2003 Kia Sedona Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 163 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Kia Sedona, 2% of the 163 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased my 2003 Kia Sedona in november 2005. So far the following have been repaired or replaced: front hub assembly left side once, right side 2x's, the alternator, the wiper motor, two recalls, the battery, now at 65,000 miles the transmission is shot and needs to be replaced and the timing belt has been replaced. However the warranty company says they wont replace it because the cost of the repair exceeds the value of the car. This is simply outrageous. I have brought the car to the dealer for every service needed. Transmission, oil filter ect.”
NHTSA complaint #10221432, filed 2008-03, 66,000 miles“I have numerous complaints on my 2003 Kia sodona. I purchased the vechile in june of 2003, we have since taken the van in to the dealership for a variety of problems. The aircondtioner stop blowing cold air with in the first three months of owning it, this has been fixed. Paint has peeled off the front bumper, seat belt ratcheting system stopped working, engine mount needed replacing, tansmition needed adjusting three times, and the last problem was the vechile would lock when ever and where ever it felt the need to. I locked my self out of the car with my children inside many times. …”
NHTSA complaint #10057077, filed 2004-02“The contact stated while traveling 55-65 MPH the vehicle shakes. The dealership has inspected the vehicle multiple times and replaced the transmission switch once. This attempt did not repair the problem. Updated 05/30/06”
NHTSA complaint #10156612, filed 2006-05, 39,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 10% |
| 2019 | 4 | 10% |
| 2018 | 3 | 6% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 13 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 3% |
| 2014 | 2 | 5% |
| 2012 | 8 | 7% |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 9% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2006 | 24 | 6% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia Sedona
29 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Kia Sedona
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology