Total Complaints
214 filings
KIA SEDONA · model year
214 NHTSA complaints, 14 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2003KIASEDONA carries 214 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 14 crashes, 26 fires, 25 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 SEDONA is air bags with 20 filings, followed by electrical system (20) and tires (9). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2003 SEDONA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
214 filings
Crashes Reported
14 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 20 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20 |
| TIRES | 9 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 9 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 8 |
| SEAT BELTS | 7 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 6 |
| WHEELS | 6 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 5 |
| SEATS | 5 |
| ENGINE | 5 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 4 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING | 4 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 4 |
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
WHEELS
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS, MOISTURE CAN ACCUMULATE AROUND THE REAR HUB CAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD TWIST ITSELF OUT OF POSITION.
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over and left the vehicle. The contact returned 2 days later and drove the vehicle home. The contact stated that the check engine, brakes and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. Dealer/manufacturer was contacted but no open recalls.*JB Consumer stated in addition to the prior issues has airbag lights on and brakes that lock up in the rain. Power steering was repaired but still having problems.
Mileage: 113,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE DESIRED GEAR WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD SAW FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED HOWEVER, HER NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH A WATER HOSE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 200,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE DESIRED GEAR WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD SAW FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED HOWEVER, HER NEIGHBOR ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES WITH A WATER HOSE UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHTS HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 200,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED HALFWAY DOWN WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SWERVED ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND STOPPED 30 YARDS IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC COMPUTER BRAKING MODULE DID NOT ALLOW THE BRAKES TO STOP COMPLETELY; THEREFORE, THE COMPUTER REACTED AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE TRAVELING ON ICE. THE DEALER (MORITZ KIA HURST, 110 NE LOOP 820, HURST, TX 76053, (817) 591-7063) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,800.
Mileage: 115,800
ON FEB. 25, 2018, WE PURCHASED A 2003 KIA SEDONA VAN FROM CITY START AUTO SALES IN PARADISE, CA. ALL FOUR TIRES AND THE SPARE WERE GOODYEAR INTEGRITY 215/70R15. THE TIRES READ MAX. PSI 44, BUT THE VAN SAID TO RUN AT 35 PSI. SO, ONCE A WEEK ON A COOL MORNING (BETWEEN 68-75 DEGREES OUTSIDE WITHOUT IT HAVE BEEN DRIVEN), MY WIFE OR I WOULD MAKE SURE THE TIRES WERE 34-35 PSI. DURING THIS 3 MONTH PERIOD, WE NOTICED NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. ON MAY 31, 2018, I WAS DRIVING FROM MY HOUSE IN MAGALIA, CA TO CHICO, CA. JUST AS I STARTED TO MERGE ONTO HWY 99 IN CHICO, I HEARD A THUMPING SOUND, THEN A BANG--TWICE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SAW 2 TIRES HAD COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT AND ONE WAS SERIOUSLY SHOWING THE METAL BELT. I HAD TO PAY TO GET A TOW TRUCK OUT AND IMMEDIATELY PURCHASE 4 NEW TIRES. WE'VE HAD A LITTLE WORK DONE ON THE REAR-LEFT FENDER CONTINUED TO HAVE WEIRD SOUNDS COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR WHERE THE WORST BLOW OUT HAPPENED. I JUST HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO TAKE IT IN YET. I KNOW I
Mileage: 124,200
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR FIRE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CUTS ON THE FACE AND ARMS. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED SHRAPNEL IN THE RIGHT EYE WITH BRUISING, ALONG WITH GLASS IN HER FACE AND HAIR. THE FOUR PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SUSTAINED RINGING IN THE EARS. THE AMBULANCE PROVIDED ROUTINE ASSISTANCE, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (CASE NUMBER: 15-1706-00760). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,511.
Mileage: 163,511
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED WHEN IT WAS WET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Mileage: 102,000
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 DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Mileage: 80,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, THE SECOND ROW SEAT BELT ANCHOR CABLES SNAPPED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
Mileage: 124,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
Mileage: 132,000
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAM ON AND IS STILL ON. THIS AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED....UPDATED 11/04/15 *BF
REAR WHEEL BEARING FREEZING UP MAKING TIRE COME OFF
Mileage: 1,100,000
ABS LIGHT ON FRONT BRAKES ON DRIVERS SIDE NOT WORKING RIGHT
Mileage: 110,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CLEAR OUT THE SMOKE AND NOTICED THAT THE FUSE BOX CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Mileage: 128,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TWO BROKEN FINGERS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.