VehicleVerdict

2002 Kia Sedona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 328 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Sedona year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 20 Sedona years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 37 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (62), engine (31), and brakes (30), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

328

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

26

Crash-involved

25

Fires reported

37

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Sedona years?

Sedona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted579 complaints2002: 328 complaints2003: 214 complaints2004: 226 complaints2005: 272 complaints2006: 579 complaints2007: 234 complaints2008: 246 complaints2009: 75 complaints2010: 49 complaints2011: 87 complaints2012: 146 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 54 complaints2015: 177 complaints2016: 366 complaints2017: 180 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 45 complaints2020: 26 complaints2021: 15 complaints
Sedona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sedona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Kia Sedona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System6219%
Engine319%
Brakes309%
Seat Belts299%
Visibility & Wipers227%
Airbags196%
Speed Control196%
Transmission175%
Suspension165%
Body & Structure144%
Latches & Locks134%
Seats134%
Tires & Wheels124%
Steering93%
Fuel System82%
Lighting52%
Other52%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)41%

Does the 2002 Kia Sedona have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V013000Speed ControlJanuary 19, 2005 · 89,238 units

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 NOT MOVE OUT OF POSITION. VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING ON NOVEMBER 8, 2001, ALREADY HAVE THE EXTENDED GUIDE, WHICH ACCOMPLISHES THE SAME OBJECTIVE. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

03V135000SeatsApril 3, 2003 · 4,276 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME OF THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKERS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE FLOOR PAN HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD BREAK IN A CRASH.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT STRIKERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 25, 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 KIA AT 1-800-333-4542

03V017000Seat BeltsJanuary 22, 2003 · 21,248 units

Defect

CERTAIN MINI VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE SECOND AND THIRD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 24, 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 KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUGHT FIRE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 26, 2008 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING NO LESS THEN THAN BLOCK FROM MY HOUSE - WHEN I NOTICE SMOKE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FUSE PANEL AND NEXT THING YOU KNOW THE WHOLE PANEL BECAME ENGULF IN FLAMES. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND ABLE TO PUT FIRE OUT- BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THE CAR BECOME TOTAL IN THE DAMAGE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 2, 2016 · fire

“ONE MORE TIME KIA SEDONA 2002 FAILED TO BRAKE CAR LOST CONTROL FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT SNAPPED OUT, LOOKS LIKE POWER STEERING FAILED AND BRAKES ALSO, NOT THE FIRST TIME BRAKES FAILED IN KIA SEDONA. PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT VIBRATIONS WHILE BRAKING. CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 10, 2004 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SEAT BELT BROKE. ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DID NOT LOCK DURING THE EVENT. DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES DURING THE ROLLOVER CRASH. *AK THE BACK SEAT HAD BECOME DISLODGED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 6, 2003 · crash

“CONSUMER STATES THAT WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE SITTING IN DRIVEWAY, AND MECHANIC REPLACED IT. SECOND TIME WINDSHIELD CRACKED, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. BUT NOW THEY DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THAT A VERY SMALL ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED IT TO CRACK. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT CRACK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 22, 2003

2002 Kia Sedona — common questions

Is the 2002 Kia Sedona reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 328 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 20 Sedona years. It is one of the Sedona years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Sedona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (62 complaints), engine (31 complaints), brakes (30 complaints).

Does the 2002 Kia Sedona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Kia Sedona. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sedona years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sedona years to avoid are 2006, 2016, 2002, 2005, 2008. The cleanest record among Sedona years belongs to 2013.

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.