NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
163 reports123,632 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 …
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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
41,000 miles · Jan 15, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
2003 KIA SEDONA - MILEAGE ON THIS VAN 48,177 1. STEERING STIFFNESS, MAKE IT HARD TO TURN ABOUT 90% OF THE TIME WHILE DRIVING. 2. ROUGH ENGINE - MISSED FIRE DUE TO THE COIL LEAKAGE AND ABOUT STARTED ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS AGO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10255160
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 …
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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 · Oct 27, 2008
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES. ANYWHERE FROM HAVING TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR, WHICH I WILL SAY WAS A PAIN IN THE BUTT...TO MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. FROM READING MANY DIFFERENT SITES THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS JUST SO FRUSTRATING THAT YOU PURCHASE A VAN BECAUSE THEY SAY I…
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I HAVE A 2003 KIA SEDONA AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES. ANYWHERE FROM HAVING TO REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR, WHICH I WILL SAY WAS A PAIN IN THE BUTT...TO MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. FROM READING MANY DIFFERENT SITES THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS JUST SO FRUSTRATING THAT YOU PURCHASE A VAN BECAUSE THEY SAY IT IS GREAT THEN YOU GET THIS PIECE OF JUNK. THE SAD THING IS MOST PEOPLE WHO OWN THESE ARE YOUNG COUPLES WITH CHILDREN AND CAN NOT AFFORD THE REPAIRS BUT HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM AND WE ARE STUCK WITH THESES TRASH BOXES BECAUSE WE HAVE CHILDREN AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO GO OUT AND TRADE IT IN, LOSE OUR BUTTS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT WORTH THE MONEY WE OWE ON THEM. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THIS HEAP OF JUNK BUT I AM STUCK WITH IT. I HOPE THAT SOMETHING GETS DONE WITH THESE...THEY ARE WORTHLESS AND MY CHILDREN ARE PAYING FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE NOT HAD A VEHICLE SO BAD IN MY LIFE...I AM TIRED OF REPLACING THE BRAKES, ROUTERS, AND NOW THE CALIPERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!*TR
NHTSA ODI #10246852
38,284 miles · Aug 25, 2008
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERATIVE. UPON INSPECTION, A TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE CONSOLE BECAUSE IT WAS BLOWING THE FUSE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FUSE MELTED AND SMOKE ENGULFED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ENGINE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERATIVE. UPON INSPECTION, A TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE CONSOLE BECAUSE IT WAS BLOWING THE FUSE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FUSE MELTED AND SMOKE ENGULFED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS AND THE CONSOLE AND CONNECTOR WERE REPLACED. NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE CORRECTED THE FAILURE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,284 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 48,000. UPDATED 02/05/09 *BF UPDATED 02/06/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10239575
96,000 miles · Aug 15, 2008
Air Bags
MY 2003 KIA SEDONA AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT COMING ON TOLD KIA DEALER ABOUT IT THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING FOR IT. SAID WAS NOT A PROBLEM. UPON A ACCIDENT THE PASS. AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH KNOW ONE IN THE SEAT OR ANY ITEM IN THE SEAT IT DEPLOYED SO HARD THAT IT TORE THE SUN VISOR OFF ITS ARM AND TURNED IT INTO A PROJECTILE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238435
12,000 miles · Aug 13, 2008
Air BagsCrashInjury
IN JULY 2004 A PERSON RAN A STOP SIGN, I COMPLETELY DROVE INTO HER WHOLE PASSENGERS SIDE WITH THE FRONT END OF MY 2003 KIA SEDONA. I ALSO HAD MY 2 YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH WAS A CONCERN TO THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL THAT RESPONDED TO THE SCENE. I SUSTAINED NECK INJURY THAT LATER HAD …
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IN JULY 2004 A PERSON RAN A STOP SIGN, I COMPLETELY DROVE INTO HER WHOLE PASSENGERS SIDE WITH THE FRONT END OF MY 2003 KIA SEDONA. I ALSO HAD MY 2 YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH WAS A CONCERN TO THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL THAT RESPONDED TO THE SCENE. I SUSTAINED NECK INJURY THAT LATER HAD TO HAVE SURGERY TO CORRECT AND MY SON WHO WAS IN HIS SAFETY SEAT IN THE REAR ALSO SUSTAINED BURN INJURY FROM HIS SAFETY SEAT HARNESS. I CONTACTED KIA AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO TEST THE AIR BAGS UNLESS THEY DEPLOYED THEM. NEEDLESS TO SAY THEY WOULD NOT DO THIS. AGAIN IN AUGUST 2005 ANOTHER DRIVER RAN A STOP SIGN AND AGAIN I HIT THEM WITH FULL FRONT END TO THEIR DRIVERS SIDE. AGAIN THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING CONCERN WITH THE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL. I STILL CONTINUE TO HAVE PAIN FROM MY 2004 ACCIDENT AND I AM STILL IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO RECOUP SOME OF MY LOSSES. (WAGES, MEDICAL, TIME WITH MY SON).I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO LIST THE LOSS I HAVE THAT WILL NEVER BE RECOUPED. SOMEONE NEEDS TO CHECK INTO THIS, IT SEEMS TO ME AFTER READING ALL THESE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE AIR BAGS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG. I HAVE ALL THE POLICE REPORTS, ESTIMATES AND PICTURES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238032
26,000 miles · Jul 24, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED IN WARM TEMPERATURES ABOVE 80 DEGREES, THE CONTACT SMELLS RAW GAS AS IF SOMEONE POURED GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL CAUSES HIM TO BECOME PHYSICALLY ILL. KIA WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THEY STATED THAT NOTH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED IN WARM TEMPERATURES ABOVE 80 DEGREES, THE CONTACT SMELLS RAW GAS AS IF SOMEONE POURED GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL CAUSES HIM TO BECOME PHYSICALLY ILL. KIA WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. THEY STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. WHEN KIA HAD A TECHNICIAN INSPECT THE VEHICLE, HE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PERFORMED IN THIS MANNER AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER T1472689. KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS ALSO PROVIDED CASE NUMBER K1473088. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
NHTSA ODI #10235604
41,000 miles · Jul 22, 2008
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASHBOARD TOWARDS THE BOTTOM. THE FAILURE WAS NOT A RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. WHEN A SHARP TURN WAS MADE, THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING NOISE SIMILAR TO METAL RUBBING AGAINST METAL. HE BELIEVED THAT THE FAILUR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASHBOARD TOWARDS THE BOTTOM. THE FAILURE WAS NOT A RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. WHEN A SHARP TURN WAS MADE, THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKING NOISE SIMILAR TO METAL RUBBING AGAINST METAL. HE BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE ORIGINATED FROM THE GLASS FRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,000.
NHTSA ODI #10235279
60,000 miles · Jul 12, 2008
Air BagsInjury
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND IN MY 2003 KIA SEDONA VAN ACCIDENT, I WAS ALMOST KILLED. I AM STILL UNDER THE CARE OF SEVERAL DOCTORS BECAUSE OF PROBLEMS WHICH DEVELOPED FROM THE ACCIDENT. THIS HAS BECOME A HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN DUE TO NUMEROUS MEDICAL BILLS. I CAN OBTAIN A COPY OF THE ACCIDENT REPORT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE …
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AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND IN MY 2003 KIA SEDONA VAN ACCIDENT, I WAS ALMOST KILLED. I AM STILL UNDER THE CARE OF SEVERAL DOCTORS BECAUSE OF PROBLEMS WHICH DEVELOPED FROM THE ACCIDENT. THIS HAS BECOME A HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN DUE TO NUMEROUS MEDICAL BILLS. I CAN OBTAIN A COPY OF THE ACCIDENT REPORT IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT. I THINK KIA SHOULD HAVE TO ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HUGE AMOUNTS OF MEDICAL BILLS SINCE SAFETY EQUIPMENT APPARENTLY DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. I WOULD APPRECIATE HEARING FROM YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. BETTY DICKERSON *TR
NHTSA ODI #10234044
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.
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