Is the 2008 Kia Sedona reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Kia Sedona is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Sedona?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Sedona have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Kia Sedona

● Typical for this model

2008 Kia Sedona
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:09.982Z

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: 170
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2008: 170 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

26% · 45 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Van caught fire in the engine compartment burned the firewall

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-12

Also filed under Engine and power train

Car caught fire because of electrical connection in the diver side headlight wiring. This occurred while driving on a city street with the headlights off. Car was totaled. Insurance and manufacturer have been informed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-15

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. Three hours after the vehicle was parked in the driveway, flames appeared from the rear of the vehicle. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames. A fire report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-19

Vehicle speed control

22% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH

Structure

15% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing door and body.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact has a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the sliding doors continue to close even if person is in the way or if their hand is in the way.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-22

Service brakes

12% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIRE

Electronic stability control (esc)

9% · 15 reports

FIRE

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year…

Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge.…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2013-12-20Suspension13V550000 Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 originally sold in, or currently registered in…

Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on December 20…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2016-07-27Suspension16V387000 Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through August 14, 2012 and originally sold in, or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana,...

Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models. 2008-2012 models will either have their front lower control arms replaced or additional anti-corrosion coating will be applied.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2016-07-27Latches/locks/linkages16V389000 Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2020-06-05Electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic20V088000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Kia Sedona — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 45 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 38 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 13V550000 · Suspension
Recall 16V387000 · Suspension
Recall 16V389000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 20V088000 · Electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Kia Sedona reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Kia Sedona is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Sedona?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Sedona have?: 5 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.