Is the 2004 Kia Sedona reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Kia Sedona is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Sedona?

The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Sedona have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Kia Sedona

◆ Worse than typical

2004 Kia Sedona
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:56:02.943Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 176
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Wheels

Complaints per year

2004: 176 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.

Wheels

18% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing hub.

Service brakes

18% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Engine and engine cooling

14% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

Steering

13% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and column.

CRASH

Electrical system

10% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and interior/under dash.

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2004Complaint volume 176 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2004-09-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-01-27 Throttle cable binding
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 →
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

2004 Kia Sedona — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Wheels: 32 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 32 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 24 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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 2004 Kia Sedona reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Kia Sedona is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Sedona?: The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Sedona have?: 2 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.