2004 Kia Sedona Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Kia Sedona, 4% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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.
“Van was making a high-pitched whining sound. Took it in and found that the water pump needed replacement. They tested it and it was still not running properly so they dug a little deeper and found that the coils and wiring needed to be replaced. Got the van back in working condition and less than two days later, the check engine light comes on. Took it back and they said it needed a new catalytic converter. Thanks to laws in the state of california, we cannot replace with an aftermarket ($200); instead we were quoted $1k, and that apparently is on the cheap side. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428693, filed 2011-10, 80,800 miles“Multiple instances where vehicle has been unable to start. Will subsequently turn over for a period of about 5 seconds and finally catches and will run rough. Upon driving the vehicle will run rough, hesitate and stall, mostly at times during a full stop attempting to accelerate to normal driving speed in traffic and through turning. Upon inspection at dealership, no faulty parts found and condition disappears . Upon receipt of vehicle from dealership, problem has continued to plague vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10467191, filed 2012-07, 60,000 miles“While driving 50 MPH vehicle stalled. Vehicle was still driveable. Dealership informed the consumer that there transmission failed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Dealer stated problem was caused by electricl harness. Also having multiple failures with output speed sensor; transmission 3 times; thermostat assembly; power steering leaked; input speed sensor; low ground voltage failed; fuse block problems; cruise control. …”
NHTSA complaint #10103760, filed 2005-02, 1,825 miles“Dt: took Kia, Sedona 2004 4 times to dealer for brake failure. The brakes squeaked a lot, and the problem has not been fixed properly. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer and the problem was fixed. But, then again one could hear a sound on the brakes. Consumer was taken back vehicle to dealer for the 5th time. To see what could be done. Also transmission when in drive around 5 MPH, wanted to stop, then jumped to normal. Also when the car was idling in park or stopping it shook.”
NHTSA complaint #10126821, filed 2005-06, 10,000 miles“They were minor at first, speaker cover, weather stripping, and noise when backing up. Then the other problems came: faulty pilot bearing, clutch, and pressure plate, 4wd light, e brake, power windows, paint coming of vehicle in various places, dome lamp,door lock sensor, gear shifter, windshield molding, air bag light,gas pedal sticking, cup holder. The ones that concern me the most is the vibration that I have at speeds of 65-75 MPH. The whole steering wheel shakes and the vibration can be felt below. I have seen where there are other complaints on this model for this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10163893, filed 2006-07Related 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 2004 Kia Sedona
32 complaintsWheels
32 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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