VehicleVerdict

2003 Kia Sedona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2003 Kia Sedona sits mid-pack among Sedona years: 214 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 161, with 4 recalls and 4 closed investigations. Complainants reported 25 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (31), brakes (29), and engine (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

214

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

26

Fires reported

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Sedona years?

Sedona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sedona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Kia Sedona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3114%
Brakes2914%
Airbags2512%
Engine2512%
Tires & Wheels167%
Suspension147%
Speed Control136%
Seat Belts126%
Seats94%
Fuel System84%
Latches & Locks63%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Body & Structure52%
Other42%
Steering31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%
Transmission31%
Lighting21%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2003 Kia Sedona have recalls?

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

05V329000Speed ControlJuly 20, 2005 · 118,447 units

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.

05V232000Tires & WheelsMay 19, 2005 · 37,358 units

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.

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.

03V158000BrakesApril 25, 2003 · 3,375 units

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 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 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD AREA. PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE HORN ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE FAILURE AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 25, 2012 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIS. THE OCCUPANTS IN ALL THREE VEHICLES SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 9, 2004 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 21, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DEER AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. DURING THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 1, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON VEHICLE INSPECTION HE OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHEELS HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 23, 2009 · fire

2003 Kia Sedona — common questions

Is the 2003 Kia Sedona reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sedona: 214 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 Sedona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (31 complaints), brakes (29 complaints), engine (25 complaints).

Does the 2003 Kia Sedona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Kia Sedona. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.