IllustrationFUSE PANEL CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT IN USE. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. *TR
2003 Kia Sedona
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2003 Kia Sedona do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 120.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sedona years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
370–25K
2525–50K
1950–75K
1075–100K
23100–150K
8150K+
122 reports with mileage · 41 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports21 fire reports14 injury reports
What owners actually said
163 reportsWHILE 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 VEHI…
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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 COS…
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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 AN…
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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…
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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
SRS LIGHT STAYS-ON CAUSED BY BROKEN SEAT-BELT BUCKLE WIRING UNDER PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS. BUCKLE SENSOR WIRING IS VULNERABLE TO SHEARING AND DAMAGE AS ANY OF BOTH SEATS IS ADJUSTED BACK AND FORTH. NEW PARTS COST MORE THAN $300, PLUS LABOR. AFTER REPAIRS, THE SRS CAN BE RESET ONLY AT THE DEALERSHIP ($120 MIN, ADDITIONAL). THI…
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SRS LIGHT STAYS-ON CAUSED BY BROKEN SEAT-BELT BUCKLE WIRING UNDER PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS. BUCKLE SENSOR WIRING IS VULNERABLE TO SHEARING AND DAMAGE AS ANY OF BOTH SEATS IS ADJUSTED BACK AND FORTH. NEW PARTS COST MORE THAN $300, PLUS LABOR. AFTER REPAIRS, THE SRS CAN BE RESET ONLY AT THE DEALERSHIP ($120 MIN, ADDITIONAL). THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DESIGN FLAW. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR, THE FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FAILED ALONG WITH THE REAR PASSENGER AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR, THE FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FAILED ALONG WITH THE REAR PASSENGER AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE HORN ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA AND MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WENT TO BUCKLE HER SEAT BELT, 2ND ROW DRIVERS SIDE, AND THE BUCKLE PART CAME OFF THE SEAT. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE BUCKLE WAS BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STEEL CABLE THAT HOLDS THE BUCKLE TO THE SEAT, THERE IS THE BUCKLE, CABLE, THEN BOLTS THAT HOLD THE BUCKLE TO THE BA…
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I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA AND MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WENT TO BUCKLE HER SEAT BELT, 2ND ROW DRIVERS SIDE, AND THE BUCKLE PART CAME OFF THE SEAT. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE BUCKLE WAS BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STEEL CABLE THAT HOLDS THE BUCKLE TO THE SEAT, THERE IS THE BUCKLE, CABLE, THEN BOLTS THAT HOLD THE BUCKLE TO THE BASE OF THE SEAT . I CONTACTED KIA AND WAS IMMEDIATELY TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE FIXED AT MY EXPENSE SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THERE WOULD BE NOTHING THEY COULD OR WOULD DO. I TOOK THE VAN TO MY DEALER AND THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT, THEY SPOKE TO THEIR DISTRICT MANAGER AND WERE TOLD THE SAME THING, MY EXPENSE. AFTER THE DEALER VISIT I INSPECTED THE REST OF THE BUCKLES ONLY TO FIND THAT THE OTHER 2ND ROW SEAT BELT IS WEARING THROUGH THE STEEL CABLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER BELT IS BROKE THROUGH THE WIRES AND PART OF THE STEEL CABLE. KIA CALLED THIS MORNING TO INFORM ME THAT THEY HAD SPOKE WITH THE DISTRICT MANAGER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. THE ONLY PEOPLE TO LOOK AT THE BUCKLE WERE THE SERVICE TECH'S AND THEY JUST LOOKED AT, THE MANAGER NEVER SAW THE BUCKLE. I HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF $401.64 FOR THE REPAIRS. I AM THE ONLY OWNER AND PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, IN NOVEMBER 2003, AFTER MY TWINS WERE 3 MONTHS OLD. I ALSO HAD A DAUGHTER AT THE TIME THAT WAS 6. THE ONLY PEOPLE TO SIT IN THOSE SEATS ARE CHILDREN, NOW 9 AND 15. THE CAR SEATS, WHEN NEEDED, WERE SECURED WITH THE TETHERS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO? KIA IS BEING VERY SHORT WITH ME AND DON'T SEEM TO WANT TO HELP ME OTHER THAN TELLING ME THERE IS NO WARRANTY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ON THE PASSENGER?S SIDE THIRD ROW SEAT SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT FROM AROUND THE PASSENGER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FOR THE THIRD ROW SEAT ON THE DRIVER?S SIDE RECENTLY FAILED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ON THE PASSENGER?S SIDE THIRD ROW SEAT SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT FROM AROUND THE PASSENGER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FOR THE THIRD ROW SEAT ON THE DRIVER?S SIDE RECENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 06/06/12 *BF THE CONSUMER HAS STATED THAT ONLY THE FIRST SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED NOT THE SECOND. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ITS ON. UPDATED 06/07/12 *JS
Official recalls
405V329000 · Vehicle Speed Control:cables
Jul 20, 2005
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
05V232000 · Wheels
May 19, 2005
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS, MOISTURE CAN ACCUMULATE AROUND THE REAR HUB CAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
05V013000 · Vehicle Speed Control:cables
Jan 19, 2005
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD TWIST ITSELF OUT OF POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
03V158000 · Service Brakes, Air:antilock:control Unit/module
Apr 25, 2003
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SUCH INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA08017 · Steering Intermediate Shaft Binding
Opened Aug 28, 2008 · Closed Jul 1, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
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.
PE08033 · Steering Binding
Opened Apr 28, 2008 · Closed Aug 28, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · 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.
PE05035 · Electrical Fire
Opened Jun 28, 2005 · Closed Oct 19, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
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.
PE04067 · Throttle Cable Binding
Opened Sep 24, 2004 · Closed Jan 27, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:cables; Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
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.
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
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.
Vehicle Speed Control
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.
Vehicle Speed Control
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.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.