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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

Service Brakes complaints

12 reports
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90,000 miles · Feb 3, 2023
Electrical SystemService BrakesCrash

The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open and unlock the doors as well as to deactivate the alarm system. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side windows failed to open fully, and the passenger’s side front door failed to close correctly as the chime and dome li…

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The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open and unlock the doors as well as to deactivate the alarm system. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side windows failed to open fully, and the passenger’s side front door failed to close correctly as the chime and dome light remained on while driving. The contact stated to remedy the door failure her spouse placed a piece of metal between the door and the sensor to correct the failure. The rear passenger’s side sliding door also failed to connect with the sensor correctly as the door chime and dome light remained on. The check engine warning light would illuminate while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unknown to the contact however, the contact stated that she was informed that the battery, air bag sensors, and four catalytic converters needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a radiator center where the failure was diagnosed as a relay that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that they had a SMOG test completed and was informed that only one catalytic converter had to be replaced. The catalytic converter was not replaced due to the cost. The contact stated that while her spouse was driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as the brake started to pulsate. The contact stated that the vehicle collided with another vehicle. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained in either vehicle. The contact stated that the California Highway Patrol was contacted and was on the scene however, a report was not filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnoses or repairs. The contact stated that she received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in January of 2021. The dealer was notified and stated that the parts were not available as they had to order them. The

NHTSA ODI #11505387

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesFire

[XXX] owned a 2008 Kia Sedona minivan, VIN #[XXX]. This was his only vehicle at the time. On or about April 26, 2021, [XXX] heard a loud noise coming from the driveway and went outside to investigate. The van was engulfed in flames, mainly in the engine compartment. He attempted to put the fire out himself. His neighbor called t…

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[XXX] owned a 2008 Kia Sedona minivan, VIN #[XXX]. This was his only vehicle at the time. On or about April 26, 2021, [XXX] heard a loud noise coming from the driveway and went outside to investigate. The van was engulfed in flames, mainly in the engine compartment. He attempted to put the fire out himself. His neighbor called the Pinellas Park fire department who responded and put out the fire. The vehicle was a total loss. The van had been parked for approximately five hours after he used it earlier that day to pick up children from school The spontaneous vehicle fire was a serious safety risk, and he is fortunate to have not lost his home in the fire along with the vehicle. The day before the fire, the ABS indicator light on the dash came on. He made an appointment to have the van serviced on April 27, but the fire destroyed the vehicle before it could be looked at. Shortly after this happened, [XXX] learned of Manufacturer Recall Number SC186; NHTSA Recall Number 20V088. He was never notified by Kia North America, before or after the fire which destroyed the vehicle. [XXX] has opened case number [XXX] with and was assured that Kia would be providing reimbursement for the Kia Sedona vehicle he had to replace. Kia North America requested pictures of the fire damaged vehicle, which he sent to them. He offered to allow Kia to inspect the wreckage of the vehicle, but no action was ever taken despite assurances that Kia would send a representative to inspect the vehicle. In September 2021, Kia North America stopped responding to Mr. Brackett, and no longer returns his or my communication. If the NHTSA requires any more information, please contact my office. /s [XXX] Florida Bar #[XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11438659

198,000 miles · Jul 13, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECENTLY SHE PARKED, THE VEHICLE AND IT FAILED TO REVERSE, SHE CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECENTLY SHE PARKED, THE VEHICLE AND IT FAILED TO REVERSE, SHE CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING SMOKE WAS SEEN IN THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGE WHILE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED ON THE FINAL FAILURE A FEW WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND CAME. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE ON FIRE ON ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ON THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED A LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED AND PROVIDED MANUFACTURER NUMBER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS AWAITING A CALL BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 198,000.

NHTSA ODI #11339089

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2020
Electrical SystemService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NOTIFICATION THAT WAS RECEIVED WAS AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11322898

148,000 miles · Aug 7, 2019
Service Brakes

WHILE DRIVING TRIED TO STOP FOR A LIGHT AND BRAKES FAILED, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR ABS DID NOT ENGAGE AND FINALLY SLOWED. THIS IS SECOND MASTER CYLINDER ON THE VEHICLE. MY MECHANIC WHO DID THE REPLACEMENT SEVERAL YEARS AGO TRIED TWO MORE NEW MASTER CYLINDERS TODAY AND THEY ALSO FAILED TO HOLD PRESSURE. DEALER WAS NO HELP WITH …

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WHILE DRIVING TRIED TO STOP FOR A LIGHT AND BRAKES FAILED, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR ABS DID NOT ENGAGE AND FINALLY SLOWED. THIS IS SECOND MASTER CYLINDER ON THE VEHICLE. MY MECHANIC WHO DID THE REPLACEMENT SEVERAL YEARS AGO TRIED TWO MORE NEW MASTER CYLINDERS TODAY AND THEY ALSO FAILED TO HOLD PRESSURE. DEALER WAS NO HELP WITH POSSIBLE SOLUTION. I NEED TO TAP THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WE CAN FIND NO RECALLS ON THE MASTER CYLINDER

NHTSA ODI #11242394

119,934 miles · Jun 20, 2016
Service BrakesFire

ON 05-10-16 MY 2008 KIA SEDONA WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY. IT WAS NOT ON. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. WE WERE REMOVING ONE OF THE BACK PASSENGER SEATS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE SIDE DOOR HAD REMAINED OPEN. IN THE PAST WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR, IT WO…

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ON 05-10-16 MY 2008 KIA SEDONA WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY. IT WAS NOT ON. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. WE WERE REMOVING ONE OF THE BACK PASSENGER SEATS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE SIDE DOOR HAD REMAINED OPEN. IN THE PAST WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR, IT WOULDN'T OPEN OR WOULDN'T CLOSE. WHILE REMOVING THE SEAT THE OPEN DOOR INDICATOR (BUZZING) CAME ON. DID NOT KNOW WHY IT CAME ON, THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND WAS OFF. A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER THE SMELL OF SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CAR. DID NOT SEE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM AT FIRST AND THEN SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE AREA. THE HOOD WAS OPENED AND THERE WERE FLAMES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FIRE DEPT. WAS CALLED BUT WE WERE ABLE TO PUT THE FLAMES OUT BEFORE IT BECAME DANGEROUS AND CANCELLED THE CALL. THE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED TO AVOID HAVING THE FLAMES START UP AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A KIA DEALER TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF WAITING THE DEALER CONCLUDED THE ABS MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FIRE HAD BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS AND FIRE WALL. THE CAR WAS TOTALED DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO CONFIRM THE ACTUAL CAUSE OF THE FIRE. TO DATE WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT ACTUALLY CAUSED THE FIRE BUT WE HAD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. I WANT TO POINT OUT IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR SYSTEM BE ALERT. IF YOUR CAR IS IN PARK WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND YOU HAVE WARNING BUZZARDS GO OFF CHECK THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLE RELAY OVER LOAD TO DOOR CONNECTION. NOT CONFIRMED, BUT WAS THE ONLY POWER OPERATING PART TO THE VEHICLE THAT WAS IN USE WHEN THE FIRE STARTED.

NHTSA ODI #10875413

115,270 miles · May 29, 2016
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE THE VAN ROLLED AWAY.

NHTSA ODI #10871400

146,683 miles · May 4, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

THIS VAN HAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH THAT ALL THE OTHERS HAD IN RECALL. SHIFTER IS STUCK IN PARK. ESC LIGHT IS ON AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE VIN NUMBER. FURTHER, THE KIA DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT FREE OF CHARGE.

NHTSA ODI #10862997

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2015
Service Brakes

HAVE TO PUT BRAKES AND ROTATERS ON EVERY 6 MONTHS AND DON'T KNOW WHY

NHTSA ODI #10786425

83,000 miles · Dec 22, 2014
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

AS I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AND I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VAN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, WHEN I PRESSED HARD ON THE BRAKE STILL IT WOULDN'T STOP...CALL KIA SEDONA AUTHORIZED DEALER, THEY SAID THERE'S NO RECALL. AS I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET, I NOTICE THAT CAR GURUS(WHICH IS A CAR FORUM) OVER 33 PEOPLE HAD COMPLAINT W…

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AS I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AND I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VAN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, WHEN I PRESSED HARD ON THE BRAKE STILL IT WOULDN'T STOP...CALL KIA SEDONA AUTHORIZED DEALER, THEY SAID THERE'S NO RECALL. AS I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET, I NOTICE THAT CAR GURUS(WHICH IS A CAR FORUM) OVER 33 PEOPLE HAD COMPLAINT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE WERE AN ACCIDENT WITH FATALITIES EVEN. I'M VERY CONCERN AS I DRIVE WITH ALL MY KIDS SPECIALLY MY GRANDSON OFTEN, AND IT SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF ME TO THINK THAT I WOULD GET INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THE LITTLE ONE ON BOARD. A LOT OF PEOPLE DID THE DIAGNOSTICS THAT THE DEALER SUGGESTED, AFTER PAYING OVER $110 PLUS TAXES, THE CAR IS STILL SHOWING THE SAME PROBLEM. I REALLY NEED SOMEBODY TO TELL ME WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? I'M STILL PAYING FOR THE VEHICLE, I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE SPECIALLY THE HIGHWAY...HELP PLEASE... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10667722

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.