2004 Kia Sedona Ex problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 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.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (12), tires & wheels (8), and electrical system (8), 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 2004 compare to other Sedona Ex years?

Sedona Ex NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sedona Ex years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Kia Sedona Ex problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Steering	12	21%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	8	14%	▲ up
Electrical System	8	14%	— flat
Brakes	7	12%	— flat
Engine	5	9%	▼ down
Lighting	4	7%	▲ up
Transmission	3	5%	▼ down
Suspension	3	5%	— flat
Seats	2	4%	— flat
Other	1	2%	new
Fuel System	1	2%	— flat
Latches & Locks	1	2%	▼ down
Airbags	1	2%	▼ down
Body & Structure	1	2%	▼ down

Does the 2004 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.

“WE WERE HEARING A GRINDING TYPE NOISE WHEN WE WERE MAKING A TURN SO WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS A BAD RACK AND PINION AND ARE REPLACING IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY NUMEROUS PEOPLE THAT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE GOING OUT AT 70,000 MILES. AS OF RIGHT NOW,…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 1, 2010

“TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN: WE ARE A FAMILY OF 6 AND ON JULY 21ST OUR 2004 KIA SEDONA EX CAUGHT ON FIRE. WE HAD JUST DRIVEN IT 2 HOURS BEFORE WITH NO INDICATIONS OF A FIRE. WE HEARD A BLARING HORN AND LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW TO SEE THE NEIGHBOR RUNNING ACROSS THE STREET. WE STEPPED OUT OF THE HOUSE TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 21, 2008 · fire

“I HAVE A 2004 KIA SEDONA EX, AND WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A FAMILY VACATION, WAS DRIVING ALONG AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE COME FROM THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE, THE VAN STARTED SHAKING AS IF I HAD A FLAT TIRE, I STARTED APPLYING MY BRAKES TO PULL OVER, THEN I HEARD A LOUD POP, THE BACK CORNER WENT DOWN. OUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 22, 2008 · fire

“I HAVE BEEN GOING TO KIA FOR YEARS COMPLAINING OF A STRANGE INTERMITTENT GROANING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEED STOPS. IT WOULD NEVER MAKE NOISE AT THE DEALER AND WOULD ONLY MAKE THE NOISE SOMETIMES. NEVER FOR THE SAME REASON. IT WAS VERY RANDOM. THIS TIME I WAS DRIVING FOR SEVERAL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 15, 2013 · fire

“ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THERE WASN'T MUCH TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD AND HELPED TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. IN BAD WEATHER AND/OR TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE SOME SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE OF THIS VEHICLE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 21, 2014

2004 Kia Sedona Ex — common questions

Is the 2004 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 2004 Sedona Ex problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (12 complaints), tires & wheels (8 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).

Does the 2004 Kia Sedona Ex have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 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 2004 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 2004 compare to other Sedona Ex years?

What are the most common 2004 Kia Sedona Ex problems?

Does the 2004 Kia Sedona Ex have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 Kia Sedona Ex — common questions

Is the 2004 Kia Sedona Ex reliable?

What are the most common 2004 Sedona Ex problems?

Does the 2004 Kia Sedona Ex have recalls?

Is the 2004 Kia Sedona Ex under NHTSA investigation?

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