2002 KIA Sedona
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sedona › 2002
These records cover every 2002 KIA Sedona. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2002 KIA Sedona. Newest first.
On certain MINI vans, during assembly, the throttle cable would twist itself out of position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can permit the cable to be hung up, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the throttle cable free of charge. vehicles produced from march 20, 2001 through november 7, 2001 will have a guide clip installed on the throttle body assembly in order to ensure that the tension force cable does not move out of position. vehicles manufactured beginning on november 8, 2001, already have the extended guide, which accomplishes the same objective. the recall began march 21, 2005. owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
On certain passenger vehicles, some of the second and third row seat strikers installed on the vehicle floor pan have been improperly heat treated and could break in a crash.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in injuries to occupants of these seats.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat strikers. owner notification began april 25, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542
Certain MINI vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the second and third seat belt buckle anchor bolts do not comply with the standards.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle anchor bolts. owner notification began february 24, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
198 complaints17 involved a crash13 involved a fire20 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
The door handles are plastic and eventually broke off on the outside so that opening the doors -all 4- IS tricky since only one side of the handle remains in place. the inside door handles have a plastic chrome-looking coating that peels off and has cut our hands several times causing us to need bandages as soon as we run in the front door.
- Structure › Body
Driver door will not open from the inside or outside.
- Fuel/propulsion system
It IS nearly impossible to pump gas into the van. The pump keeps shutting off no matter how slow I pump or how far I put the nozzle into the tank.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion 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.
- Tires
Drove home from work at 35 mph. The next morning noticed tire tread had separated from the sidewall around much of the perimeter of the tire. Tire was flat.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
Before the incident there were issues with the rear captain chairs seat belt latch when trying to buckle them. I have three small children under the age of 3 years of age and it IS very important and crucial that seat belts are in working order without issues for the safety of their well being.…
Before the incident there were issues with the rear captain chairs seat belt latch when trying to buckle them. I have three small children under the age of 3 years of age and it IS very important and crucial that seat belts are in working order without issues for the safety of their well being. Before the incident the seats themselves in the rear rows had issues latching as well when being installed. On august 18, 2015 myself and three small children were in a severe high impact accident and none of the airbags had gone off like they never existed. My kids and I suffer from seat belt abrasions and I suffer from bruising in multiple places from my head down, shoulder pain and back issues. Police, paramedic's, collision center, witnesses, and my insurance company were all notified or had notified about the airbags. Apparently, my seat which was the driver seat was also completely snapped off as well. Updated 08/26/15*bf
- Engine
I had my camshaft rear plug replaced after in came out and leaked oil everywhere in 2014. Now it's come out again doing the same thing. what can I do to keep it from happening again and again. IS it the plug or the camshaft that's blowing it out. I can't find any schematic to show me why or what to do. *tr
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Going down 251 and they were bush hoging and we slowed down and the last one we went by broke the passenger side back window. *tr
- Structure › Body › Door
Both of my front door handles on inside broke completely off exactly the same way only way to get out if my car IS to roll window down and open from outside. Also sliding door handle same material broke off I feel it IS a safety hazard if the windows were to quit working I would have no way out. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system
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…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact stated that there was a problem with the wiring of the air conditioning and heating units. additionally, the dash lights would not properly illuminate. the power door locks and power windows would also intermittently fail. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 127,000. The vin was not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact was driving approximately 45 mph and crashed into the rear another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered head, neck and back injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and a police report was filed at the scene. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The failure mileage was 92,000.
- Electrical system · Engine
The car was parked in front of the house. A neighbor knocked on the door and told us that the KIA was on fire. No one was in the car at that time. The engine compartment was totally burned up. The car gave me no other problems. *tr
- Air bags
Driving home and a deer jumped out in front of my van and I hit the deer and totaled my van bad where the air bags should of went off but it didn't now there's a light on the dash that looks like a guy sitting in a seat with a belt on and an air bag in front of it.
- Electrical system · Steering
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…
I drove 25 minutes from a to b and parked my car. Turned the engine off sat there with the radio on for 1 minute exactly and I hear a. Pshhhhh and smoke rising quickly, then a flame from the fuse box by my left foot. I got out opened the door looked for the smoke and flame that were reflecting and waving. I opened the fuse box slider cover with a knife and started to squirt water out from my bottled water quickly. Thank goodness I had water. Flame went out and I saw the inside of the fuse cover burnt, and a fuse looked like it caught on fire because the fuse looked completely melted.i have a video of the aftermath right after the fire went out. Tomorrow ill be calling insurance, KIA, and whoever else that can help me understand what IS going on and what I can do to ensure my safety. Please help or approve a recall. Thank goodness I didnt exit my car so quick or alot of the car would have been on fire.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Interior lighting
The headlights keeps blowing. have replaced 3 times. all the light on the inside keeps coming on (battery, check engine light, seat belt light; bell rings). had alternator checked and it IS fine. the fuses are fine. there IS defect with this vehicle, I saw others with the same complaint, even…
The headlights keeps blowing. have replaced 3 times. all the light on the inside keeps coming on (battery, check engine light, seat belt light; bell rings). had alternator checked and it IS fine. the fuses are fine. there IS defect with this vehicle, I saw others with the same complaint, even on newer models. The company needs to fix this. can't drive the vehicle at night. And the light replacement IS expensive. There IS a shaking and rumbling sound coming from vehicle. have had engine problems, have had problems every since I this vehicle. Its been at the shop more than on the road. Had I know that the vehicle had so many issues, I would have never purchased it. *tt
- Steering
I took the van to the mechanic about a month ago. They told me it needed a steering coupler and a flange. The steering wheel was very loose when driving and would make a creaking sound. *Tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, she heard a knocking noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the threads for the crank shaft bolt were missing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, she heard a knocking noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the threads for the crank shaft bolt were missing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the balancer and bolt would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 105,500.
- Air bags · Seat belts
Airbag light was illuminating intermittently - took to dealership for diagnostic in 2010. KIA dealership in turnersville said that light illuminating was normal and no issue. I recently had timing chain replaced by same dealership - different tech. This time they said that the light meant the airbags would not deploy in an accident! They said repairs would not be covered! I am furious. *tr
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
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…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact stated that the air conditioning unit failed and was blowing warm air. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an inspection was performed, which determined that the condenser was leaking. The dealer also found that the vehicle passenger side of the sub frame was corroded with only two inches of metal left supporting the engine. The corrosion also spread to the driver's side. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied assistance with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 62,000.
- Power train
Failure of automatic transmission to engage in reverse. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact was driving 45 mph when the driver and passenger side air bags deployed independently. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer, but the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.
- Tires
Kumho 798 tire tread separation. driving at interstate speed, vibration started and got progressively worse. had to change to spare which after 30 minutes was doing the same thing (same brand and model tire). purchased new tires of different manufacturer. *tr
- Electrical system
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…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact stated that on an intermittent basis the engine warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed her that there was a loose wire. The vehicle was repaired; however, it currently will not start and she noticed that the heating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that all of the wires had melted, but they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. The current mileage was approximately 73,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona EX. The contact was driving approximately 50 mph when the engine stalled. The battery, brake and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The engine was restarted after several moments. The failure recurred at least eight different times. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona EX. The contact was driving approximately 50 mph when the engine stalled. The battery, brake and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The engine was restarted after several moments. The failure recurred at least eight different times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times for the similar failure. The technician was unable to duplicate the problem and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, he heard a loud noise from the driver side of the vehicle and the seat belt tightened cutting off his circulation. The contact had to move the seat back to get and unlock the seat belt. A few minutes later, the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA sedona. The contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, he heard a loud noise from the driver side of the vehicle and the seat belt tightened cutting off his circulation. The contact had to move the seat back to get and unlock the seat belt. A few minutes later, the same failure occurred on the passenger side. The contact was unable to get the passenger side unlocked. The failure left the contact injured across the chest and waist. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 50,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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 with 59,900 miles.the vehicle had been checked twice in the previous nine months by a dealer for complaints of stiff steering and that the vehicle felt like it was intermittently losing power assist.the crash occurred as the driver was attempting to make a left turn while traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour and struck a vehicle parked on the right side of the street that the vehicle was turning into. The crash resulted in minor injuries to the driver. After the crash, it was determined that the intermediate shaft was exhibiting some binding of the steering intermediate shaft bearings.while the absence of additional crashes or injuries does not mean that there IS not a safety-related defect, there have been no reported additional crashes caused by the alleged defect in the past three years. The release of the technical service bulletin should assist service personal in diagnosing this potential problem long before it becomes potentially dangerous.accordingly, this investigation IS closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.for additional information regarding this engineering analysis refer to the ea08-017 closing report.
- 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…
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 normal steering resistance and in october and november of 2003 design changes to the shaft universal joint bearings were made to improve lubricant retention and eliminate water intrusion that could lead to early bearing failure.according to KIA, the alleged defect results in a progressive change in steering effort that should be apparent to the driver through noise and gradual changes in steering stiffness long before the condition could become dangerous. Odi's analyses of complaint and warranty data relating to the alleged defect show that the condition IS occurring at significantly higher rates in salt-belt states (note:for purposes of this investigation the salt belt includes connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin).the warranty rate for replacement of the steering intermediate shaft IS 5.5% for vehicles sold in the salt belt and 0.5% for the rest of the united states.the complaint rate for the alleged defect IS 186.8 per 100,000 vehicles in the salt belt and 29.4 per 1000,000 vehicles for the rest of the united states.there IS one allegation of a crash related to the alleged defect.a subject vehicle struck two parked cars while attempting to make a left turn, allegedly resulting in minor injuries to the driver. Odi has upgraded this investigation to an engineering analysis (ea08-017) covering my 2002 through 2004 KIA sedona vehicles sold or currently registered in salt belt states to assess the frequency and trend of the alleged defect and its effect on steering effort.
- 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…
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 and occurred in connection with other changes to the throttle cable system.to remedy the vehicles built before this date (all of my 2002 and part of 2003), KIA will conduct a safety recall to replace the defective cable with an improved component.certain recalled vehicles will also have an additional clip installed to address a potential cable disengagement concern.see kia's january 17, 2005 part 573 letter for nhtsa recall 05v013 (KIA recall sc-042) for further information.no action IS being taken on vehicles built after april 4, 2004.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10091489Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each KIA model. Refer to the shop manual on kgis for the specific KIA model, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10034246KIA: intermittent mil on with no fault code stored; information about dtc p1330. Provides information relating to certain vehicles. In affected vehicles an intermittent short to ground in a circuit only intended for testing purposes may cause the mil to illuminate and a dtc p1330 (spark timing adjust) to be stored.
- 10033464KIA: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10031947KIA: power sliding door remoe controller motor replacement. On some vehicles, a power sliding door (psd) may not open when using an overhead console switch, b pillar switch or remote control button.
- 10027724KIA: increased steering effort. In areas where heavy road salt use occurs, increased steering effort and noise (from steering intermediate shaft) for some sedona.
- 10026726KIA: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple KIA models.
- 10024290Sedona (gq) corroded heater coolant pipes - on some built from may 1, 2001, to aug. 30, 2005. Updated 6/17/08.
- 10021446Throttle position sensor w/ 3.5L engines.
- 10016851Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
- 10015322Rear wheel bearing torque update.
- 10015268Improved center sliding door roller assembly.
- 10015259Throttle cable assembly replacement recall campaign.
- 10015247Air conditioning (a/c) diagnosis and performance testing.
- 10001681Charging system changes to improve alternator output during high ambient temperature severe operating conditions.
- 10001172Seat belt buckle anchor bolts.
- 10001171A voluntary recall to replace the seat belt buckle anchor bolts.
- 637379Information on oxygen sensor codes.
Every KIA Sedona model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.