VehicleVerdict

2003 Kia Sedona Ex problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Kia Sedona Ex sits mid-pack among Sedona Ex years: 57 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 57, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (10), engine (9), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

57

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Sedona Ex years?

Sedona Ex NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted75 complaints2002: 75 complaints2003: 57 complaints2004: 57 complaints
Sedona Ex NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sedona Ex years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Kia Sedona Ex problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1018%
Engine916%
Brakes712%
Body & Structure611%
Transmission59%
Steering59%
Tires & Wheels35%
Suspension35%
Airbags24%
Latches & Locks24%
Seats24%
Seat Belts12%
Fuel System12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%

Does the 2003 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.

“ I HAD MY SEDONA 2003, THE POWER SEAT RECALL WAS MADE 4 MONTHS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT(FIRE START ABOVE FUSE BOX), THE DEALER IS NOT TELLING ME THE TRUE ABOUT IT, BECAUSE THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY INSPECTORS FROM KIA MOTORS COMING DOWN TO INSPECT THIS MINIVAN. THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN 6 MONTHS AN THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 10, 2006 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING MY KIA SEDONA 2003 EX ONE DAY AND SOMEONE YELLED AT ME THAT IT WAS ON FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND THE FIRE CAME UP THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, ALSO THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE PANEL IS. I PROCEEDED TO INFORM THE DEALER, BECAUSE I HAD PURCHASED IT USED ON OCTOBER 19, 2007 AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 10, 2007 · fire

“BRAKE ROTORS WARPING EVERY YEAR SINCE PURCHASING THIS MINIVAN IN 10/03 I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY ROTORS CHANGED EVERY YEAR DUE TO WARPING THE VAN HAS ONLY 43,000 MILES ON IT IT TO MUCH ALREADY ALL PARTS WERE KIA OEM PARTS PURCHASE AT A DEALER. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 13, 2003

“2003 KIA SEDONA EX PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING REAR DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE BROKE. CAR ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES AND IS GARAGE KEPT. I WAS UNABLE TO TAKE MY CHILD OUT OF THE CAR SEAT PROMPTLY, AND HAD TO USE THE OTHER SLIDING DOOR, WHICH WAS IN THE LINE OF TRAFFIC. I FOUND OUT EVEN WITH THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 29, 2009

“THERE BEEN WHINING NOISE DURING ACCELERATING AND DE-ACCELERATE SPEED, I HAD SOMEONE LOOK AND THOUGHT I WAS BRAKING SYSTEM. YESTERDAY MY SON WAS DRIVING IT AND TURNING RIGHT AND WE HEARD A POP, AND THE WHOLE STEERING WENT OUT. WE WERE ALMOST KILLED ON 134, HE ABLE BACK IT UP. HAD SOMEONE ELSE LOOKS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 22, 2018

2003 Kia Sedona Ex — common questions

Is the 2003 Kia Sedona Ex reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sedona Ex: 57 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 Sedona Ex problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), engine (9 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 2003 Kia Sedona Ex have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 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 2003 Kia Sedona Ex under NHTSA investigation?

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

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.