2003 KIA Sedona
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › KIA › Sedona › 2003
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2003 KIA Sedona. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
4 recalls name the 2003 KIA Sedona. Newest first.
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.
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.
Dealers will modify a protective sleeve around the throttle cable. the recall began on august 15, 2005. owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
On certain MINI vans equipped with alloy wheels, moisture can accumulate around the rear hub caps causing damage to the outer wheel bearing.
Wheel bearing failure may occur without warning which could result in a crash.
Dealers will replace the rear hub caps free of charge. Upon inspection, some vehicles will also require replacement of the rear outer bearings and/or hub assembly. the recall began on june 13, 2005. owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
On certain MINI vans, during assembly, the throttle cable would twist itself out of position.
This can permit the cable to be hung up, which could result in a crash.
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, 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.
Such increased stopping distances could result in a crash.
Dealers will reprogram the control module. owner notification began may 19, 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The air bag light cam on and IS still on. This air bag needs to be replaced....updated 11/04/15 *bf
Rear wheel bearing freezing up making tire come off
ABS light on front brakes on drivers side not working right
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.
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.
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.
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*cn
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?
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). *tr
Fuse panel caught fire and burnt while vehicle was parked and not in use. Vehicle IS no longer functional. *tr
While driving to the gas station to get some gas the car died. after a two minute wait, we restarted the car with no problem.. this did happen one other time two weeks before and it shut off approaching an intersection. there was plenty of fuel in the system. again, waited a minute and it restarted. I purchased this vehicle for my granddaughter as a gift on january 2014 from al serra north chevrolet used car lot. they offered safety inspection along with test drive. I just took it back to al serra chevrolet for a 90 day complimentary safety check with all fluids topped off. they said all was fine. I can bet the electronics was not even checked. I am afraid that my granddaughter IS driving a very unsafe vehicle. the vehicle could stop in the middle of an intersection and with catastrophic effects. request immediate action. *tr
I bought a used 2003 KIA sedona with 136000 miles. the day after purchasing the vehicle, the srs indicator light started staying lit on the dash. my mechanic found that the code was b1513, which indicated a problem with the passenger seat belt buckle (female end). they ordered that part new from KIA and replaced it (for a cost of $238). the indicator light did not display for about three weeks when it went on again. this time, the codes were b1511 and b1513, which indicates problems with both the diver and passenger buckles. my mechanic believes it IS a wiring issue, and at this point we are not replacing the seatbelts, because I have no way of knowing that it would really resolve the issue. the cost to replace the srs wiring IS prohibitive (over $1000). I feel very unsafe in this vehicle, as no one can say for sure that my airbags will still deploy in case of an accident. it IS very disappointing because the vehicle still drives very well. KIA should be more proactive about replacing/repairing faulty srs components, even in older vehicles. *tr
I bought a 2003 sedona used in 2007 with about 50000 miles and have nothing but problems ever since. 1ST in 7/08 I went to a local shop (not KIA) because my engine seemed very loud. The mechanic told me I needed new motor mounts n that it was kind of unusual for a car to need them so soon. I did call KIA n ask them about this and was basically told to bad for you. So I had them fixed ($556.36). Not even a few weeks later my ac was blowing hot. Same mechanic told me my ac was out n that one of the hoses needed replaced. Had to wait a few years but had it replaced ($1050.72). Had my 1ST brake job done in 2008 ever since I've had to have my brakes replace 2-3 yearly plus had to have new calipers. no one can tell me way the breakpads wear out so quickly. I dont drive a unusual amount. I've had to replace 2 interior door handle and now have a broken exterior handle. My air bag light stays on while I drive which scares me reading others airbag stories. When I try to fill my car with gas the pump will click off after a dollar or 2 like its full but its not. And just a week or so ago I was ob the highway with the cruuse control on all of a sudden I smelt this overpowering smell of gas. I pulled over and checked but didnt see anything wrong. Continued driving again smelled gas tried turning off the ac didnt help. Tried turning off the cruise control the smell instantly stopped. I hope that something can b done to help me and the others with kias. I have some of my repair paperwork. If you have questions for me please call me. *tr
I purchased the 2003 KIA sedona in june of 2012 and by october of 2013 we had to replace the alternator twice in less then a month due to it losing power now the car continues to loose power when driving and while it IS stopped. I have taken it to 3 different mechanics and no one can figure out what IS wrong with it. The battery IS brand new and the alternator IS brand new but the battery dies every time it IS driven. All the mechanics can tell me IS that the alternator IS not charging the battery but it IS working. It will start hiccuping when you have to accelerate. *tr
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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.
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.
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 on-off-on etc. And overheat.kia will inspect vehicles for proper wire routing and install protective covering over certain metal parts under front seats.dealers will also apply a label warning technicians not to remove the circuit breaker diodes which cannot be serviced but can be damaged by removal attempts.based on kia?s safety recall action, this investigation IS closed.
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.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.