VehicleVerdict

2004 Kia Sedona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Kia Sedona sits mid-pack among Sedona years: 226 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 161, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 27 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (38), brakes (35), and engine (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

226

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

27

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Sedona years?

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

See all Sedona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Kia Sedona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels3817%
Brakes3515%
Engine2913%
Steering2210%
Electrical System188%
Suspension188%
Speed Control125%
Airbags94%
Other94%
Transmission73%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Fuel System52%
Lighting52%
Body & Structure52%
Seats42%
Seat Belts21%
Child Seat21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2004 Kia Sedona have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT: CONTACT STATES THERE IS A RECALL ON THE REAR HUB CAPS ON 2004 KIA SEDONA. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN ON BACK ORDER SINCE JUNE 2005. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY DID CONFIRM THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED SERVICE DEALER AND OTHER DEALERSHIPS IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 13, 2005

“WHILE PARKED ON AN INCLINE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DID NOT ENGAGE. VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD UNTIL IT HIT A TREE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK”

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 30, 2019 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA SEDONA. WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 5 TO 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A SQUEAKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING SHAFT U-JOINT FAILURE (BADLY CORRODED) CAUSED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 20, 2008 · crash

“UPON RETURNING HOME AND PARKING MY VAN AFTER RUNNING AN ERRAND OF ABOUT 5 MILES, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RAN TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITHIN 60 (SIXTY) SECONDS AFTER SEEING THE SMOKE. REMOVING THE AIR CLEANER AND OTHER COMPONENTS, -- THE WIRE HARNESS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 13, 2015 · fire

2004 Kia Sedona — common questions

Is the 2004 Kia Sedona reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sedona: 226 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Sedona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (38 complaints), brakes (35 complaints), engine (29 complaints).

Does the 2004 Kia Sedona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Kia Sedona. 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 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.