2004 KIA Sedona EX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sedona EX › 2004
These records cover every 2004 KIA Sedona EX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2004 KIA Sedona EX. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with power seats, the wiring under the front seats could be misrouted, allowing contact with metal seat components.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This contact could eventually result in a short circuit condition that may result in a fire in the junction box area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and re-route the wires under the power seats, if necessary, as well as install protective seaming welts around those wires to better insulate them. the recall began on november 28, 2005. owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
37 complaints2 involved a crash3 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
Power steering makes whining sound when turning the wheel, power steer fluid low in canister due to leaks. Hard to turn to the steering wheel when turning. Don't know if belts affected I hear a humming sound. Don't know if the power steering pump IS working properly. Constantly adding fluid to the canister.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
After having a variety of mechanics diagnose a problem of my vehicle not starting for 20 mins to 1 hour after the engine IS warm & after the vehicle does start; it has a very strong gasoline &/or additive smell. I went to a KIA dealer to have their opinion: the KIA mechanic stated: to start a…
After having a variety of mechanics diagnose a problem of my vehicle not starting for 20 mins to 1 hour after the engine IS warm & after the vehicle does start; it has a very strong gasoline &/or additive smell. I went to a KIA dealer to have their opinion: the KIA mechanic stated: to start a $200.00 test would have to be performed to ensure that it's the crankshaft position sensor; a $159.00 part; that IS common for kia's to go bad, because it could be fuel related; another common problem they have. To replace the sensor will cost $1,400.00 because of where it IS; making a timing belt replacement necessary. (This IS after getting spark plugs done & numerous other repairs that involved repeated fixes involving the vehicles water system); one mechanic says there may be another problem & unrelated to the sensor; and these problems have been ongoing with no mechanic able to fix the problems since the vehicle's purchase in 2012; even the radiator was replaced & the vehicle still can quickly overheat; especially after driving through three traffic lights or in traffic. I am more than uncomfortable with certified mechanics saying when I do have the money for the sensor repair, they'll replace the water pump as well; even though there IS no visible sign of leakage...the vehicle takes about 1 1/2 liters of water a day directly into the radiator & only periodically sucks it from the resevoir...this added repair IS not included for free... And if that doesn't fix it, we will do the fan etc...the a/c IS not connected; so driving with the heat on in fl to keep the vehicle from overheating IS not making it easy to resolve this/these ongoing problems that IS stated to be 'common'.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
I bought my sedona on or about february 7 2015. After aweek almost two. I was broke down and stranded in the middle of the road.van was so hot it wouldn't start and. Behaved as a vehicle with a blown head gasket . The dishonest criked. Crook sales man at the dealer. Ship wound. Not fix it at first…
I bought my sedona on or about february 7 2015. After aweek almost two. I was broke down and stranded in the middle of the road.van was so hot it wouldn't start and. Behaved as a vehicle with a blown head gasket . The dishonest criked. Crook sales man at the dealer. Ship wound. Not fix it at first after complaining at the better business bureau sales man [xxx]. Pramier auto sales south ninth street modesto. Cailifornia 95351 wouldn't. Help me after a week of complaining. He agreed to put it in his shop who he IS in parterns with (boy) premer.auto sales matnens located on angey way ceres cailifornia. 95307 my sadons van remained there on angie way for. Seven days on march twentieth. 2015 [xxx] from premer auto sales. Refused to surrender KIA sedona. Van without writing three times I am a satisfied customer.he was annoyed due to expensive of a new water pump,radiator,fan, belt,and thermostat.now only april 10,2015 my KIA sedona IS performing the way it was before repair.fan not coming on,radiator not circulating,motor cutting because its so hot.i paid 2200.00 dollars down and have driven it for two months. two months of cost.my insurance was 500.00 dollars to start up 143.00 dollars a month,however when the rubber deminishes completely off sedonas tire rim while driving down highway, my insurance. Stonewood from cost u less wouldn't anyone under 18 in their tow truck a.d would only dispatch a tow truck if only someone over eighteen stayed on highway with broke down sedona.unable to do so because I was the only adult with three children. Ages ,11,7,5, so the very best highway patrol were are only hope.again my KIA sedona after completely new parts coolant. Fan again not working 2 months owning one of the worst cars with one of the worst experience in my life ,like when I owned a grand trino experiencing. Freeze plugs. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine
Engine seized without any warning. there wasn't much traffic on the road and helped to steer the vehicle to the shoulder. In bad weather and/or traffic conditions, this could have resulted in a serious accident. I strongly believe that there are some safety issues with the engine of this vehicle make/model and would like to register this incident. *tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering
While driving today, I noticed a whining noise, with a slight grinding noise to it as well. Initially thinking it was the brakes, I listened closer and realized it was not happening when braking but rather seemed to be happening when turning, primarily during acceleration. Soon after the turn as I…
While driving today, I noticed a whining noise, with a slight grinding noise to it as well. Initially thinking it was the brakes, I listened closer and realized it was not happening when braking but rather seemed to be happening when turning, primarily during acceleration. Soon after the turn as I steadied speed, the noise would decrease or disappear. After the first few times making turns however, in addition to the noise the steering wheel also became very stiff and extremely difficult to turn. It progressed so suddenly and severely that I was worried I may not make it home without crashing. This all happened during a total of approximately 20 miles of driving in town. Since returning home I began to investigate what the likely culprit may be, and now believe strongly that it IS the universal joint; a problem that has clearly effected enough KIA sedona owners that I find the lack of recall quite maddening and a bit confounding. With two young children in the van at the time, it IS plain to see how potentially dangerous this problem IS, and I am just grateful that there was so little traffic at the time; had it been a busier time of day or more heavily populated town, I believe a crash would've been highly unavoidable. *tr
- Power train
The van was in drive to move forward when the gas was pressed instead of going forward it went in reverse & when the brake was pressed to stop it didn't work. The only way to stop the van before going into the cement wall of a community center was to open the driver door which caused 3 other vehicles to be damaged. Thank god the driver IS safe but the van has deemed a total loss by the insurance company. *tr
- Service brakes
I have been going to KIA for years complaining of a strange intermittent groaning sound coming from the brakes at low speed stops. It would never make noise at the dealer and would only make the noise sometimes. Never for the same reason. It was very random. this time I was driving for several…
I have been going to KIA for years complaining of a strange intermittent groaning sound coming from the brakes at low speed stops. It would never make noise at the dealer and would only make the noise sometimes. Never for the same reason. It was very random. this time I was driving for several hours ( city traffic) where I began to hear the sound. After about 20 minutes or so I smelled rubber or tar. Thought it was from the street repaving but when we passed the construction I could still smell it. The car began to drive as though the transmission was not working properly. After about 2 miles at slow speed I pulled over and saw steam. I lifted hood where it appeared to be coming from transmission. I continued 10 mph or less to get closer to home and out of the way of traffic. About a mile or 2 later I could hardly drive even at slow speed. I pulled over to stop and as I got out the front passenger brakes were on fire and the rear driver side brakes were smoking. The front brakes were new and the bake ones still had plea toy of life. I have been complaining for years and keep getting told there IS no problem. this IS a major problem. *tr
- Steering
The steering started to become difficult while driving ,intermittently dangerous when you never knew it was gonna happen. eventually just stopped working all together ,i did alot of online research and found out this IS a very common problem ,with the steering knuckle binding because of corrosion…
The steering started to become difficult while driving ,intermittently dangerous when you never knew it was gonna happen. eventually just stopped working all together ,i did alot of online research and found out this IS a very common problem ,with the steering knuckle binding because of corrosion . all and all think the vehicle was very well thought out and alot of amenities are awesome in this vehicle ,why doesn't KIA just offer a recall ,since they have already posted a bulletin for this? Call the dealership and realize this part IS always on back order come on KIA man up. *tr
- Tires
Bridgestone insignia se200 size p215/70r15 65K mile tires set of 4 purchased. May 2009 with 77,567 miles on vehicle. Date on tire IS 2108 so they appear to have been a year old when installed at coyote tire shop in glendale az. Driving in 80 degree weather 70mph in a KIA sedona with 2 adults and…
Bridgestone insignia se200 size p215/70r15 65K mile tires set of 4 purchased. May 2009 with 77,567 miles on vehicle. Date on tire IS 2108 so they appear to have been a year old when installed at coyote tire shop in glendale az. Driving in 80 degree weather 70mph in a KIA sedona with 2 adults and one 6YR old child inside. Tread separated from tire. Was able to pull to side of road. air never escaped from tire. Still has 32lbs in it cold. tire tread destroyed rear bumper of vehicle upon separation. No prior handling or vibrations occurred. odometer read 104235 at time of incident so the tire only had 26,668 miles on it. dot number: Y7M3 model year 2004 make KIA model sedona EX vehicle identification number: n/a tires were aftermarket. *tr
- Exterior lighting
I have a 2004 KIA sedona which I have replace headlights so many times, now there IS a problem with the rear lights, when I turn headlights on there are no back lights. You want to talk about dangerous driving at night. Apparently you can replace the fuse but there IS no guarantee that the fuse…
I have a 2004 KIA sedona which I have replace headlights so many times, now there IS a problem with the rear lights, when I turn headlights on there are no back lights. You want to talk about dangerous driving at night. Apparently you can replace the fuse but there IS no guarantee that the fuse will not blow and how are you to know when you are driving at night as the dash lights stay on. Please let me know if anyone else has had this major problem. This has happened several times and now I have to pay $500.00 to get this modular replaced. *tr
- Wheels
Vehicle: 2004 KIA sedona at 47K miles roaring noise coming from rear-end. Notified KIA since there was a recall on certain 2004 models but they said my vehicle was not part of the recall...go figure. I had my local auto repair shop replace both inner and outer wheel bearings on the rear axle.…
Vehicle: 2004 KIA sedona at 47K miles roaring noise coming from rear-end. Notified KIA since there was a recall on certain 2004 models but they said my vehicle was not part of the recall...go figure. I had my local auto repair shop replace both inner and outer wheel bearings on the rear axle. they showed me the old bearings which were rusty and had pits. It appears that all 2004 models should have been included in this recall. *Tr
- Electrical system · Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
On or about march 20, 2010, while my wife was operating our 2004 KIA sedona van, the left front (drivers seat) power seat moved all the way forward while vehicle was in motion. driver did not initiate action. Seat could not be moved to the rearward position. Mileage at this time (march 2010 was…
On or about march 20, 2010, while my wife was operating our 2004 KIA sedona van, the left front (drivers seat) power seat moved all the way forward while vehicle was in motion. driver did not initiate action. Seat could not be moved to the rearward position. Mileage at this time (march 2010 was 50,599) this same action occurred on one previous occasion(while I was driving the vehicle) on or about february 17, 2009, at that time the vehicle was taken to lafountaine KIA, dearborn, michigan for servicing. Vehicle mileage at this time was 40,431. Based on the invoice for that work the switch box assembly was replaced. Currently the vehicle IS again at lafountaine KIA for repairs. however at this no warranty exist for this particular item. lafountaine stated that parts and labor from the february 2009 incident are only covered for 12 months/12,000 miles. so what I have IS a 2004 KIA sedona van in which during a roughly 13 month period the drivers side power seat, on its own moved to the full forward position and could not be moved back. lafountaine claims they are unaware of any problems with KIA power seats. updated 05/12/10 *bf the dealer claimed the wiring pulled loose from the electric switch. The cause was unknown/ the switch and wiring were spliced together and the wring harness was tie strapped to the seat mounting to prevent future occurrences. updated 05/14/10.*jb *tr
- Steering
We were hearing a grinding type noise when we were making a turn so we took our vehicle in to the dealership. They diagnosed it as a bad rack and pinion and are replacing it. I have been told by numerous people that this IS not something that should be going out at 70,000 miles. As of right now, KIA will not replace it for us. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I am writing to band together everyone who IS ready to bring on a class action law suit against KIA for the lies, breech of warranty, and defective engines that they are responsible for. I have the exact same story as everyone here......my engine blew, KIA wouldn't honor their warranty, said it…
I am writing to band together everyone who IS ready to bring on a class action law suit against KIA for the lies, breech of warranty, and defective engines that they are responsible for. I have the exact same story as everyone here......my engine blew, KIA wouldn't honor their warranty, said it was my fault due to overheating, and the coolant reservoir had a crack in it.....sound familiar? I was out over $8000....i need to reclaim my losses. who's with me? please contact me . staci minnick *tr
- Steering
I have a 2004 KIA sedona mini-van. on the evening of november 6, 2009 the steering column essentially seized on me. the van became extremely difficult to control almost to the point where it was undriveable. there was no warning or previous indications. I was barely able to get the van to a…
I have a 2004 KIA sedona mini-van. on the evening of november 6, 2009 the steering column essentially seized on me. the van became extremely difficult to control almost to the point where it was undriveable. there was no warning or previous indications. I was barely able to get the van to a shop on saturday, november 7, 2009 where the mechanic found that KIA had issued a technical service bulletin for steering difficulties due to malfunctioning intermediate steering column. given the severe safety implications of this situation, I believe that KIA should have issued a recall notice and should reimburse owners that have had the part replaced. *Tr
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump · Steering › Rack and pinion
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA sedona EX. She had to exert great force while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for inspection and the mechanic replaced the power steering pump, the rack and pinion, and the intermediate shaft. The manufacturer stated that they would not assume responsibility for the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 41,000.
- Tires
Driving on 8/9/09, car started shaking, going about 70 mph. pulled to right lane slowing down, got off exit ramp and about 30 feet down left front tire blew out. tread had separated from tire and once got to safe place to change tire, my front quarter panel and left front headlight were damaged. *Tr
- Electrical system · Seats
To whom this may concern: we are a family of 6 and on july 21ST our 2004 KIA sedona EX caught on fire. We had just driven it 2 hours before with no indications of a fire. We heard a blaring horn and looked out the window to see the neighbor running across the street. We stepped out of the house to…
To whom this may concern: we are a family of 6 and on july 21ST our 2004 KIA sedona EX caught on fire. We had just driven it 2 hours before with no indications of a fire. We heard a blaring horn and looked out the window to see the neighbor running across the street. We stepped out of the house to find our van in flames coming from the driver side. The windows were all up and we watched the fire die down and smoke fill the air. The police and fire department came and took pictures and made a report. After all that was said and done we began to research the internet and found a recall that was sent out on our van back in nov/dec 2005. (Nhtsa campaign ID number: 05v463000) the fire appears to have started in the fuse box area. Approx. A year before the incident we had stared having trouble with the passenger side seat working on and off. Due to not being under warranty any longer we decided not to get it fixed because we never really used the seat controls on that side much. We were unaware of any recall on our vehicle; if we had been we would have dealt with this matter much differently. In addition, we had been having issues for approx 9 months with the battery going dead. We had replaced 3 batteries in 9 months and our cd player stopped working 3 months before the incident. We had been in contact with the dealership after the fire and they informed us they supposedly fixed the recall on january 11, 2006; a few days before we purchased the vehicle. We were never informed of this recall when we purchased the vehicle or shown the recall on the car fax. This fire has now resulted in our family vehicle being totaled out and our family now being left with nothing. We appreciate your assistance with this matter and thank you.*tr
- Steering
Steering binds wheel does not return from cornering/turning as it normally would. Steering binding makes normal handling difficult. Repair shop sprayed steering knuckle/joint with lubricant but after a 2 month period the steering IS binding once again. This IS a recurring issue and a safety hazard. *Tr
- Steering
2004 KIA sedona EX. I have had the power steering pump replaced (under 60K mile warranty) because steering got tight and noisy. Now 5 months later (and out of warranty) they tell me the steering knuckle (or universal - not very specific) needs replaced at a cost of $200. I took this to the dealer…
2004 KIA sedona EX. I have had the power steering pump replaced (under 60K mile warranty) because steering got tight and noisy. Now 5 months later (and out of warranty) they tell me the steering knuckle (or universal - not very specific) needs replaced at a cost of $200. I took this to the dealer for warranty repair of the front heel bearings (100K warranty on these) and for evaluation of the dangerous steering. This van suddenly became very difficult to steer, and you actually have to "un-steer" when going around a bend. The wheel will stay in the position you steer it to and would run right off the road if you do not force it back to center. *Tr
- Steering
My 2004 KIA sedona with 85,000 miles lost steering. I was lucky I was not killed. Repair shop states that the shaft broke, rack and pinion went and the clock spring went. It appears to be a defect. *Tr
- Steering
Problem with the steering. Popping and loud tight sometimes. concerned that it could be a safety hazard. *Tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension › Rear · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
2004 KIA sedona EX. There IS a hydraulic system containing a reservoir which controls rear brake force on turns and other braking maneuvers. This reservoir IS subject to leaks (location -- between rear wheels). Leaking from this reservoir and low pressure triggers the 'check engine' and 'brake…
2004 KIA sedona EX. There IS a hydraulic system containing a reservoir which controls rear brake force on turns and other braking maneuvers. This reservoir IS subject to leaks (location -- between rear wheels). Leaking from this reservoir and low pressure triggers the 'check engine' and 'brake failure' lights. Temporary fix IS to refill the reservoir, but this leakage problem appears systemic from manufacture. If left unattended, control over the rear braking system IS severely diminished. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I, like others on this site, have taken my KIA to the dealer for brakes issues. Grinding and stuttering while braking. KIA has "corrected" the problem three times, and all three times have told me it was resolved. the fourth time I was told it was no longer a "problem" that it was indicative of…
I, like others on this site, have taken my KIA to the dealer for brakes issues. Grinding and stuttering while braking. KIA has "corrected" the problem three times, and all three times have told me it was resolved. the fourth time I was told it was no longer a "problem" that it was indicative of the brake system! my service manager at the KIA dealership informed me that KIA IS well aware of the problem , but chooses to ignore it, and that he has had quite a few customers with the same issues. this problem has been ongoing since our purchase of the car in feb 2004. *tr
- Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle · Wheels › Hub
I have a 2004 KIA sedona EX, and was returning home from a family vacation, was driving along and heard a loud noise come from the back passenger side, the van started shaking as if I had a flat tire, I started applying my brakes to pull over, then I heard a loud pop, the back corner went down. Out…
I have a 2004 KIA sedona EX, and was returning home from a family vacation, was driving along and heard a loud noise come from the back passenger side, the van started shaking as if I had a flat tire, I started applying my brakes to pull over, then I heard a loud pop, the back corner went down. Out my rear passenger side window I looked and saw my entire wheel flying through the trees on fire. I had literally no stopping power, luckily I got my vehicle stopped safely because I had my family and mother in law with me at the time. I see there was a recall about this situation, but I don't remember any notification about it, and now I have to pay $2500 to have it fixed, the same amount I paid to go on vacation. *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.
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.
- 10041265KIA motors: installing an additional ground cable to the battery may cause sensor problems.
- 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.
Every KIA Sedona EX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.