NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Kia Sedona; the most frequently affected component is vehicle speed control — cables. Owners filed 200 complaints, most often about air bags. Among the 19 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #8 for number of recalls.
Vehicle speed control — CablesCampaign 05V329000 · 20 Jul 2005
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.
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.
WheelsCampaign 05V232000 · 19 May 2005
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.
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.
Vehicle speed control — CablesCampaign 05V013000 · 19 Jan 2005
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.
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.
Service brakes, air — Control unit/moduleCampaign 03V158000 · 25 Apr 2003
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.
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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 31 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Air bags9 · 29%
Electrical system9 · 29%
Engine5 · 16%
Seat belts4 · 13%
Service brakes4 · 13%
Structure2 · 6%
Fuel/propulsion system2 · 6%
Equipment adaptive/mobility1 · 3%
When complaints were filed
20124
20134
20144
201511
20161
20171
20182
20202
20211
20221
From owner complaints
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.…
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.
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sedona. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle caught on fire from under the driver's side dashboard area. Prior to the fire, the horn activated independently. The vehicle was destroyed and was not inspected for the cause of the fire. The failure and the current mileages were…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.