2003 Kia Sedona EX recalls and problems

The 2003 Kia Sedona EX has 1 safety recall and 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 7

Injuries / deaths

5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Kia Sedona EX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Kia Sedona EX recalls

Recall 05V-463: Seats

Reported Oct 5, 2005 · 74,276 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with power seats, the wiring under the front seats could be misrouted, allowing contact with metal seat components.

Risk: This contact could eventually result in a short circuit condition that may result in a fire in the junction box area of the vehicle.

Fix: 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.

2003 Kia Sedona EX problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	9
Engine and Engine Cooling	7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	6
Structure	6
Power Train	5
Steering	5
Suspension	3
Wheels	3
Latches/Locks/Linkages	2
Air Bags	2
Seats	2
Equipment	2

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 2
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 2
Structure › Body › Door — 2
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Kia Sedona EX complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 155,000 miles · reported Dec 9, 2018

The breaks were changed due to grinding com to find out there was 1bolt on the break calibers put them on and it still grinds and can not stop

Steering · reported May 23, 2018

There been whining noise during accelerating and de-accelerate speed, I had someone look and thought I was braking system. Yesterday my son was driving it and turning right and we heard a pop, and the whole steering went out. We were almost killed on 134, he able back it up. Had someone else looks at it rack and pinion. There been msny claims and no recall why

Electrical System · at 55,000 miles · reported Sep 27, 2016

I have a 2003 kia sedona. I have had to have the alternator replaced 2 times in a months time. The dealership is saying now that the connector to the fan has melted because the fan is pulling too much voltage. But from what I understand from others, the issue is the connector and not the fan? I hope they are able to find out what keeps causing these issues and can fix this asap! I AM sick of spending my nights stranded on the side of the road! Not to mention the financial strain it is placing on my family. Now I know why the previous owner traded in this junk with only 53,000 miles on it!

Air Bags · at 99,000 miles · reported Sep 20, 2016

The contact owned a 2003 kia sedona ex. While making a left turn at 5 MPH, another vehicle rear ended the rear passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The vehicle spun out of control. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed by the highway patrol and sheriff. The contact sustained bruising from the seat belt strap across the chest, and bruising across the waistline and back. Medical attention was received. The vehicle was towed to a police holding station and later to a body shop. The vehicle was declared totaled. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000. Updated 02/03/17

Electrical System · at 125,000 miles · reported Mar 31, 2015

We have a detached garage, at 4:00 AM our dog woke us up to her barking. She could hear the van horn blowing. When I took her out, I saw the van lights flashing and the horn was blowing. I could not stop the horn with the keyless remote. I woke up my husband, when he opened the door the dashboard was all melted, windshield was cracked, the A/C unit going up the driver's door was all melted. He finally found a place to open the hood to disconnect the battery. The mechanism to open the hood was all melted as well. The van was totaled and the insurance company sent us $3900. The van was is great…

Other Kia Sedona EX years

200420032002

Compare all Kia Sedona EX years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Kia Sedona EX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Kia Sedona EX: 05V-463 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Kia Sedona EX?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (9 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.