Is the 2003 Kia Sedona reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Kia Sedona is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Sedona?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sedona have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Kia Sedona

● Typical for this model

2003 Kia Sedona
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:13.564Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 163
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2003: 163 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2002	198
2003	163
2004	176
2005	185
2006	385
2007	157
2008	170
2009	48
2010	32
2011	65
2012	108
2013	0
2014	39
2015	140
2016	297
2017	134
2018	49
2019	39
2020	20
2021	10

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

19% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and interior/under dash.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-08

Also filed under Engine

Fuse panel caught fire and burnt while vehicle was parked and not in use. Vehicle is no longer functional.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-12

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-30

Service brakes

17% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

15% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While driving at 55 MPH vehicle spun out of control and hit a semi tractor trailor and air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-21

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE

Suspension

9% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing wheel bearing and rear.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2003-05-19Service brakes, air03V158000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2004-09-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-01-27 Throttle cable binding
R

2005-03-21Vehicle speed control05V013000 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-06-13Wheels05V232000 On certain mini vans equipped with alloy wheels, moisture can accumulate around the rear hub caps causing damage to the outer wheel bearing.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2005-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-10-19 Electrical fire
R

2005-08-15Vehicle speed control05V329000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2008-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-08-28 Steering binding
I
2008-08-28Engineering analysisClosed 2009-07-01 Steering intermediate shaft binding

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Kia Sedona — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 28 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V158000 · Service brakes, air
Recall 05V013000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 05V232000 · Wheels
Recall 05V329000 · Vehicle speed control

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Kia Sedona reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Kia Sedona is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia Sedona?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sedona have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.