The contact owned a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a friend’s residence, the contact exited the vehicle and took the baby she was caring for inside the residence of the friend. Upon returning outside, the contact became aware that the vehicle was on fire and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The Fire Marshall informed the contact that the fire had started in the engine compartment. Additionally, a Fire Report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The fire caused damage to the friend residence. The contact stated that the fire melted the aluminum siding on the house. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was covered under a liability insurance policy. The vehicle was a total loss. The homeowners insurance Fire Inspector tagged the vehicle and requested that the vehicle remain on the premises. The vehicle was still located at the residence, as per the Fire Inspector. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 315,465.
2008 Kia Sedona electrical problems
45 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 45
- of this car's complaints
- 26%
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Sedona electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Kia Sedona electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
- Risk
- An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Remedy
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Recall number 20V088000 · Recall details
What 2008 Kia Sedona owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The message "ESC OFF" was displayed. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the engine had overheated, causing an electrical short and battery failure. The battery was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted and driven at 25 MPH; however, the failure recurred. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and remained on the side of the road. The contact stated that several mechanics had previously diagnosed the vehicle with electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Van caught fire in the engine compartment burned the firewall
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open and unlock the doors as well as to deactivate the alarm system. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side windows failed to open fully, and the passenger’s side front door failed to close correctly as the chime and dome light remained on while driving. The contact stated to remedy the door failure her spouse placed a piece of metal between the door and the sensor to correct the failure. The rear passenger’s side sliding door also failed to connect with the sensor correctly as the door chime and dome light remained on. The check engine warning light would illuminate while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unknown to the contact however, the contact stated that she was informed that the battery, air bag sensors, and four catalytic converters needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a radiator center where the failure was diagnosed as a relay that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that they had a SMOG test completed and was informed that only one catalytic converter had to be replaced. The catalytic converter was not replaced due to the cost. The contact stated that while her spouse was driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as the brake started to pulsate. The contact stated that the vehicle collided with another vehicle. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained in either vehicle. The contact stated that the California Highway Patrol was contacted and was on the scene however, a report was not filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnoses or repairs. The contact stated that she received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in January of 2021. The dealer was notified and stated that the parts were not available as they had to order them. The
I brought this car (owned by by son and his wife, used by me) in March 2022 re recall SC186 to the Kia dealership in Berwyn, IL and they said the new part was needed, and they'd call me when it was in for me to return to have it replaced, but they never did call to say the part was in. -- I called various times through August 2022 to check, and they gave me a runaround. I called Kia customer service on 8/25, and their records showed that the Berwyn Kia claimed they did the recall on 04/08/22 -- AND THEY LIED - THEY NEVER HAD ME COME IN TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED! And because the recall is listed as done, no other dealership can replace the part! I filed complaint #[XXX] with Kia customer service - they said they would inform Berwyn Kia of my complaint, but might or might not get an answer from the dealer. I guess I will return to Berwyn Kia to confront them on this matter -- but I wonder how often they say they do recall repairs but don't in fact do them!!!! Can you do anything to help?? Who else should I complaint to about this? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
[XXX] owned a 2008 Kia Sedona minivan, VIN #[XXX]. This was his only vehicle at the time. On or about April 26, 2021, [XXX] heard a loud noise coming from the driveway and went outside to investigate. The van was engulfed in flames, mainly in the engine compartment. He attempted to put the fire out himself. His neighbor called the Pinellas Park fire department who responded and put out the fire. The vehicle was a total loss. The van had been parked for approximately five hours after he used it earlier that day to pick up children from school The spontaneous vehicle fire was a serious safety risk, and he is fortunate to have not lost his home in the fire along with the vehicle. The day before the fire, the ABS indicator light on the dash came on. He made an appointment to have the van serviced on April 27, but the fire destroyed the vehicle before it could be looked at. Shortly after this happened, [XXX] learned of Manufacturer Recall Number SC186; the federal safety agency Recall Number 20V088. He was never notified by Kia North America, before or after the fire which destroyed the vehicle. [XXX] has opened case number [XXX] with and was assured that Kia would be providing reimbursement for the Kia Sedona vehicle he had to replace. Kia North America requested pictures of the fire damaged vehicle, which he sent to them. He offered to allow Kia to inspect the wreckage of the vehicle, but no action was ever taken despite assurances that Kia would send a representative to inspect the vehicle. In September 2021, Kia North America stopped responding to Mr. Brackett, and no longer returns his or my communication. If the federal safety agency requires any more information, please contact my office. /s [XXX] Florida Bar #[XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia sedona. The contact stated that while driving several warning lights including the ABS warning light had illuminated. After restarting the engine, the odor of burning rubber was present and smoke was scene coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the fan module was faulty. The fan module was replaced but the failures continued to occur. The vehicle was examined by a second independent mechanic who diagnosed that the wire harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia sedona. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to greenway kia of rivergate (1536 gallatin pike n, madison, tn 37115) and was rejected to be serviced due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact part was not yet available and provided a case number. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Car caught fire because of electrical connection in the diver side headlight wiring. This occurred while driving on a city street with the headlights off. Car was totaled. Insurance and manufacturer have been informed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia sedona. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact contacted orlando kia (8701 e colonial dr orlando, fl 32817, 407-678-17170) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the dealers have parts to do the recall repairs. The contact had not experience a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Questions about the 2008 Kia Sedona electrical
Does the 2008 Kia Sedona have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the electrical of the 2008 Kia Sedona, 26% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2008 Kia Sedona electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Kia Sedona electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 20V088000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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).
Other 2008 Kia Sedona problems
Acceleration 38Body 25Brakes 20Driver assistance 16Lights 16Suspension 15Engine 12Locks 11Airbags 8Fuel system 7Steering 4Transmission 4Visibility 4Seats 3Tires 3
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