2002 Kia Sedona
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 198 |
| 2003 | 163 |
| 2004 | 175 |
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 385 |
| 2007 | 156 |
| 2008 | 170 |
| 2009 | 47 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 38 |
| 2015 | 135 |
| 2016 | 287 |
| 2017 | 131 |
| 2018 | 47 |
| 2019 | 35 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
11% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I DROVE 25 MINUTES FROM A TO B AND PARKED MY CAR. TURNED THE ENGINE OFF SAT THERE WITH THE RADIO ON FOR 1 MINUTE EXACTLY AND I HEAR A. PSHHHHH AND SMOKE RISING QUICKLY, THEN A FLAME FROM THE FUSE BOX BY MY LEFT FOOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130830
8% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH6% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING HOME AND A DEER JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF MY VAN AND I HIT THE DEER AND TOTALED MY VAN BAD WHERE THE AIR BAGS SHOULD OF WENT OFF BUT IT DIDN'T NOW THERE'S A LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT LOOKS LIKE A GUY SITTING IN A SEAT WITH A BELT ON AND AN AIR BAG...
NHTSA ODI report, 20131123
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030113
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN MINI VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE SECOND AND THIRD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT
Campaign 03V017000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME OF THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKERS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE FLOOR PAN HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD BREAK IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT STRIKERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 25, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REM
Campaign 03V135000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE CABLE BINDING
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD TWIST ITSELF OUT OF POSITION.
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 ENSU
Campaign 05V013000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING BINDING
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BINDING
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Kia Sedona — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V017000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V135000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V013000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Kia Sedona reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Kia Sedona is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia Sedona?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Sedona have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.