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 worst 2003 Kia Sedona problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical29
- Brakes26
- Airbags25
- Engine25
- Acceleration13
- Seat belts12
- Suspension11
- Seats9
- Tires9
- Fuel system8
- Wheels7
- Locks6
- Visibility5
- Body4
- Steering3
- Transmission3
- Lights2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Kia Sedona
Fire or smoke 16Airbag light 15No deployment 10Seat belt 9Door locks 8Check engine light 5Tire blowout 5
Recalls 4
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 05V329000 · Recall details
Wheels
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 05V232000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 05V013000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 03V158000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2003 Kia Sedona
Defect investigations
Steering intermediate shaft binding
Odis analysis of warranty data shows that the alleged defect has occurred at a relatively high frequency in salt-belt states (5.9 percent).however, the tests conducted by odi and kia have shown that the alleged defect has a minimal effect on steering efforts.in addition, odi interviews of owners who experienced the alleged defect showed that in most cases the problem was preceded by months or years of noise or a gradual increase in steering efforts and was more of a nuisance concern. There has been one allegation of a minor crash related to the alleged defect, involving a my 2003 kia sedona with 59,900 miles.the vehicle had been checked twice in the previous nine months by a dealer for complaints of stiff steering and that the vehicle felt like it was intermittently losing power assist.the crash occurred as the driver was attempting to make a left turn while traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour and struck a vehicle parked on the right side of the street that the vehicle was turning into. The crash resulted in minor injuries to the driver. After the crash, it was determined that the intermediate shaft was exhibiting some binding of the steering intermediate shaft bearings.while the absence of additional crashes or injuries does not mean that there is not a safety-related defect, there have been no reported additional crashes caused by the alleged defect in the past three years. The release of the technical service bulletin should assist service personal in diagnosing this potential problem long before it becomes potentially dangerous.accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.for additional information regarding this engineering analysis refer to the ea08-017 closing report.
EA08017
Steering binding
On april 28, 2008, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe08-033 to investigate complaints alleging steering binding in model year 2002 through 2004 kia sedona minivans.kia's response to odi's request for information in pe08-033 indicated that concerns with binding of the steering intermediate shaft were first identified and investigated in august 2002, in vehicles sold in indonesia.this investigation resulted in the addition of a stiffening rib to the bearing cap seal.in june 2003, kia again investigated owner complaints of steering noise and higher than normal steering resistance and in october and november of 2003 design changes to the shaft universal joint bearings were made to improve lubricant retention and eliminate water intrusion that could lead to early bearing failure.according to kia, the alleged defect results in a progressive change in steering effort that should be apparent to the driver through noise and gradual changes in steering stiffness long before the condition could become dangerous. Odi's analyses of complaint and warranty data relating to the alleged defect show that the condition is occurring at significantly higher rates in salt-belt states (note:for purposes of this investigation the salt belt includes connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin).the warranty rate for replacement of the steering intermediate shaft is 5.5% for vehicles sold in the salt belt and 0.5% for the rest of the united states.the complaint rate for the alleged defect is 186.8 per 100,000 vehicles in the salt belt and 29.4 per 1000,000 vehicles for the rest of the united states.there is one allegation of a crash related to the alleged defect.a subject vehicle struck two parked cars while attempting to make a left turn, allegedly resulting in minor injuries to the driver. Odi has upgraded this investigation to an engineering analysis (ea08-017) covering my 2002 through 2004 kia sedona vehicles sold or currently registered in salt belt states to assess the frequency and trend of the alleged defect and its effect on steering effort.
PE08033
Electrical fire
By letter dated october 4, 2005, kia notified the agency that it is conducting a safety recall (the federal safety agency recall no. 05v463) involving all model year (my) 2002, 2003 kia sedona ex vehicles and certain my 2004 kia sedona ex vehicles.kia?s recall covers 74,276 vehicles.kia reports that fires were caused by wiring under front seats being misrouted; this allowed the wire to be pinched by metal seat components.over time, the short in the wiring under the seat causes overheating of components in the fuse box (located under the driver side instrument panel).specifically, the circuit breaker diodes cycle on-off-on etc. And overheat.kia will inspect vehicles for proper wire routing and install protective covering over certain metal parts under front seats.dealers will also apply a label warning technicians not to remove the circuit breaker diodes which cannot be serviced but can be damaged by removal attempts.based on kia?s safety recall action, this investigation is closed.
PE05035
Throttle cable binding
Kia provided information describing a water entry point at the rubber sealing boot located at the throttle body end of the throttle cable, advising that water could enter the cable sheath during normal vehicle operation.in low temperatures, the water freezes and may impede the movement of the throttle cable thereby preventing an open throttle from returning to the closed position.a stuck throttle could increase the risk of a crash.to prevent water ingress, kia increased the crimping force of the clamp installed on the rubber boot from 2 to 5 kilograms force.the action took place in april 2004 and occurred in connection with other changes to the throttle cable system.to remedy the vehicles built before this date (all of my 2002 and part of 2003), kia will conduct a safety recall to replace the defective cable with an improved component.certain recalled vehicles will also have an additional clip installed to address a potential cable disengagement concern.see kia's january 17, 2005 part 573 letter for the federal safety agency recall 05v013 (kia recall sc-042) for further information.no action is being taken on vehicles built after april 4, 2004.
PE04067
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Kia Sedona 21
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- TSB - use of aftermarket USB charging cables in USB/12V ports
- Automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the...
- Kia: intermittent MIL on with no fault code stored; information about DTC P1330
- Kia: ECM upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with DTC P2135/P0638
- Kia: power sliding door remoe controller motor replacement
- Kia: increased steering effort
2003 Kia Sedona fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 14 | 18 | 16 |
What 2003 Kia Sedona owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
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 it was hotter in chico than at my home, but it was probably in the upper 80's at that time. I had no warning and if it happened when I was on the freeway, it would've been a disaster. The tire company showed us the spare, said we could use it as one for a short time, but even it is showing something wrong to the tire guy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2003 Kia Sedona
Is the 2003 Kia Sedona reliable?
Owners have filed 163 complaints about the 2003 Kia Sedona, 1.2 times a typical Sedona model year.
What is the 2003 Kia Sedona year score?
The 2003 Kia Sedona scores 61 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Sedona: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Kia Sedona?
Electrical system, with 29 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles. Next is brakes (26).
How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sedona have?
4 recalls, covering vehicle speed control, wheels and service brakes, air.
What year does the Kia Sedona have the most electrical problems?
The Kia Sedona model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (79 complaints), 2002 (50 complaints) and 2016 (46 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Kia Sedona get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Kia Sedona range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 14 city and 18 highway.
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