NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Seat Belts complaints
12 reportsClear category filter124,000 miles · Sep 24, 2015
Seat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, THE SECOND ROW SEAT BELT ANCHOR CABLES SNAPPED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, THE SECOND ROW SEAT BELT ANCHOR CABLES SNAPPED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA ODI #10776329
136,000 miles · Mar 24, 2014
Air BagsSeat Belts
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 KIA SEDONA WITH 136000 MILES. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE SRS INDICATOR LIGHT STARTED STAYING LIT ON THE DASH. MY MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE CODE WAS B1513, WHICH INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE (FEMALE END). THEY ORDERED THAT PART NEW FROM KIA AND REPLACED IT (FOR A COS…
Read full complaint
I BOUGHT A USED 2003 KIA SEDONA WITH 136000 MILES. THE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE SRS INDICATOR LIGHT STARTED STAYING LIT ON THE DASH. MY MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE CODE WAS B1513, WHICH INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE (FEMALE END). THEY ORDERED THAT PART NEW FROM KIA AND REPLACED IT (FOR A COST OF $238). THE INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT DISPLAY FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS WHEN IT WENT ON AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE CODES WERE B1511 AND B1513, WHICH INDICATES PROBLEMS WITH BOTH THE DIVER AND PASSENGER BUCKLES. MY MECHANIC BELIEVES IT IS A WIRING ISSUE, AND AT THIS POINT WE ARE NOT REPLACING THE SEATBELTS, BECAUSE I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING THAT IT WOULD REALLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE COST TO REPLACE THE SRS WIRING IS PROHIBITIVE (OVER $1000). I FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, AS NO ONE CAN SAY FOR SURE THAT MY AIRBAGS WILL STILL DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STILL DRIVES VERY WELL. KIA SHOULD BE MORE PROACTIVE ABOUT REPLACING/REPAIRING FAULTY SRS COMPONENTS, EVEN IN OLDER VEHICLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10574514
130,000 miles · Aug 1, 2012
Seat Belts
I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA AND MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WENT TO BUCKLE HER SEAT BELT, 2ND ROW DRIVERS SIDE, AND THE BUCKLE PART CAME OFF THE SEAT. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE BUCKLE WAS BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STEEL CABLE THAT HOLDS THE BUCKLE TO THE SEAT, THERE IS THE BUCKLE, CABLE, THEN BOLTS THAT HOLD THE BUCKLE TO THE BA…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA AND MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WENT TO BUCKLE HER SEAT BELT, 2ND ROW DRIVERS SIDE, AND THE BUCKLE PART CAME OFF THE SEAT. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE BUCKLE WAS BROKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STEEL CABLE THAT HOLDS THE BUCKLE TO THE SEAT, THERE IS THE BUCKLE, CABLE, THEN BOLTS THAT HOLD THE BUCKLE TO THE BASE OF THE SEAT . I CONTACTED KIA AND WAS IMMEDIATELY TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE FIXED AT MY EXPENSE SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THERE WOULD BE NOTHING THEY COULD OR WOULD DO. I TOOK THE VAN TO MY DEALER AND THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT, THEY SPOKE TO THEIR DISTRICT MANAGER AND WERE TOLD THE SAME THING, MY EXPENSE. AFTER THE DEALER VISIT I INSPECTED THE REST OF THE BUCKLES ONLY TO FIND THAT THE OTHER 2ND ROW SEAT BELT IS WEARING THROUGH THE STEEL CABLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER BELT IS BROKE THROUGH THE WIRES AND PART OF THE STEEL CABLE. KIA CALLED THIS MORNING TO INFORM ME THAT THEY HAD SPOKE WITH THE DISTRICT MANAGER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. THE ONLY PEOPLE TO LOOK AT THE BUCKLE WERE THE SERVICE TECH'S AND THEY JUST LOOKED AT, THE MANAGER NEVER SAW THE BUCKLE. I HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF $401.64 FOR THE REPAIRS. I AM THE ONLY OWNER AND PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, IN NOVEMBER 2003, AFTER MY TWINS WERE 3 MONTHS OLD. I ALSO HAD A DAUGHTER AT THE TIME THAT WAS 6. THE ONLY PEOPLE TO SIT IN THOSE SEATS ARE CHILDREN, NOW 9 AND 15. THE CAR SEATS, WHEN NEEDED, WERE SECURED WITH THE TETHERS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO? KIA IS BEING VERY SHORT WITH ME AND DON'T SEEM TO WANT TO HELP ME OTHER THAN TELLING ME THERE IS NO WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468829
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2012
Air BagsSeat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ON THE PASSENGER?S SIDE THIRD ROW SEAT SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT FROM AROUND THE PASSENGER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FOR THE THIRD ROW SEAT ON THE DRIVER?S SIDE RECENTLY FAILED. TH…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT ON THE PASSENGER?S SIDE THIRD ROW SEAT SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE SEAT BELT HAD TO BE CUT FROM AROUND THE PASSENGER. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FOR THE THIRD ROW SEAT ON THE DRIVER?S SIDE RECENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 06/06/12 *BF THE CONSUMER HAS STATED THAT ONLY THE FIRST SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED NOT THE SECOND. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ITS ON. UPDATED 06/07/12 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10454770
178,000 miles · Sep 20, 2011
Seat Belts
SEAT BELTS (FEMALE PART) THE PIECE THAT YOU SNAP THE SEAT BELT INTO, BROKE TOTALLY OFF ALL THE WAY. NOT 1 BUT 2 SEAT BELTS IN MY VAN HAS DONE THIS. AND NOT ONLY THAT THE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE. I'VE CALLED KIA TO REPORT THESE PROBLEMS AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR ALL THIS. SEEMS LIKE THE LAST THING THAT …
Read full complaint
SEAT BELTS (FEMALE PART) THE PIECE THAT YOU SNAP THE SEAT BELT INTO, BROKE TOTALLY OFF ALL THE WAY. NOT 1 BUT 2 SEAT BELTS IN MY VAN HAS DONE THIS. AND NOT ONLY THAT THE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF ON THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE. I'VE CALLED KIA TO REPORT THESE PROBLEMS AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR ALL THIS. SEEMS LIKE THE LAST THING THAT SHOULD BRAKE (SHOULDN'T BRAKE AT ALL!) IS THE SEAT BELTS! THE DOOR HANDLES IS ONE THING BUT THE SEAT BELTS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10426539
123,632 miles · Feb 5, 2009
Seat Belts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT CAME APART AND WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURING HER CHILD SEAT. THE CLIP THAT ENTERS THE LATCH ON THE SEAT BELT WAS THE PART THAT FAILED. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE OTHER SEAT BELTS IN HER VEHICLE WERE BEGINNING TO FAIL IN THE …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT CAME APART AND WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURING HER CHILD SEAT. THE CLIP THAT ENTERS THE LATCH ON THE SEAT BELT WAS THE PART THAT FAILED. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE OTHER SEAT BELTS IN HER VEHICLE WERE BEGINNING TO FAIL IN THE SAME MANNER. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,632. UPDATED 03/12/09. *LJ THE SEAT BELT CLIP THAT HELD THE SEAT BELT WHEN LATCHED, BROKE OFF. IT WAS THE PART THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE ACTUAL SEAT. THE INSIDE WIRES WERE FRAYED. UPDATED 03/16/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10257593
61,000 miles · Dec 16, 2008
Seat Belts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HER CHILD SAFETY SEAT WOULD INAPPROPRIATELY MOVE WITHIN THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIDDLE ROW SEAT WHEN IT WAS RESTRAINED BY THE SAFETY BELT. THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, WHICH LEFT THE CHILD VULNERABLE TO SERIOUS INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. SHE TOOK THE …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HER CHILD SAFETY SEAT WOULD INAPPROPRIATELY MOVE WITHIN THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIDDLE ROW SEAT WHEN IT WAS RESTRAINED BY THE SAFETY BELT. THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, WHICH LEFT THE CHILD VULNERABLE TO SERIOUS INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT BELT UNIT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #10251957
Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2005
Seat Belts
I HAVE HAD MY 2003 KIA SEDONA A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS. I BOUGHT IT NEW FROM A DEALER. SINCE 2002, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELT SENSORS, TO THE POINT BOTH HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THIS SENSOR DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY, THE "AIRBAG NEEDS SERVICING" LIGHT COMES ON. WITH THAT LIGHT ON, THE VAN WILL NOT PASS IN…
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD MY 2003 KIA SEDONA A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS. I BOUGHT IT NEW FROM A DEALER. SINCE 2002, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELT SENSORS, TO THE POINT BOTH HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THIS SENSOR DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY, THE "AIRBAG NEEDS SERVICING" LIGHT COMES ON. WITH THAT LIGHT ON, THE VAN WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION (VA STATE INSPECTION). THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, THE DEALERSHIP WAS OUT OR STOCK OF THE REPLACEMENT SEATBELT ASSEMBLY, BUT THEY GAVE ME ONE FROM ANOTHER CAR WHILE WE WAITED FOR MY PARTS TO COME IN. THEY NEVER CAME IN. NOW, THE 2ND ONE HAS GONE BAD, AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR A PART. EVIDENTLY, WHERE THE DEARLERSHIP ORDERS PARTS FROM KIA IS OUT OF STOCK OF THESE ITEMS DUE TO HIGH VOLUME OF REPLACEMENT. I AM (1) CONCERNED THAT SO MANY OF THESE ARE GOING BAD THAT THE COMPANY HAS RUN OUT OF STOCK, AND (2) WORRIED THAT FAILURE OF THIS SENSOR COULD RESULT IN MY AIRBAG NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE NOW BEEN WAITING OVER 4 MONTHS FOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND THEY ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE DEALER. THIS ITEM IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, AND IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A RECALL ITEM. BUT SHOULDN'T A SAFETY ITEM LIKE THAT CAUSE A RECALL SINCE IT INVOLVES PERSONAL SAFETY AND THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT OPERATION? AND IF THAT MANY ARE FAILING, DOESN'T THAT CAUSE CONCERN FROM THE NHTSB?
NHTSA ODI #10134141
28,750 miles · Aug 20, 2005
EquipmentSeat Belts
THIRD TIME I AM HAVING MY SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED DUE TO AIRBAG LAMP BEING ON. THEY JUST KEEP REPLACING FAULTY PART WITH ANOTHER FAULTY PART, THIS THIRD TIME, ONLY TOOK TWO DAYS FOR LIGHT TO COME BACK ON. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD IN THE MEANTIME MY AIRBAGS ARE INACTIVE. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED, NOT JUST R…
Read full complaint
THIRD TIME I AM HAVING MY SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED DUE TO AIRBAG LAMP BEING ON. THEY JUST KEEP REPLACING FAULTY PART WITH ANOTHER FAULTY PART, THIS THIRD TIME, ONLY TOOK TWO DAYS FOR LIGHT TO COME BACK ON. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD IN THE MEANTIME MY AIRBAGS ARE INACTIVE. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED, NOT JUST REPLACED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE.
NHTSA ODI #10133618
60,162 miles · Jul 13, 2005
Seat Belts
DT ON JULY 12TH, 2005 THE SEAT BELT COMPLETELY BROKE, IT BROKE FROM THE TWO METAL PRONGS. LOOK LIKE A MESH OF WIRES THAT GO DOWN INTO THE SEAT. WHEN THE CONSUMER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, HER 5 YR HIT THE BACK OF THE SEAT WHICH WAS ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE. THE OTHER SEATS BELTS ARE ALL THE SAME EXCEPT FOR THE REAR CENTER. THE CON…
Read full complaint
DT ON JULY 12TH, 2005 THE SEAT BELT COMPLETELY BROKE, IT BROKE FROM THE TWO METAL PRONGS. LOOK LIKE A MESH OF WIRES THAT GO DOWN INTO THE SEAT. WHEN THE CONSUMER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, HER 5 YR HIT THE BACK OF THE SEAT WHICH WAS ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE. THE OTHER SEATS BELTS ARE ALL THE SAME EXCEPT FOR THE REAR CENTER. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED KIA THEY ARE REPLACING THE SEAT BELT, HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT ALARMING THE PUBLIC. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10128586
Official recalls
4Jul 20, 2005
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 FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE THE CABLE TO STICK, THUS PREVENTING THE ENGINE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE. SUCH AN EVENT CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
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.
May 19, 2005
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS, MOISTURE CAN ACCUMULATE AROUND THE REAR HUB CAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEEL BEARING FAILURE MAY OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Jan 19, 2005
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD TWIST ITSELF OUT OF POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN PERMIT THE CABLE TO BE HUNG UP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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 ENSURE THAT THE TENSION FORCE CABLE DOES NOT MOVE OUT OF POSITION. VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEGINNING ON NOVEMBER 8, 2001, ALREADY HAVE THE EXTENDED GUIDE, WHICH ACCOMPLISHES THE SAME OBJECTIVE. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Apr 25, 2003
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 BELOW 25 MPH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SUCH INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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 REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4EA08017 · Steering Intermediate Shaft Binding
Opened Aug 28, 2008 · Closed Jul 1, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
ODIS ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA SHOWS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS OCCURRED AT A RELATIVELY HIGH FREQUENCY IN SALT-BELT STATES (5.9 PERCENT).HOWEVER, THE TESTS CONDUCTED BY ODI AND KIA HAVE SHOWN THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS A MINIMAL EFFECT ON STEERING EFFORTS.IN ADDITION, ODI INTERVIEWS OF OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE ALLEGED DEFECT SHOWED THAT IN MOST CASES THE PROBLEM WAS PRECEDED BY MONTHS OR YEARS OF NOISE OR A GRADUAL INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORTS AND WAS MORE OF A NUISANCE CONCERN. THERE HAS BEEN ONE ALLEGATION OF A MINOR CRASH RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT, INVOLVING A MY 2003 KIA SEDONA WITH 59,900 MILES.THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN CHECKED TWICE IN THE PREVIOUS NINE MONTHS BY A DEALER FOR COMPLAINTS OF STIFF STEERING AND THAT THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS INTERMITTENTLY LOSING POWER ASSIST.THE CRASH OCCURRED AS THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES PER HOUR AND STRUCK A VEHICLE PARKED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TURNING INTO. THE CRASH RESULTED IN MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. AFTER THE CRASH, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS EXHIBITING SOME BINDING OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT BEARINGS.WHILE THE ABSENCE OF ADDITIONAL CRASHES OR INJURIES DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE IS NOT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT, THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTED ADDITIONAL CRASHES CAUSED BY THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE PAST THREE YEARS. THE RELEASE OF THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SHOULD ASSIST SERVICE PERSONAL IN DIAGNOSING THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM LONG BEFORE IT BECOMES POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REFER TO THE EA08-017 CLOSING REPORT.
PE08033 · Steering Binding
Opened Apr 28, 2008 · Closed Aug 28, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
ON APRIL 28, 2008, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE08-033 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING STEERING BINDING IN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2004 KIA SEDONA MINIVANS.KIA'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IN PE08-033 INDICATED THAT CONCERNS WITH BINDING OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WERE FIRST IDENTIFIED AND INVESTIGATED IN AUGUST 2002, IN VEHICLES SOLD IN INDONESIA.THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN THE ADDITION OF A STIFFENING RIB TO THE BEARING CAP SEAL.IN JUNE 2003, KIA AGAIN INVESTIGATED OWNER COMPLAINTS OF STEERING NOISE AND HIGHER THAN NORMAL STEERING RESISTANCE AND IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER OF 2003 DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT BEARINGS WERE MADE TO IMPROVE LUBRICANT RETENTION AND ELIMINATE WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD LEAD TO EARLY BEARING FAILURE.ACCORDING TO KIA, THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTS IN A PROGRESSIVE CHANGE IN STEERING EFFORT THAT SHOULD BE APPARENT TO THE DRIVER THROUGH NOISE AND GRADUAL CHANGES IN STEERING STIFFNESS LONG BEFORE THE CONDITION COULD BECOME DANGEROUS. ODI'S ANALYSES OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT SHOW THAT THE CONDITION IS OCCURRING AT SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER RATES IN SALT-BELT STATES (NOTE:FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION THE SALT BELT INCLUDES CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN).THE WARRANTY RATE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS 5.5% FOR VEHICLES SOLD IN THE SALT BELT AND 0.5% FOR THE REST OF THE UNITED STATES.THE COMPLAINT RATE FOR THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS 186.8 PER 100,000 VEHICLES IN THE SALT BELT AND 29.4 PER 1000,000 VEHICLES FOR THE REST OF THE UNITED STATES.THERE IS ONE ALLEGATION OF A CRASH RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.A SUBJECT VEHICLE STRUCK TWO PARKED CARS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ALLEGEDLY RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. ODI HAS UPGRADED THIS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-017) COVERING MY 2002 THROUGH 2004 KIA SEDONA VEHICLES SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES TO ASSESS THE FREQUENCY AND TREND OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AND ITS EFFECT ON STEERING EFFORT.
PE05035 · Electrical Fire
Opened Jun 28, 2005 · Closed Oct 19, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 4, 2005, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V463) INVOLVING ALL MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002, 2003 KIA SEDONA EX VEHICLES AND CERTAIN MY 2004 KIA SEDONA EX VEHICLES.KIA?S RECALL COVERS 74,276 VEHICLES.KIA REPORTS THAT FIRES WERE CAUSED BY WIRING UNDER FRONT SEATS BEING MISROUTED; THIS ALLOWED THE WIRE TO BE PINCHED BY METAL SEAT COMPONENTS.OVER TIME, THE SHORT IN THE WIRING UNDER THE SEAT CAUSES OVERHEATING OF COMPONENTS IN THE FUSE BOX (LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL).SPECIFICALLY, THE CIRCUIT BREAKER DIODES CYCLE ON-OFF-ON ETC. AND OVERHEAT.KIA WILL INSPECT VEHICLES FOR PROPER WIRE ROUTING AND INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERING OVER CERTAIN METAL PARTS UNDER FRONT SEATS.DEALERS WILL ALSO APPLY A LABEL WARNING TECHNICIANS NOT TO REMOVE THE CIRCUIT BREAKER DIODES WHICH CANNOT BE SERVICED BUT CAN BE DAMAGED BY REMOVAL ATTEMPTS.BASED ON KIA?S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE04067 · Throttle Cable Binding
Opened Sep 24, 2004 · Closed Jan 27, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control; Vehicle Speed Control:cables; Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION.A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE.THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004 AND OCCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE THIS DATE (ALL OF MY 2002 AND PART OF 2003), KIA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WITH AN IMPROVED COMPONENT.CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES WILL ALSO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL CLIP INSTALLED TO ADDRESS A POTENTIAL CABLE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERN.SEE KIA'S JANUARY 17, 2005 PART 573 LETTER FOR NHTSA RECALL 05V013 (KIA RECALL SC-042) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER APRIL 4, 2004.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION.A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE.THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004 AND OCCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE THIS DATE (ALL OF MY 2002 AND PART OF 2003), KIA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WITH AN IMPROVED COMPONENT.CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES WILL ALSO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL CLIP INSTALLED TO ADDRESS A POTENTIAL CABLE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERN.SEE KIA'S JANUARY 17, 2005 PART 573 LETTER FOR NHTSA RECALL 05V013 (KIA RECALL SC-042) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER APRIL 4, 2004.
Vehicle Speed Control:cables
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION.A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE.THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004 AND OCCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE THIS DATE (ALL OF MY 2002 AND PART OF 2003), KIA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WITH AN IMPROVED COMPONENT.CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES WILL ALSO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL CLIP INSTALLED TO ADDRESS A POTENTIAL CABLE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERN.SEE KIA'S JANUARY 17, 2005 PART 573 LETTER FOR NHTSA RECALL 05V013 (KIA RECALL SC-042) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER APRIL 4, 2004.
Vehicle Speed Control
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION.A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE.THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004 AND OCCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE THIS DATE (ALL OF MY 2002 AND PART OF 2003), KIA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WITH AN IMPROVED COMPONENT.CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES WILL ALSO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL CLIP INSTALLED TO ADDRESS A POTENTIAL CABLE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERN.SEE KIA'S JANUARY 17, 2005 PART 573 LETTER FOR NHTSA RECALL 05V013 (KIA RECALL SC-042) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER APRIL 4, 2004.
Vehicle Speed Control
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION.A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE.THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004 AND OCCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE THIS DATE (ALL OF MY 2002 AND PART OF 2003), KIA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WITH AN IMPROVED COMPONENT.CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES WILL ALSO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL CLIP INSTALLED TO ADDRESS A POTENTIAL CABLE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERN.SEE KIA'S JANUARY 17, 2005 PART 573 LETTER FOR NHTSA RECALL 05V013 (KIA RECALL SC-042) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER APRIL 4, 2004.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION.A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE.THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004 AND OCCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE THIS DATE (ALL OF MY 2002 AND PART OF 2003), KIA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WITH AN IMPROVED COMPONENT.CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES WILL ALSO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL CLIP INSTALLED TO ADDRESS A POTENTIAL CABLE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERN.SEE KIA'S JANUARY 17, 2005 PART 573 LETTER FOR NHTSA RECALL 05V013 (KIA RECALL SC-042) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER APRIL 4, 2004.
Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION.IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION.A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE.THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004 AND OCCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM.TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE THIS DATE (ALL OF MY 2002 AND PART OF 2003), KIA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WITH AN IMPROVED COMPONENT.CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES WILL ALSO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL CLIP INSTALLED TO ADDRESS A POTENTIAL CABLE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERN.SEE KIA'S JANUARY 17, 2005 PART 573 LETTER FOR NHTSA RECALL 05V013 (KIA RECALL SC-042) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER APRIL 4, 2004.
Illustration