2003 Kia Sedona recalls and problems

The 2003 Kia Sedona has 4 safety recalls and 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

163

Crashes / fires

13 / 21

Injuries / deaths

24 / 0

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

2003 Kia Sedona recalls

Recall 05V-329: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Jul 20, 2005 · 118,447 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-232: Wheels

Reported May 19, 2005 · 37,358 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain mini vans equipped with alloy wheels, moisture can accumulate around the rear hub caps causing damage to the outer wheel bearing.

Risk: Wheel bearing failure may occur without warning which could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-013: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Jan 19, 2005 · 89,238 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain mini vans, during assembly, the throttle cable would twist itself out of position.

Risk: This can permit the cable to be hung up, which could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-158: Service Brakes, Air

Reported Apr 25, 2003 · 3,375 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Such increased stopping distances could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

2003 Kia Sedona problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	31
Air Bags	25
Engine and Engine Cooling	20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	18
Suspension	14
Vehicle Speed Control	13
Seat Belts	12
Seats	9
Tires	9
Wheels	7
Service Brakes, Air	6
Latches/Locks/Linkages	6

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 5
Air Bags › Frontal — 4
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 4
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 4
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 3
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,000 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 complaints

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

Engine · reported Dec 10, 2022

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

Steering · at 113,000 miles · reported Jun 1, 2021

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…

Electrical System · at 200,000 miles · reported May 8, 2020

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…

Tires · at 124,200 miles · reported Jul 18, 2018

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…

Air Bags · at 163,511 miles · reported Jun 12, 2017

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…

Other Kia Sedona years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002

Compare all Kia Sedona years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Kia Sedona have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Kia Sedona: 05V-329 (vehicle speed control), 05V-232 (wheels), 05V-013 (vehicle speed control), 03V-158 (service brakes, air). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report electrical system problems most often (31 reports), followed by air bags (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,000 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.