2002 Kia Sedona Ex problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2002 Kia Sedona Ex sits mid-pack among Sedona Ex years: 75 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 57, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (15), seats (8), and airbags (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Sedona Ex years?

Sedona Ex NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sedona Ex years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Kia Sedona Ex problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	15	20%	new
Seats	8	11%	new
Airbags	7	9%	new
Body & Structure	6	8%	new
Engine	6	8%	new
Brakes	6	8%	new
Seat Belts	5	7%	new
Fuel System	5	7%	new
Steering	4	5%	new
Transmission	3	4%	new
Suspension	2	3%	new
Tires & Wheels	2	3%	new
Lighting	2	3%	new
Visibility & Wipers	1	1%	new
Latches & Locks	1	1%	new
Speed Control	1	1%	new
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	1	1%	new

Does the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V463000SeatsOctober 5, 2005 · 74,276 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER SEATS, THE WIRING UNDER THE FRONT SEATS COULD BE MISROUTED, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH METAL SEAT COMPONENTS.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE VAN WAS ON FIRE IN MY YARD. ONLY THE FRONT DRIVERS FRONT SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. WHEN I FOUND IT IT WAS BLASING OUT OF THE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD. I GOT THE HOSE PIPE AN UNHOOKED THE BATTERY TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. IT MELTED THE WHOLE DASHBOARD ALL THE WAY TO THE RADIO STEERING WHEEL WINDSHIELD ONLY ON…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 30, 2015 · fire

“THE VAN WAS ON FIRE IN MY YARD. ONLY THE FRONT DRIVERS FRONT SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. WHEN I FOUND IT IT WAS BLASING OUT OF THE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD. I GOT THE HOSE PIPE AN UNHOOKED THE BATTERY TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. IT MELTED THE WHOLE DASHBOARD ALL THE WAY TO THE RADIO STEERING WHEEL WINDSHIELD ONLY ON…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · December 30, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 KIA SEDONA EX. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. ALL THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SCENE, BUT A REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 4, 2017 · crash

“MY HUSBAND DROVE OUR KIA SEDONA EX TO WORK & PARKED IT IN THE PARKING LOT. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, A COLLEAGUE NOTICED THE VAN ENVELOPED BY FLAMES - BURNING SO INTENSELY THAT THE WINDSHIELD MELTED! FIRE DEPT CAME, BROKE WINDOWS, AND PUT OUT FIRE, WHICH THEY NOTED ORIGINATED IN DASHBOARD, BUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 10, 2012 · fire

“2002 KIA SEDONA ABS BEGAN ENGAGING WHEN BRAKES APPLIED AT LOW SPEEDS. WEATHER WAS NEVER A FACTOR. UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WITHOUT PUMPING BRAKES. THREE NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS BEFORE TAKING THE VAN INTO KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WASN'T PART OF THE 2003 RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM EVEN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 5, 2008

2002 Kia Sedona Ex — common questions

Is the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sedona Ex: 75 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Sedona Ex problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), seats (8 complaints), airbags (7 complaints).

Does the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2002 compare to other Sedona Ex years?

What are the most common 2002 Kia Sedona Ex problems?

Does the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2002 Kia Sedona Ex — common questions

Is the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex reliable?

What are the most common 2002 Sedona Ex problems?

Does the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex have recalls?

Is the 2002 Kia Sedona Ex under NHTSA investigation?

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