Kia Sedona ex problems

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The Kia Carnival (Korean: 기아 카니발) is a minivan manufactured by Kia since 1998. It was marketed globally under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Sedona.

The first generation Carnival was introduced in January 1998, and was marketed in a single, short wheelbase version. Second generation models were marketed (2006–2014) in short and long wheelbase variants. A rebadged variant of the second generation was offered in North America as the Hyundai Entourage (2007–2009). Beginning in 2010, the second generation model received updated equipment, including Kia's corporate Tiger Nose grille, as introduced by its then new design chief, Peter Schreyer. Kia introduced its third generation minivan in 2014, solely in a long wheelbase format. The fourth generation was introduced in 2020, when Kia also began using the Carnival nameplate worldwide.

First generation (KV-II; 1998)

The first generation model was manufactured and marketed differently for specific regions, including under a joint venture in the Chinese market with Dongfeng Yueda Kia, as well as the Naza Ria in Malaysia.

In Indonesia and the Philippines, both Carnival/Sedona names were used. Initially introduced as the Carnival in 2001, from 2003 onwards, it was renamed as the Sedona.

photo of Kia Sedona ex car production

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Kia Sedona ex model years

kia sedona ex 2004 photo
Sedona ex 2004
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kia sedona ex 2003 photo
Sedona ex 2003
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kia sedona ex 2002 photo
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Common Kia Sedona ex problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Kia Sedona EX cars, here is a list of common problems with detailed explanations for each issue:

  1. Front Passenger Occupant Sensor Wiring Harness: Many 2015 to 2018 models have been recalled due to the front passenger occupant sensor wiring harness being prone to breakage. This can cause the airbag light to illuminate on the dashboard and prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying during a front collision.
  2. Combination Switch Malfunction: Some earlier models of the Kia Sedona EX are prone to a malfunction in the combination switch. This issue can cause the right turn signal to illuminate when selecting the left turn signal and, at times, result in the headlights turning off momentarily when using the turn signals.
  3. Power Sliding Door Motor Failure: The power sliding door motors in these minivans are susceptible to premature failure. This can lead to the sliding doors only being operable manually, causing inconvenience to the vehicle's occupants.
  4. Rodent Damage to Electrical Wires: The electrical wires in the Kia Sedona EX, coated with a soy-based material, are prone to being chewed by rodents. This can result in various electrical problems within the vehicle.
  5. Climate Control Module Malfunction: Over time, the climate control module in the Kia Sedona EX is prone to malfunctioning, necessitating replacement to restore proper functionality.
  6. Rear Tailgate Latch Actuator Motor Issues: The rear tailgate latch actuator motor in some of these minivans tends to malfunction prematurely, leading to difficulties in opening and closing the tailgate.
  7. Front Brake Rotor Warping: Front brake rotors in certain Kia Sedona EX models are prone to warping, causing the minivan to shake when braking, which can affect driving comfort and safety.
  8. Front Sway Bar Links Wear: The front sway bar links tend to experience premature wear, resulting in rattling noises while driving on uneven roads or over bumps.
  9. Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear: Front lower control arm bushings are prone to abnormal wear, leading to alignment issues and uneven tire wear, affecting the vehicle's handling and tire longevity.
  10. Alternator Charging Issues: In some Kia Sedona EX minivans, the alternator may stop charging between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, necessitating replacement to ensure proper electrical function in the vehicle.
Kia Sedona ex

What problems does the Kia Sedona have?

As dependable as this minivan is, it can also develop some issues. Unusual startup noises, starting complications, a faulty battery, and a defective A/C clutch assembly are some of the commonly reported problems for the Sedona across different model years.

Is the Kia Sedona reliable?

The 2021 Kia Sedona has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

How many miles will a Kia Sedona last?

There's a good reason why the Sedona has lasted for decades – it combines quality, value, and overall reliability. And that reliability has successfully translated well into the Kia Sedona's lifespan. With that said, a well-maintained Kia Sedona can typically last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles.

Are Kia Sedona expensive to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Kia Sedona is $495, compared to an average of $647 for minivans and $652 for all vehicle models.

Recalls Kia Sedona ex

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Kia Sedona ex.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Kia Sedona ex 2003
  • Report Received Date: 2005-10-05
  • Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER SEATS, THE WIRING UNDER THE FRONT SEATS COULD BE MISROUTED, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH METAL SEAT COMPONENTS.
  • Consequence: THIS CONTACT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION THAT MAY RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE JUNCTION BOX AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RE-ROUTE THE WIRES UNDER THE POWER SEATS, IF NECESSARY, AS WELL AS INSTALL PROTECTIVE SEAMING WELTS AROUND THOSE WIRES TO BETTER INSULATE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
  • Model: Kia Sedona ex 2002
  • Report Received Date: 2005-10-05
  • Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER SEATS, THE WIRING UNDER THE FRONT SEATS COULD BE MISROUTED, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH METAL SEAT COMPONENTS.
  • Consequence: THIS CONTACT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION THAT MAY RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE JUNCTION BOX AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RE-ROUTE THE WIRES UNDER THE POWER SEATS, IF NECESSARY, AS WELL AS INSTALL PROTECTIVE SEAMING WELTS AROUND THOSE WIRES TO BETTER INSULATE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
  • Model: Kia Sedona ex 2004
  • Report Received Date: 2005-10-05
  • Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER SEATS, THE WIRING UNDER THE FRONT SEATS COULD BE MISROUTED, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH METAL SEAT COMPONENTS.
  • Consequence: THIS CONTACT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION THAT MAY RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE JUNCTION BOX AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RE-ROUTE THE WIRES UNDER THE POWER SEATS, IF NECESSARY, AS WELL AS INSTALL PROTECTIVE SEAMING WELTS AROUND THOSE WIRES TO BETTER INSULATE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

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