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2008 Kia Sedona

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Kia Sedona do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 120.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

136 reports with mileage · 34 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 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports10 fire reports2 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

45 reports
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315,465 miles · Feb 20, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineFire

The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a friend’s residence, the contact exited the vehicle and took the baby she was caring for inside the residence of the friend. Upon returning outside, the contact became aware that the vehicle was on fire and the vehicle was engulfed in flames…

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The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a friend’s residence, the contact exited the vehicle and took the baby she was caring for inside the residence of the friend. Upon returning outside, the contact became aware that the vehicle was on fire and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The Fire Marshall informed the contact that the fire had started in the engine compartment. Additionally, a Fire Report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The fire caused damage to the friend residence. The contact stated that the fire melted the aluminum siding on the house. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was covered under a liability insurance policy. The vehicle was a total loss. The homeowners insurance Fire Inspector tagged the vehicle and requested that the vehicle remain on the premises. The vehicle was still located at the residence, as per the Fire Inspector. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 315,465.

NHTSA ODI #11719444

80,000 miles · Nov 12, 2025
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The message "ESC OFF" was displayed. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the engine had overheated, causing an electrical short and battery failure. The battery was replaced several times; however…

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The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The message "ESC OFF" was displayed. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the engine had overheated, causing an electrical short and battery failure. The battery was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted and driven at 25 MPH; however, the failure recurred. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and remained on the side of the road. The contact stated that several mechanics had previously diagnosed the vehicle with electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11698939

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower TrainFire

Van caught fire in the engine compartment burned the firewall

NHTSA ODI #11577005

90,000 miles · Feb 3, 2023
Electrical SystemService BrakesCrash

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open and unlock the doors as well as to deactivate the alarm system. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side windows failed to open fully, and the passenger’s side front door failed to close correctly as the chime and dome li…

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The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open and unlock the doors as well as to deactivate the alarm system. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side windows failed to open fully, and the passenger’s side front door failed to close correctly as the chime and dome light remained on while driving. The contact stated to remedy the door failure her spouse placed a piece of metal between the door and the sensor to correct the failure. The rear passenger’s side sliding door also failed to connect with the sensor correctly as the door chime and dome light remained on. The check engine warning light would illuminate while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unknown to the contact however, the contact stated that she was informed that the battery, air bag sensors, and four catalytic converters needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a radiator center where the failure was diagnosed as a relay that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that they had a SMOG test completed and was informed that only one catalytic converter had to be replaced. The catalytic converter was not replaced due to the cost. The contact stated that while her spouse was driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as the brake started to pulsate. The contact stated that the vehicle collided with another vehicle. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained in either vehicle. The contact stated that the California Highway Patrol was contacted and was on the scene however, a report was not filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnoses or repairs. The contact stated that she received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in January of 2021. The dealer was notified and stated that the parts were not available as they had to order them. The

NHTSA ODI #11505387

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2022
Electrical System

I brought this car (owned by by son and his wife, used by me) in March 2022 re recall SC186 to the Kia dealership in Berwyn, IL and they said the new part was needed, and they'd call me when it was in for me to return to have it replaced, but they never did call to say the part was in. -- I called various times through Augus…

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I brought this car (owned by by son and his wife, used by me) in March 2022 re recall SC186 to the Kia dealership in Berwyn, IL and they said the new part was needed, and they'd call me when it was in for me to return to have it replaced, but they never did call to say the part was in. -- I called various times through August 2022 to check, and they gave me a runaround. I called Kia customer service on 8/25, and their records showed that the Berwyn Kia claimed they did the recall on 04/08/22 -- AND THEY LIED - THEY NEVER HAD ME COME IN TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED! And because the recall is listed as done, no other dealership can replace the part! I filed complaint #[XXX] with Kia customer service - they said they would inform Berwyn Kia of my complaint, but might or might not get an answer from the dealer. I guess I will return to Berwyn Kia to confront them on this matter -- but I wonder how often they say they do recall repairs but don't in fact do them!!!! Can you do anything to help?? Who else should I complaint to about this? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11488351

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesFire

[XXX] owned a 2008 Kia Sedona minivan, VIN #[XXX]. This was his only vehicle at the time. On or about April 26, 2021, [XXX] heard a loud noise coming from the driveway and went outside to investigate. The van was engulfed in flames, mainly in the engine compartment. He attempted to put the fire out himself. His neighbor called t…

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[XXX] owned a 2008 Kia Sedona minivan, VIN #[XXX]. This was his only vehicle at the time. On or about April 26, 2021, [XXX] heard a loud noise coming from the driveway and went outside to investigate. The van was engulfed in flames, mainly in the engine compartment. He attempted to put the fire out himself. His neighbor called the Pinellas Park fire department who responded and put out the fire. The vehicle was a total loss. The van had been parked for approximately five hours after he used it earlier that day to pick up children from school The spontaneous vehicle fire was a serious safety risk, and he is fortunate to have not lost his home in the fire along with the vehicle. The day before the fire, the ABS indicator light on the dash came on. He made an appointment to have the van serviced on April 27, but the fire destroyed the vehicle before it could be looked at. Shortly after this happened, [XXX] learned of Manufacturer Recall Number SC186; NHTSA Recall Number 20V088. He was never notified by Kia North America, before or after the fire which destroyed the vehicle. [XXX] has opened case number [XXX] with and was assured that Kia would be providing reimbursement for the Kia Sedona vehicle he had to replace. Kia North America requested pictures of the fire damaged vehicle, which he sent to them. He offered to allow Kia to inspect the wreckage of the vehicle, but no action was ever taken despite assurances that Kia would send a representative to inspect the vehicle. In September 2021, Kia North America stopped responding to Mr. Brackett, and no longer returns his or my communication. If the NHTSA requires any more information, please contact my office. /s [XXX] Florida Bar #[XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11438659

100,000 miles · Sep 3, 2020
Electrical SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER WAS PRESENT AND SMOKE WAS SCENE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING THE ABS WARNING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER WAS PRESENT AND SMOKE WAS SCENE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAN MODULE WAS FAULTY. THE FAN MODULE WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY A SECOND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11353008

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2020
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREENWAY KIA OF RIVERGATE (1536 GALLATIN PIKE N, MADISON, TN 37115) AND WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICED DUE TO PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11352734

146,000 miles · Jun 15, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire

CAR CAUGHT FIRE BECAUSE OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTION IN THE DIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WIRING. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WITH THE HEADLIGHTS OFF. CAR WAS TOTALED. INSURANCE AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN INFORMED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11329092

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2020
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED ORLANDO KIA (8701 E COLONIAL DR ORLANDO, FL 32817, 407-678-17170) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED ORLANDO KIA (8701 E COLONIAL DR ORLANDO, FL 32817, 407-678-17170) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE DEALERS HAVE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11328368

Official recalls

5

20V088000 · Electrical System; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 14, 2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

16V387000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Jun 1, 2016

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 and originally sold in, or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models. 2008-2012 models will either have their front lower control arms replaced or additional anti-corrosion coating will be applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC133.

16V389000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 1, 2016

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134.

13V550000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Nov 5, 2013

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 originally sold in, or currently registered in Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to salty environments.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on December 20, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.

13V114000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.