Owners have filed 272 complaints
about the 2005 KIA Sedona with NHTSA between 2005 and 2023.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 76
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 — 100
61% 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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
157.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
7837.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2311.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
188.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
146.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2311.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2110.0%
150,000+ miles
178.1%
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
2005 Kia Sedona Van
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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.
Jun 2005peak 12Apr 2023
Recalls on the 2005 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
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 20051653,406 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles equipped with alloy wheels, moisture can enter the rear hub and cause damage to the wheel bearing. In certain conditions, this can result in wheel bearing failure which could lead to a loss of vehicle control. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the hub assemblies.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 115,000 milesPort Charlotte, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2005 KIA SEDONA WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND IT CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DASH IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THAT IS WHERE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT STARTED. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS, ONLY HAD 115,000 MILES, NO ISSUES. THANK GOD IT WAS AT 8 AM AND WE WERE AWAKE, EARLIER MY WHOLE FAMILY AND OUR HOME MAY HAVE BEEN GONE AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11268093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLenoir, NCFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 KIA SEDONA. WHILE PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *AS PHOTOS ATTACHED
NHTSA complaint #11208234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesBelton, SCCrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND EXPLODED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.
NHTSA complaint #10936795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesBelton, SCCrashFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND THE BRAKES AND POWER STEERING NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND EXPLODED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.
NHTSA complaint #10936795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesBuckeye, AZCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SEDONA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT ROLLED BACK AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10936517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHenrico, VACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE DEALERS AND INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10764511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Quakertown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake line rusted out. Lost brakes while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11515399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cottage Grove, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi my van started smell a lot to fuel so I looked for leaks and I found a big leak on the fuel rail rack dripping a lot of fuel on the side of engine when engine is running and the car is unsafe to drive and I’m very worried about this problem. This happened after my car stalled on the street and it never wanted to start again and when I make it start again it started smell gas
NHTSA complaint #11442516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bismarck, AR
WHEELS
Rear Right Hub Recall on this model
NHTSA complaint #11440726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesRiverside, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she noticed that the vehicle was overheating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she attempted to open the hood of the vehicle to determine the cause of the failure, but the hood would not open. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11429054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesRiverside, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2005 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she noticed that the vehicle was overheating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she attempted to open the hood of the vehicle to determine the cause of the failure, but the hood would not open. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11429054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesGuayama, PR
SUSPENSION
THE GA RECOAL BOT NEVER FXE
NHTSA complaint #11402660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesGuayama, PR
ENGINE
THE GA RECOAL BOT NEVER FXE
NHTSA complaint #11402660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesGuayama, PR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE GA RECOAL BOT NEVER FXE
NHTSA complaint #11402660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesPort Charlotte, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2005 KIA SEDONA WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND IT CAUGHT FIRE IN THE DASH IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THAT IS WHERE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT STARTED. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS, ONLY HAD 115,000 MILES, NO ISSUES. THANK GOD IT WAS AT 8 AM AND WE WERE AWAKE, EARLIER MY WHOLE FAMILY AND OUR HOME MAY HAVE BEEN GONE AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11268093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLenoir, NCFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 KIA SEDONA. WHILE PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *AS PHOTOS ATTACHED
NHTSA complaint #11208234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesNisula, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY KIA SEDONA STARTS WHEN IT WANTS TO. I HAVE POWER TO THE DASH LIGHTS, RADIO, AND OTHER ELECTRONICS. THE COMPANY HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE THE 2002 VERSION AND WITH HIGH MILES. IT HAS TO DEAL WITH THE "AN ISSUE WITH THE FACTORY VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO THINK IT IS BEING STOLEN. THIS WILL IMMEDIATELY DISALLOW THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING.". WHILE THIS IS GOOD MOST OF THE TIME, IT ISN'T GOOD SINCE IT DOESN'T SET OFF THE "ENGINE LIGHT" SO MECHANICS CAN READ THE COMPUTER. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY VEHICLE FOR A MONTH AND MISSED NUMEROUS DAYS OF WORK DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THE MECHANICS THAT ATTEMPT TO WORK ON MY VEHICLE, CAN NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE THE "NOT STARTING", IT WILL START EVERY TIME FOR THEM. MAKING ME FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TWO MONTHS AND IT DRAINING MY FINANCES. I DID SOME RESEARCH OF MY OWN AND DISCOVERED THAT ON WWW.REPAIRPAL.COM HAS MANY WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. KIA WANTS ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THE NEAREST DEALER IS 6 HRS AWAY AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WOULD MAKE IT THERE. I COULDN'T EVEN DRIVE IT 2 HRS WITH OUT AN ISSUE. I FEEL SINCE THEY KNEW THERE WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS MODULE ON THIS VEHICLE, THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT AND MAKE COMPENSATION FOR THE CUSTOMER.
NHTSA complaint #11191376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesRockwood, TN
POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 55MPH ON BOTH A 2 LANE HWY AND THE INTERSTATE HWY, THE VAN WOULD SUDDENLY MAKE A LOUD BANG SOUND, JUMP, AND THE RPMS WOULD GO UP TO OVER 4000 AND SOUND LIKE IT WAS IN 2ND GEAR. ENG LIGHT CODE SAID INTAKE TRANS SENSOR, WHICH I HAD REPLACED. SAME PROBLEM HAPPEND 2 MORE TIMES AFTER THAT AND STILL NOT FIXED.WILL WORK FOR A WHILE AFTER SHUTTING CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT BUT SAME PROBLEM HAPPENS AFTER ABOUT 20 MILES. CODE STILL READS INTAKE SENSOR PROBLEM EACH TIME. I TRIED USING OFF BRAND SENSORS THE FIRST 2 TIMES AND AN AUTHENTIC KIA SENSOR THE 3RD TIME. THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE IN PERFORMANCE, JUST THE COST OF THE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #11152197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
AIR BAGS
MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND I TALK TO KIA ABOUT IT THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A PRICE FOR TO TAKE IT OFF I HAE A WHEEL BEARING PROMBLE TO. I HAD TO GET MY WHEEL BEARING REPAIR TO.
NHTSA complaint #11123210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
WHEELS
MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND I TALK TO KIA ABOUT IT THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A PRICE FOR TO TAKE IT OFF I HAE A WHEEL BEARING PROMBLE TO. I HAD TO GET MY WHEEL BEARING REPAIR TO.
NHTSA complaint #11123210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND I TALK TO KIA ABOUT IT THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A PRICE FOR TO TAKE IT OFF I HAE A WHEEL BEARING PROMBLE TO. I HAD TO GET MY WHEEL BEARING REPAIR TO.
NHTSA complaint #11123210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesWestville, NJ
WHEELS
I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 55 WITH MY 2YR OLD DAUGHTER AND I WAS GOING 70MPH WHEN THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE CAUSING MY CAR TO FISHTAIL IN BETWEEN BOTH LANES ON THE HIGHWAY UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AGAIN AND GOT MY CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. THE DEFECTIVE TIRE IS A FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT 225/70R15
NHTSA complaint #11115622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesPembroke, MA
ENGINE
STALLS WITH NO WARNING ALL SPEEDS ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS..ENGINE HOT OR COLD..STARTS RIGHT BACK UP..VERY DANGEROUS
NHTSA complaint #11032325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesPembroke, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STALLS WITH NO WARNING ALL SPEEDS ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS..ENGINE HOT OR COLD..STARTS RIGHT BACK UP..VERY DANGEROUS
NHTSA complaint #11032325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keller, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKES CONSTANTLY SQUEAK AFTER NEW BRAKES AND PADS ON. ELECTRIC WINDOWS PASSAGENER AND DRIVER SIDE NOT WORKIN
NHTSA complaint #11001591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keller, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES CONSTANTLY SQUEAK AFTER NEW BRAKES AND PADS ON. ELECTRIC WINDOWS PASSAGENER AND DRIVER SIDE NOT WORKIN
NHTSA complaint #11001591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesFlint, MI
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (KIA OF GRAND BLANC AT 6167 SAGINAW RD, GRAND BLANC, MI 48439, (810) 694-5600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE THE ORIGINAL CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR PART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE DEALER NOT DIAGNOSING THE AFTERMARKET DORMAN CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR THAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS NOT A KIA PART AND DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10995180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bessemer, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
IN MOTION. THE BRAKES BECAME MORE AND MORE SPONGY. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THE STUDS THAT HOLD THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER TO THE BOOSTER, ONE WAS BROKEN OFF AND THE OTHER HAD A LOOSE NUT.
NHTSA complaint #10972192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Station, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING NOISE HEARD NEAR THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUBS PREMATURELY FRACTURED AND WERE HELD TOGETHER ONLY BY TWO BOLTS. THE PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE DEALER WAS TO FURTHER INSPECT THE OTHER THREE TIRES. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V232000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHO WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND IF THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10965926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Station, TX
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING NOISE HEARD NEAR THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUBS PREMATURELY FRACTURED AND WERE HELD TOGETHER ONLY BY TWO BOLTS. THE PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE DEALER WAS TO FURTHER INSPECT THE OTHER THREE TIRES. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V232000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHO WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND IF THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10965926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesNEW Richmond, WI
TIRES
TIRES ARE STILL OVER 1/2 TREAD BUT BIG BULGES IN TREAD AREA
NHTSA complaint #10954534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
