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2008 Kia Sedona

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Kia Sedona do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 120.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

136 reports with mileage · 34 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports10 fire reports2 injury reports

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

11 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2021
Latches/locks/linkages

On three occasions my vehicle's engine would stumble and refuse to accelerate when gas peddle was depressed to reach a lower gear to accelerate. I was forced to pull out of busy traffic to roadway shoulder, where engine continued to stumble or misfire. When I shut off the ignition and restarted my Kia Sedona, it retuned to norma…

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On three occasions my vehicle's engine would stumble and refuse to accelerate when gas peddle was depressed to reach a lower gear to accelerate. I was forced to pull out of busy traffic to roadway shoulder, where engine continued to stumble or misfire. When I shut off the ignition and restarted my Kia Sedona, it retuned to normal operation. A second mishap was the sudden opening of the engine compartment hood, which flew up and struck my windshield, completely blocking my view. Fortunately I was able to slow and stop the vehicle without further damage, beside a bent hood and broken hinges and hood struts. You have issued a recall for several states, but not for Florida where this happened.

NHTSA ODI #11436588

182,000 miles · Apr 13, 2020
Latches/locks/linkages

GETTING ON FREEWAY I JUST LEFT THE ENTRANCE RAMP INCREASING MY SPEED IM AT AROUND 45 50 MPH. ALL OF SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER THE HOOD JUST FLIES UP AND CRUSHES MY WINDSHIELD. I SLAM ON MY BRAKES TRYING TO SEE AROUND THE HOOD AND COASTED OVER TO THE BRIM OF THE ROAD MAKING SURE I WAS SAFELY OFF THE ROAD. I GET OUT OF TH…

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GETTING ON FREEWAY I JUST LEFT THE ENTRANCE RAMP INCREASING MY SPEED IM AT AROUND 45 50 MPH. ALL OF SUDDEN WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER THE HOOD JUST FLIES UP AND CRUSHES MY WINDSHIELD. I SLAM ON MY BRAKES TRYING TO SEE AROUND THE HOOD AND COASTED OVER TO THE BRIM OF THE ROAD MAKING SURE I WAS SAFELY OFF THE ROAD. I GET OUT OF THE CAR AND TRY TO PULL THE HOOD BACK DOWN . I TRIED WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY TO GET THE HOOD BACK DOWN AND SECURED. AND PROCEEDED TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND HEAD BACK HOME. PLEASE NOTE I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE A COUPLE OF MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS AND WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY SAFETY ISSUES

NHTSA ODI #11321022

Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2017
Exterior LightingLatches/locks/linkagesSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SENT TWO RECALL NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V387000 (SUSPENSION) AND 16V389000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AND WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN THE DEALER MAY BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION FOR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SENT TWO RECALL NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V387000 (SUSPENSION) AND 16V389000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) AND WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN THE DEALER MAY BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION FOR THE LOW BEAMS, DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS, AND HIGH BEAMS. THE DEALER (BIG A AUTO SALES, GREENWOOD, SC (864) 388-7828 ) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11023408

50,000 miles · Mar 22, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED AND SMASHED AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD AND ROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE HOOD LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. TWO YEARS LATER, THE CONTAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE HOOD OPENED AND SMASHED AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD AND ROOF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE HOOD LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. TWO YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V389000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE HOOD LATCH FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 08/09/17*LJ *CN

NHTSA ODI #10967832

108,323 miles · Jan 5, 2017
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE BECAME UNLATCHED AND FRACTURED THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,323.

NHTSA ODI #10939966

108,000 miles · Nov 25, 2016
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesTraction Control System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING, THE SLIDING DOORS ERRONEOUSLY UNLOCKED AND OPENED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATE. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE WOULD ATTE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING, THE SLIDING DOORS ERRONEOUSLY UNLOCKED AND OPENED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATE. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE VEHICLE WOULD ATTEMPT TO START BEFORE THE IGNITION KEY WAS TURNED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #10927879

80,000 miles · Dec 2, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages

I OWN A 2008 KIA SEDONA LX AND JUST RECENTLY WE ARE EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH OPENING THE MANUAL SLIDING DOORS ON BOTH SIDES, ALSO THE LOCKS FAIL TO OPEN MANUALLY AND WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL. THE CONCERN IS THAT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY WE MIGHT BE UNABLE TO REMOVE MY 3 DAUGHTERS FROM THE VEHICLE SINCE AGAIN IN MANY OCCASIONS THE …

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I OWN A 2008 KIA SEDONA LX AND JUST RECENTLY WE ARE EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH OPENING THE MANUAL SLIDING DOORS ON BOTH SIDES, ALSO THE LOCKS FAIL TO OPEN MANUALLY AND WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL. THE CONCERN IS THAT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY WE MIGHT BE UNABLE TO REMOVE MY 3 DAUGHTERS FROM THE VEHICLE SINCE AGAIN IN MANY OCCASIONS THE DOORS DON'T WORK PROPERLY. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10661842

33,703 miles · Jun 12, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages

2008 KIA SEDONA. CONSUMER STATES PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE DOOR, SO THE DOOR HAD TO BE STRAPPED AND AN ADULT HELD ONTO THE DOOR TIGHTLY UNTIL THEY REACHED THEIR DESTINATION. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. LATER ON, …

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2008 KIA SEDONA. CONSUMER STATES PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR OPENED WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE THE DOOR, SO THE DOOR HAD TO BE STRAPPED AND AN ADULT HELD ONTO THE DOOR TIGHTLY UNTIL THEY REACHED THEIR DESTINATION. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. LATER ON, THE DEALER INFORMED HER A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE SLIDING DOOR AND LATCH HAD BEEN ISSUED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SERVICE BULLETIN IDENTIFIED THE CAUSE OF THE SLIDING DOOR PROBLEM AS IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED LATCHES. ACCORDING TO KIA, ACCUMULATED ROAD DIRT MAY CAUSE THE LATCHES TO STICK BY IMPEDING ROTATION OF THE LATCH AROUND THE PIN. KIA OFFERED CONSUMERS WHO HAD EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM A MODIFIED DOOR LATCH KIT THAT PERMITS ROAD DIRT TO READILY EXIT THE LATCH ASSEMBLY TO REMOVE THE CAUSE OF THE DOOR FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE LEARNED, THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SPECIFIED THAT THE SERVICE ACTION WAS A REPAIR PROGRAM, WITHOUT CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION, AND THE REPAIRS WERE TO BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10461527

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK PROPERLY AND WOULD POP OPEN WITHOUT WARNING WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK PROPERLY AND WOULD POP OPEN WITHOUT WARNING WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

NHTSA ODI #10460773

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages

2008 KIA SEDONA. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR DAMAGES STATING WHILE DRIVING THE HOOD FLEW UP BLINDING THE DRIVER'S VIEW. *TGW THE HOOD LATCH WAS REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10401890

Official recalls

5

20V088000 · Electrical System; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 14, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System

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.

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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.

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

16V387000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Jun 1, 2016

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, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC133.

16V389000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Jun 1, 2016

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Kia Sedona vehicles manufactured from June 15, 2005, through April 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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. The recall began on July 27, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC134.

13V550000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Nov 5, 2013

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 Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to salty environments.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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, 2013. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is SC100.

13V114000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

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 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.