2003 Kia Sedona EX
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 34
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 34 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 50 |
| 2003 | 34 |
| 2004 | 37 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
26% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-03-31
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona EX. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a residential driveway when he heard the anti-theft alarm sounding.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-17
I had my sedona 2003, the power seat recall was made 4 months before the accident(Fire start above fuse box), the dealer is not telling me the true about it, because there have not been any inspectors from Kia motors coming down to inspect this...
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-02-02
Service brakes
21% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-09
Also filed under Wheels
Engine and engine cooling
21% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and engine.
Structure
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing underbody shields and door.
Steering
15% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-23
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2005-11-28Seats05V463000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with power seats, the wiring under the front seats could be misrouted, allowing contact with metal seat components.
Remedy: 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…
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I
2008-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-08-28 Steering binding
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I
2008-08-28Engineering analysisClosed 2009-07-01 Steering intermediate shaft binding
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Kia Sedona EX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V463000 · Seats
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Kia Sedona EX reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Sedona EX?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sedona EX have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.