2003 Kia Sedona EX Problems
- Complaints
- 34filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 28 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Kia Sedona EX (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2003 Kia Sedona EX. The part named most often is electrical system, with 9 complaints (26% of the total), followed by engine cooling (7) and brakes (5). 28 of the complaints include a mileage, and 43% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system9 26%
- Engine cooling7 21%
- Brakes5 15%
- Steering5 15%
- Body and structure5 15%
- Suspension3 8.8%
- Wheels3 8.8%
- Air bags2 5.9%
- Engine2 5.9%
Also reported: Equipment (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Seats (2), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I had my sedona 2003, the power seat recall was made 4 months before the accident(fire start above fuse box), the dealer is not telling me the true about it, because there have not been any inspectors from Kia motors coming down to inspect this minivan. There have been more than 6 months an they have not been able to start working one it or a simple as telling me why this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10181394, filed 2007-02, 24,500 milesEngine cooling: “The icv valve clip in my 2003 Kia sedona came loose and damaged the engine. Kia recalled the same clip in all sorentos from 2003-2005. My vehicle as less than 70,000 miles. The engine made a loud noise and stalled as I was driving. Luckily I was able to pull over and not cause an accident. Kia does not believe this is a serious issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10342082, filed 2010-07, 67,000 milesBrakes: “Brake rotors warping every year since purchasing this minivan in 10/03 I have had to have my rotors changed every year due to warping the van has only 43,000 miles on it it to much already all parts were Kia oem parts purchase at a dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10234287, filed 2008-07, 43,000 milesSteering: “Vehicle was performing normally until a right hand turn was attempted at a street intersection at which time the steering wheel jammed at approximately the two o'clock position. It took all of my strength to get the wheel to turn past this position. Once accomplished I again had the same difficulty returning to the twelve o'clock position. This situation caused the vehicle to drift into the opposite traffic lane. Fortunately the lane had no oncoming traffic. The problem continued but I was able to get the vehicle to my mechanic's shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10223110, filed 2008-04, 67,132 milesMileage when problems were reported
43% of the 28 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,500 and 79,100 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V463000Oct 5, 2005SeatsCovers: Kia Sedona EX 2002–2004
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with power seats, the wiring under the front seats could be misrouted, allowing contact with metal seat components.
Recall details for the 2003 Kia Sedona EX → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Exterior lighting, Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Exterior lighting, Brakes. Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia models.
Other model years of the Kia Sedona EX
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 37 | 72,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 34 | 60,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 50 | 83,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Kia Sedona EX model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Kia Sedona EX have?
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 2003 Kia Sedona EX as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Kia Sedona EX is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 9 complaints (26% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 7.
Has the 2003 Kia Sedona EX been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Kia Sedona EX reported?
Among the 28 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 24,500 and 79,100 miles; 43% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.