCURRED AT A RELATIVELY HIGH FREQUENCY IN SALT-BELT STATES (5.9 PERCENT).HOWEVER, THE TESTS CONDUCTED BY ODI AND KIA HAVE SHOWN THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS A MINIMAL EFFECT ON STEERING EFFORTS.IN ADDITION, ODI INTERVIEWS OF OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT SHOWED THAT IN MOST CASES THE PROBLEM WAS PRECEDED BY MONTHS OR YEARS OF NOISE OR A GRADUAL INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORTS AND WAS MORE OF A NUISANCE CONCERN. THERE HAS BEEN ONE ALLEGATION OF A MINOR CRASH RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT, INVOLVING A MY 2003 KIA SEDONA WI...
PE08033Opened 28 Apr 2008Closed 28 Aug 2008STEERING
STEERING BINDING
ON APRIL 28, 2008, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE08-033 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING STEERING BINDING IN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 KIA SEDONA MINIVANS.KIA'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IN PE08-033 INDICATED THAT CONCERNS WITH BINDING OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WERE FIRST IDENTIFIED AND INVESTIGATED IN AUGUST 2002, IN VEHICLES SOLD IN INDONESIA.THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN THE ADDITION OF A STIFFENING RIB TO THE BEARING CAP SEAL.IN JUNE 2003, KIA AGAIN INVESTIGATED OWNER COMPLAINTS OF STEERING NOISE AND HIGHER THAN NOR...
PE05035Opened 28 Jun 2005Closed 19 Oct 2005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ELECTRICAL FIRE
BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 4, 2005, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V463) INVOLVING ALL MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002, 2003 KIA SEDONA EX VEHICLES AND CERTAIN MY 2004 KIA SEDONA EX VEHICLES.KIA?S RECALL COVERS 74,276 VEHICLES.KIA REPORTS THAT FIRES WERE CAUSED BY WIRING UNDER FRONT SEATS BEING MISROUTED; THIS ALLOWED THE WIRE TO BE PINCHED BY METAL SEAT COMPONENTS.OVER TIME, THE SHORT IN THE WIRING UNDER THE SEAT CAUSES OVERHEATING OF COMPONENTS IN THE FUSE BOX (LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL).SPECIFICALLY, THE CIRCUIT BREAKER DIODES CYCLE...
PE04067Opened 24 Sep 2004Closed 27 Jan 2005VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
THROTTLE CABLE BINDING
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION.A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE.THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004...
Recalls on the 2003 KIA Sedona
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
05V329000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
05V232000
WHEELS
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.
05V013000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
03V158000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE WAS A PROGRAMMING ERROR IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE LOGIC. THE PROGRAMMING ERROR COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKING FORCE AT SPEEDS BELOW 25 MPH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Risk: SUCH INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20053169,220 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the wiring under the front seats of vehicles equipped with power seats could be misrouted, allowing the wire to be pinched by metal seat components. As a result, electrical resistance will trip a circuit breaker diode in the fuse junction box. After the diode cools down, it will reset and recycle through this process repeatedly. It may be possible for the diode to continue to build up heat instead of cooling down, which may result in a fire in another component in the junction box area. Correction: Dealers will inspect to confirm the integrity of the power seat wiring. In addition, the dealer will install corrugated tubing around the underseat wires to eliminate the possibility of wire pinching.
Recall 20052289,488 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, water may enter between a protective rubber sleeve and the throttle cable towards the rear portion of the cable. If the ambient temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius, the water could freeze, causing the throttle to stick and the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly. Correction: Dealers will modify the throttle cable rubber sleeve.
Recall 200504111,517 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, moisture can accumulate on the throttle cable. In freezing conditions, excessive moisture build-up can result in ice accumulation and resistance to movement. This can permit the throttle cable to be hung-up or to jump out of position, which could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the throttle cable.
Recall 2003164813 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, there was a programming error in the ABS control module logic. This programming error could cause reduced braking force at speeds below 40 Km/h (25 mph), resulting in increased stopping distances and the possibility of accidents. Correction: Dealer will reprogram the ABS control module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Dahlonega, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
NHTSA complaint #11496863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dahlonega, GAFire
ENGINE
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
NHTSA complaint #11496863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dahlonega, GAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
NHTSA complaint #11496863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11339374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, ILFire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11339374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDyersburg, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE DESIRED GEAR WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD SAW FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED HOWEVER, HER NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH A WATER HOSE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11323894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Dahlonega, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
NHTSA complaint #11496863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dahlonega, GAFire
ENGINE
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
NHTSA complaint #11496863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dahlonega, GAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
NHTSA complaint #11496863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesSalem, MO
STEERING
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over and left the vehicle. The contact returned 2 days later and drove the vehicle home. The contact stated that the check engine, brakes and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. Dealer/manufacturer was contacted but no open recalls.*JB Consumer stated in addition to the prior issues has airbag lights on and brakes that lock up in the rain. Power steering was repaired but still having problems.
NHTSA complaint #11419218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11339374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, ILFire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11339374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDyersburg, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE DESIRED GEAR WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD SAW FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED HOWEVER, HER NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH A WATER HOSE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11323894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDyersburg, TNFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE DESIRED GEAR WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD SAW FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED HOWEVER, HER NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH A WATER HOSE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11323894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,800 milesNorth Richland Hills, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED HALFWAY DOWN WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SWERVED ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND STOPPED 30 YARDS IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC COMPUTER BRAKING MODULE DID NOT ALLOW THE BRAKES TO STOP COMPLETELY; THEREFORE, THE COMPUTER REACTED AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE TRAVELING ON ICE. THE DEALER (MORITZ KIA HURST, 110 NE LOOP 820, HURST, TX 76053, (817) 591-7063) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,800.
NHTSA complaint #11121586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,200 milesMagalia, CA
TIRES
ON FEB. 25, 2018, WE PURCHASED A 2003 KIA SEDONA VAN FROM CITY START AUTO SALES IN PARADISE, CA. ALL FOUR TIRES AND THE SPARE WERE GOODYEAR INTEGRITY 215/70R15. THE TIRES READ MAX. PSI 44, BUT THE VAN SAID TO RUN AT 35 PSI. SO, ONCE A WEEK ON A COOL MORNING (BETWEEN 68-75 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITHOUT IT HAVE BEEN DRIVEN), MY WIFE OR I WOULD MAKE SURE THE TIRES WERE 34-35 PSI. DURING THIS 3 MONTH PERIOD, WE NOTICED NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. ON MAY 31, 2018, I WAS DRIVING FROM MY HOUSE IN MAGALIA, CA TO CHICO, CA. JUST AS I STARTED TO MERGE ONTO HWY 99 IN CHICO, I HEARD A THUMPING SOUND, THEN A BANG--TWICE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SAW 2 TIRES HAD COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT AND ONE WAS SERIOUSLY SHOWING THE METAL BELT. I HAD TO PAY TO GET A TOW TRUCK OUT AND IMMEDIATELY PURCHASE 4 NEW TIRES. WE'VE HAD A LITTLE WORK DONE ON THE REAR-LEFT FENDER CONTINUED TO HAVE WEIRD SOUNDS COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR WHERE THE WORST BLOW OUT HAPPENED. I JUST HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO TAKE IT IN YET. I KNOW IT WAS HOTTER IN CHICO THAN AT MY HOME, BUT IT WAS PROBABLY IN THE UPPER 80'S AT THAT TIME. I HAD NO WARNING AND IF IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, IT WOULD'VE BEEN A DISASTER. THE TIRE COMPANY SHOWED US THE SPARE, SAID WE COULD USE IT AS ONE FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT EVEN IT IS SHOWING SOMETHING WRONG TO THE TIRE GUY.
NHTSA complaint #11112219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,511 milesNorth Lauderdale, FL6 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR FIRE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CUTS ON THE FACE AND ARMS. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED SHRAPNEL IN THE RIGHT EYE WITH BRUISING, ALONG WITH GLASS IN HER FACE AND HAIR. THE FOUR PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SUSTAINED RINGING IN THE EARS. THE AMBULANCE PROVIDED ROUTINE ASSISTANCE, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (CASE NUMBER: 15-1706-00760). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,511.
NHTSA complaint #10994535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesBeverly, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED WHEN IT WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #10938476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesFairview Heights, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. DURING THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10816934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 124,000 milesForsyth, IL
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, THE SECOND ROW SEAT BELT ANCHOR CABLES SNAPPED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #10776329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesWashington, DC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #10766465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leesburg, FL
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAM ON AND IS STILL ON. THIS AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED....UPDATED 11/04/15
NHTSA complaint #10762620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longwood, FL
WHEELS
REAR WHEEL BEARING FREEZING UP MAKING TIRE COME OFF
NHTSA complaint #10744883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesLongwood, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS LIGHT ON FRONT BRAKES ON DRIVERS SIDE NOT WORKING RIGHT
NHTSA complaint #10744840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesOrange City, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CLEAR OUT THE SMOKE AND NOTICED THAT THE FUSE BOX CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA complaint #10724871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesBloomington, IL1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TWO BROKEN FINGERS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10703609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesDouglasville, GAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10695194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesEdgewood, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED TO ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO RUN THROUGH. IN ADDITION, THE OUTLET VALVE BECAME STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION AND THE ABS UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. MA 10/22/2015 UPDATED 9/27/2017
NHTSA complaint #10692897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terre Haute, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED. IT DROVE JUST FINE FOR THE FIRST SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT EVENTUALLY IT WOULD START SPUTTERING LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN IT ACTUALLY HAD GAS IN THE VEHICLE. EVENTUALLY, IT CAME TO A POINT WHEN IT WOULD RUN WHEN IT WANTED TO AND STALL WHEN IT WANTED TO. I TOOK IT TO A SERVICE STATION TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM TO FIX IT. THEY GAVE ME A COUPLE OF OPTIONS WHAT IT COULD BE, BUT TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE ONLY 75% SURE AND IT WAS GOING TO COST NEARLY $1000 TO FIX. WELL, I DIDN'T HAVE $1000 TO FIX SOME PARTS THAT THEY ARE ONLY 75% SURE ABOUT. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT IN TOWN AND IT CONTINUED TO STALL AND DRIVE AS IT PLEASED. AT THIS POINT, IT ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO TURNOVER, BUT WON'T START. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS VEHICLE PROBLEM. CAN'T SOMETHING BE DONE?
NHTSA complaint #10680147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Terre Haute, IN
ENGINE
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED. IT DROVE JUST FINE FOR THE FIRST SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT EVENTUALLY IT WOULD START SPUTTERING LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN IT ACTUALLY HAD GAS IN THE VEHICLE. EVENTUALLY, IT CAME TO A POINT WHEN IT WOULD RUN WHEN IT WANTED TO AND STALL WHEN IT WANTED TO. I TOOK IT TO A SERVICE STATION TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM TO FIX IT. THEY GAVE ME A COUPLE OF OPTIONS WHAT IT COULD BE, BUT TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE ONLY 75% SURE AND IT WAS GOING TO COST NEARLY $1000 TO FIX. WELL, I DIDN'T HAVE $1000 TO FIX SOME PARTS THAT THEY ARE ONLY 75% SURE ABOUT. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT IN TOWN AND IT CONTINUED TO STALL AND DRIVE AS IT PLEASED. AT THIS POINT, IT ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO TURNOVER, BUT WON'T START. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS VEHICLE PROBLEM. CAN'T SOMETHING BE DONE?
NHTSA complaint #10680147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,934 milesDaleville, IN
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG LITE HAS BEEN TURNING OFF AND ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES..EG. LITE TURNS ON AND IS ON FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 SECONDS THEN TURNS OFF. NOW, 11/17/2014 WHEN I STARTED TO DRIVE IT, THE LIGHT WENT ON AND HAS STAYED ON EVER SINCE WHEN THE IGNITION IS ON. I WANTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW BUT THEY ARE OUT OF BUSINESS. TODAY ON FOX NEWS I HEAD WHERE THEY ARE HAVING SOME TROUBLE WITH SEAT BELTS ON DIFFERENT CARS. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO. I LOVE THE CAR AND WANT TO KEEP IT. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH IT. IT HAS BEEN GREAT!! PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT I SHOULD DO. THANK YOU. RESPECTFULLY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10659437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
