2003 KIA SEDONA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

214

Owner Complaints

14 Crashes 26 Fires

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2003 KIA SEDONA

The 2003 KIA SEDONA has received a total of 214 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES, WHEELS. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (20 complaints), Electrical System (20 complaints), and Engine And Engine Cooling (9 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 KIA SEDONA

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2003 KIA SEDONA, potentially affecting up to 248,418 vehicles.

Recall 05V329000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

| 118,447 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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.

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Recall 05V232000 — WHEELS

| 37,358 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS, MOISTURE CAN ACCUMULATE AROUND THE REAR HUB CAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING.

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.

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Recall 05V013000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

| 89,238 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD TWIST ITSELF OUT OF POSITION.

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...

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Recall 03V158000 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 3,375 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 KIA SEDONA

214 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 KIA SEDONA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags
Complaints: 20 7 Crashes 17 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 20 12 Fires
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 9 1 Fire
Tires
Complaints: 9
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 8
Seat Belts
Complaints: 7
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Wheels
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Engine
Complaints: 5 3 Fires
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 5
Seats
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 4 3 Crashes 3 Injuries
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 4
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Structurebody
Complaints: 3
Suspension
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 2
Seatsmidrear Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Air
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhood
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearaxlespindle
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlsprings
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11496863 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
#11496863 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Fire
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
#11496863 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
#11419218 | STEERING | | 113,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over and left the vehicle. The contact returned 2 days later and drove the vehicle home. The contact stated that the check engine, brakes and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. Dealer/manufacturer was contacted but no open recalls.*JB Consumer stated in addition to the prior issues has airbag lights on and brakes that lock up in the rain. Power steering was repaired but still having problems.
#11339374 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

View all Air Bags complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2003 KIA SEDONA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 KIA SEDONA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 KIA SEDONA

Kia America, Inc. has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 KIA SEDONA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TSBTRA046 — POWER TRAIN

TSB: 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...

TSB-048 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

KIA: 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. *PE

010 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

CHARGING SYSTEM CHANGES TO IMPROVE ALTERNATOR OUTPUT DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SEVERE OPERATING CONDITIONS. *TT

032 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPROGRAM THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 KIA SEDONA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2003 KIA SEDONA.

Investigation PE05035 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Closed

Opened:

ELECTRICAL FIRE

Other Model Years of the KIA SEDONA

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Other KIA Models

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