2004 KIA Sedona
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sedona › 2004
These records cover every 2004 KIA Sedona. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2004 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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Wheel bearing failure may occur without warning which could result in a crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
176 complaints10 involved a crash14 involved a fire25 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
In XXX, my 2004 Kia Sedona caught fire shortly after I arrived at work in [XXX]. My [XXX] daughter was with me because she was sick. After parking, I removed her from the back seat and went inside the salon. Minutes later, I returned and saw smoke coming from the engine. Within seconds, the front…
In XXX, my 2004 Kia Sedona caught fire shortly after I arrived at work in [XXX]. My [XXX] daughter was with me because she was sick. After parking, I removed her from the back seat and went inside the salon. Minutes later, I returned and saw smoke coming from the engine. Within seconds, the front of the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was parked near a building, and the fire and smoke spread toward the building. The fire department responded and made a report. The vehicle was completely disabled and later sold to a salvage yard because I could not drive or transport it. My insurance did not cover the fire because I did not have fire coverage. I am especially concerned because my daughter had been inside the vehicle moments before the fire. Fortunately, I removed her before the fire started. I later contacted Kia America, which opened Case No. XXX and requested the vehicle's location for investigation. Kia also requested preservation of the vehicle, but it had already been destroyed by the fire and sold to salvage. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident for possible safety defects, recalls, investigations, or similar fire complaints involving the 2004 Kia Sedona or its components. I can provide the fire report, Kia correspondence, and other supporting records. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Unknown or other
Everything appears normal driving down road bout 45 to 50 mph. Slowed down for car n front was turning when I noticed smoke coming from under hood around headlights both sides. Then we pulled into a storage unit place. When even more smoke . I got out popped hood it was all on fire. I turned off…
Everything appears normal driving down road bout 45 to 50 mph. Slowed down for car n front was turning when I noticed smoke coming from under hood around headlights both sides. Then we pulled into a storage unit place. When even more smoke . I got out popped hood it was all on fire. I turned off van and a friend and I got a couple cups and dipped in water puddle and put fire out , while we were watching to make sure it restarted 2 more times. After half hour goes by and no more smoke . Closed van up found a ride home after contacting insurance company.
- Wheels
I have a 2004 KIA sendona LX van and the wheel barrings are bad I fixed it once already a month ago and it IS already broken again both times it completely fell apart in to little peices when I took the wheel off.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2004 KIA sedona. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow yard. The contact mentioned that the cause of the fire was unknown. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,100.
- Engine
My 2004 KIA sedona was sitting stationary in my driveway engine was off. When something in the engine compartment caught fire causing extensive damage to engine parts on the top side of the engine. Such be as fluid reservoirs wiring, fuse box, and more.
- Unknown or other
On saturday, december 16, at approximately 11:30 am, my wife's 2004 KIA sedona spontaneously caught fire in the driveway of our home. I had driven it that morning to run a quick errand, actual drive time less than half an hour without anything out of the ordinary. I returned home, parked in our…
On saturday, december 16, at approximately 11:30 am, my wife's 2004 KIA sedona spontaneously caught fire in the driveway of our home. I had driven it that morning to run a quick errand, actual drive time less than half an hour without anything out of the ordinary. I returned home, parked in our driveway behind my ford windstar. both my wife and myself were in our house when we heard a loud boom followed shortly by a second boom. that IS when we saw that fire was coming from the engine compartment of her van and the rear of my windstar was on fire. we immediately called 911 and shortly thereafter our local fire company arrived and began fighting the blaze. by that time both vehicles were engulfed in flames. the fire appears to have started in the engine compartment of the KIA. both vehicles are a total loss. until this incident, notwithstanding basic maintenance and repairs, the KIA sedona was a very reliable vehicle. as with the windstar, maintenance and repairs were done on a regular and as needed basis by the same shop that has worked on all our vehicles for over 10 years. I am sure I can produce maintenance and repair records if needed. the last time the KIA was serviced was late october of this year to replace an alternator.
- Unknown or other
When I went to start my car it immediately shut off, as it occasionally does. The rpm's dropped and the engine cut out. Usually the problem IS resolved by me revving the engine for a minute or two, but the problem persisted longer than usual. It eventually stayed on and I tried to drive away. As I…
When I went to start my car it immediately shut off, as it occasionally does. The rpm's dropped and the engine cut out. Usually the problem IS resolved by me revving the engine for a minute or two, but the problem persisted longer than usual. It eventually stayed on and I tried to drive away. As I changed into gear everything seemed okay, I reversed from where I was parked then I put it into drive and while in the middle of the road the engine cut out and I was stuck there for only a few seconds luckily. I drove back to where I was parked and as I stopped the engine cut out on me. This typically has happened to me when the gas tank was below half. I managed to get to a gas station and fill up and that stopped the problem.
- Air bags · Structure › Body
"Takata recall" on tuesday may 9, 2017 we were involved in an automobile accident. To our amazement and horror, not one airbag deployed . 'We were hit on the passenger side of the van . The front passenger door required assistance from the police/fire fighters assistance to exit the van however…
"Takata recall" on tuesday may 9, 2017 we were involved in an automobile accident. To our amazement and horror, not one airbag deployed . 'We were hit on the passenger side of the van . The front passenger door required assistance from the police/fire fighters assistance to exit the van however the sliding door could not be opened requiring removing the baby through the driver's side. the light turned green and we began to move forward when our van was struck by the other car exiting a parking lot. Neither one of us saw the advance nor impact of the other car. After realizing what happened we call emergency vehicles for assistance. We were instructed to move our van to a safe location and wait for h
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA sedona. While stationary, the front end of the vehicle erupted into flames. The contact stated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. A police report was not filed. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. There were no injuries sustained. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fire. The failure mileage was 110,000.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Takata recall..my van stalls out no matter where..stopped at idle it randomly shuts off..driving average speed in town 45mph it randomly shuts off..on the hwy. Speeds average from 55 to 70 mph it randomly shuts off ..in heavy traffic this IS very dangerous..i have replaced the following.. fuel…
Takata recall..my van stalls out no matter where..stopped at idle it randomly shuts off..driving average speed in town 45mph it randomly shuts off..on the hwy. Speeds average from 55 to 70 mph it randomly shuts off ..in heavy traffic this IS very dangerous..i have replaced the following.. fuel pump fuel filter fuel pump relays throttle position sensor mass air flow sensor crank shaft position sensor oxygen sensor fuel coil packs spark plugs intake gaskets injectors air filter just like the hundreds of people on the forumebay about KIA sedona..i've put $1000's in the van with no solution to the dangerous issues..the only thing left to change IS the internal wiring..this problem IS way to common for KIA not to have a recall on it..its a huge safety hazard and needs to have something done about it..not just for me but for everyone that has a KIA sedona..its obviously a short in the wiring and IS a manufacturer flaw for so many people to have the same issue..btw my van only has 100.000 miles on it I've seen some as low as 30.000 with this same issue..no excuses for this..any kind of electronic short out has potential for fire not to mention the hazards of the van randomly stopping in town at intersection on the interstate .
- Steering
My steering in my 2004 KIA sedona LX IS tending to bind and nearly lock up around turns. this problem comes and goes.
- Electrical system
Upon returning home and parking my van after running an errand of about 5 miles, I saw smoke coming from the engine compartment, ran to get a fire extinguisher, the fire was put out within 60 (sixty) seconds after seeing the smoke. removing the air cleaner and other components, -- the wire…
Upon returning home and parking my van after running an errand of about 5 miles, I saw smoke coming from the engine compartment, ran to get a fire extinguisher, the fire was put out within 60 (sixty) seconds after seeing the smoke. removing the air cleaner and other components, -- the wire harness on the passenger side of the engine compartment was found charred by the fire. no immediate reason was found for this incident to occur.
- Electrical system
Caught on fire while parked after driving engine was off . History of oil leaks. #15003607 van totaled and sent to salvage yard. *tr
- Steering
My van wont steer. It IS tight and wont let me go left or right.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA sedona. While opening the front driver side exterior door handle, all four doors on the vehicle locked independently. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. updated 6/11/15*cn updated 06/16/15*jb
- Electrical system · Steering
While driving in wet conditions the brake and battery light will come on instrument panel and there IS a loss of power of steering. When taken to KIA dealership to fix problem they told us it IS a common complaint among KIA cars. They checked all belts, battery and alternator all tests came back normal. While driving it IS dangerous to lose power of steering especially in wet conditions. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA sedona. While driving approximately 40 mph, the speedometer fluctuated and seized intermittently. In addition, the vehicle would accelerate independently. In order to prevent the failure, the contact had to drive at a slower speed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA sedona. While driving approximately 40 mph, the speedometer fluctuated and seized intermittently. In addition, the vehicle would accelerate independently. In order to prevent the failure, the contact had to drive at a slower speed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 05v329000 (vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
- Steering
While making right and left turns the steering becomes very tight. The power steering fluid was fine. No other warnings. this made me very scared to make turns. I did my best to avoid turns only if absolutely necessary for two days. In my 32 years of driving I have never had this happen to me.…
While making right and left turns the steering becomes very tight. The power steering fluid was fine. No other warnings. this made me very scared to make turns. I did my best to avoid turns only if absolutely necessary for two days. In my 32 years of driving I have never had this happen to me. when I took it to tire choice and total car care they said it was my intermediate steering shaft need to be replaced. I had it replaced that day 9/20/14. *tr
- Electrical system
Wiring under seat shorted causing small fire inside..extinguished wiring under car in same area melted shorting every thing out. *tr
- Steering
Steering noise and higher than normal steering resistance reference bulletin tsb-019 this IS ridiculous that there hasn't been a recall! Are we just waiting for a wreck that actually kills some one? We were turning onto the highway and the steering wheel locked and had to be turned back to straight or else it would have just kept turning us into oncoming traffic. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA sedona .the contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the contact crashed into a deer but the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,500. The vin was unavailable.
- Tires
This IS the second set of douglas tires I have had to pay for even though walmart says it IS a manufacture defect they get holes in the side of the tires this time the whole inside of my tire IS gone looks like rope hanging out me and my daughter could of been seriously hurt or killed so I think…
This IS the second set of douglas tires I have had to pay for even though walmart says it IS a manufacture defect they get holes in the side of the tires this time the whole inside of my tire IS gone looks like rope hanging out me and my daughter could of been seriously hurt or killed so I think that douglas should have to replace my tires on my KIA MINI van I am sick and tired of walmart and the douglas tires I cannot afford more tires here IS the dot number on the tires and the sizethey r extra trac [[ mts 215/70r15 MD34 O1R 17/11 something needs to be done. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA sedona. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire from under the hood while driving an unknown speed. The contact was able to move off the roadway and called the fire department, who extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was deemed as destroyed by the contact's insurance agency. The failure and current mileages were 135,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
ABS module IS dead. *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Seats
Van does not stay started. Sensor control and short on seats. *tr
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.
- 10015251Safety recall campaign for the rear wheel bearings that may have water intruding into the bearing area through the joint between the hubcap and hub and may contaminate the grease or damage the rear wheel bearing(s).
- 10015247Air conditioning (a/c) diagnosis and performance testing.
Every KIA Sedona model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.