Sedona (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Kia Sedona Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Sigma
3.5LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
3.5-I4-Gas
3.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.8-V6-Gas
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Sedona regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (6)
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.
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.
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.
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Alternatives in Minivan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2005 Kia Sedona problems?
The 2002-2005 Kia Sedona has accumulated 828 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Sedona engine is most reliable?
The 2002-2005 Kia Sedona was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona a good used car?
The 2002-2005 Kia Sedona can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 828 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona have?
The 2002-2005 Kia Sedona has 828 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2002-2005 Kia Sedona?
There are 6 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2005 Kia Sedona vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Sedona?
Before buying a used Kia Sedona, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 828 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.