Sedona (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Sigma
3.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Kia Sedona Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
3.5-I4-Gas
3.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.8-V6-Gas
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Kia Sedona, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2002-2005 Kia Sedona
On a used 2002-2005 Kia Sedona, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (181), the electrical system (149) and the engine (126). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 181 owner complaints on the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 149 owner complaints on the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 126 owner complaints on the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona about the engine.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 100 owner complaints on the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona about the wheels and tires.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona about the cooling system.
Recalls (7)
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER SEATS, THE WIRING UNDER THE FRONT SEATS COULD BE MISROUTED, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH METAL SEAT COMPONENTS.
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.
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS, MOISTURE CAN ACCUMULATE AROUND THE REAR HUB CAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING.
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD TWIST ITSELF OUT OF POSITION.
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.
Show 2 older recalls
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME OF THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKERS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE FLOOR PAN HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD BREAK IN A CRASH.
CERTAIN MINI VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE SECOND AND THIRD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR BOLTS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2005 Kia Sedona complaints?
Owners have filed 825 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 825 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona have?
NHTSA has 825 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2002-2005 Kia Sedona vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Sedona?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Sedona have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 825 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.