2004 Kia Sedona EX Problems
- Complaints
- 37filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles, 33 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 2004 Kia Sedona EX (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2004 Kia Sedona EX. The part named most often is steering, with 11 complaints (30% of the total), followed by brakes (7) and electrical system (5). 33 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
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.
- Steering11 30%
- Brakes7 19%
- Electrical system5 14%
- Engine cooling4 11%
- Wheels4 11%
- Suspension3 8.1%
- Tires3 8.1%
- Exterior lighting2 5.4%
Also reported: Seats (2), Air bags (1), Engine (1), Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “We were hearing a grinding type noise when we were making a turn so we took our vehicle in to the dealership. They diagnosed it as a bad rack and pinion and are replacing it. I have been told by numerous people that this is not something that should be going out at 70,000 miles. As of right now, Kia will not replace it for us.”
NHTSA complaint #10303652, filed 2010-02, 72,000 milesBrakes: “I have been going to Kia for years complaining of a strange intermittent groaning sound coming from the brakes at low speed stops. It would never make noise at the dealer and would only make the noise sometimes. Never for the same reason. It was very random. This time I was driving for several hours ( city traffic) where I began to hear the sound. After about 20 minutes or so I smelled rubber or tar. Thought it was from the street repaving but when we passed the construction I could still smell it. The car began to drive as though the transmission was not working properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10535679, filed 2013-08, 76,000 milesElectrical system: “To whom this may concern: we are a family of 6 and on july 21st our 2004 Kia Sedona Ex caught on fire. We had just driven it 2 hours before with no indications of a fire. We heard a blaring horn and looked out the window to see the neighbor running across the street. We stepped out of the house to find our van in flames coming from the driver side. The windows were all up and we watched the fire die down and smoke fill the air. The police and fire department came and took pictures and made a report. …”
NHTSA complaint #10278783, filed 2009-07, 61,100 milesEngine cooling: “The contact owns a 2004 Kia Sedona Ex. While driving 35 MPH, the temperature gauge began to rise on the instrument panel. The contact checked the engine and noticed that the coolant receptacle was empty. She added coolant, but the vehicle continued to overheat. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the radiator was flushed. However, the vehicle continued to overheat. The contact took the vehicle to a service shop where it was found that the coolant line was rotted and corroded. The plastic case was also corroded. The manufacturer stated that they will pay for the parts, not the labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10196704, filed 2007-07, 61,485 milesMileage when problems were reported
24% of the 33 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 96,249 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 2004 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. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Body and structure, Exterior lighting. 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…
- 10041265Jun 1, 2011Electrical system. Kia motors: installing an additional ground cable to the battery may cause sensor problems.
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Brakes, Exterior lighting. 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 2004 Kia Sedona EX have?
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2004 Kia Sedona EX as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Kia Sedona EX is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 11 complaints (30% of the total), followed by brakes with 7.
Has the 2004 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 2004 Kia Sedona EX reported?
Among the 33 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 96,249 miles; 24% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.