Research · Minivan - 2WD

2003 Kia SedonaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 200 owner complaints for the 2003 Kia Sedona. Most complaints involve electrical system (38) and engine and engine cooling (28). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
16mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Jul 2005
Owner complaints
200
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Vehicle speed control: cables

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, FREEZING CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE WATER ON THE THROTTLE CABLE TO FREEZE DURING NORMAL OPERATION. RESISTANCE TO MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN OCCUR WHEN THE DRIVER LIFTS THEIR FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL.

Vehicle speed controlReported Jul 20, 2005NHTSA 05V329000

Wheels

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS, MOISTURE CAN ACCUMULATE AROUND THE REAR HUB CAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING.

WheelsReported May 19, 2005NHTSA 05V232000

Vehicle speed control: cables

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, DURING ASSEMBLY, THE THROTTLE CABLE WOULD TWIST ITSELF OUT OF POSITION.

Vehicle speed controlReported Jan 19, 2005NHTSA 05V013000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

200 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2003 – Dec 2022
  1. Electrical system38
  2. Engine and engine cooling28
  3. Air bags27
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic22
  5. Suspension14
  6. Seat belts13
  7. Vehicle speed control13
  8. Seats11
  9. Wheels10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Sedona model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2002250
2003200
2004213
2005185
2006385
2007157
2008170
200948
201032
201165
2012108
201439
2015140
2016297
2017134
201849
201939
202020
202110
Crashes reported
15
Fires reported
28
Injuries reported
29
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

38 reports22 fires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HAD EXPERIENCED A FIRE AND MELTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED SMOKE AND SOOT PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND A BURN HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ROCK RIVER KIA (226 NORTH ALPINE RD. ROCKFORD IL) WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD LATER ALSO EXPERIENCED BURNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2020Electrical system, SeatsFire reportedODI 11339374

Engine and engine cooling

28 reports3 fires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUIDS ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR COOLING PIPES WERE CORRODED AND LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS AND OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 03/30/11”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2011Engine and engine coolingODI 10389788

Air bags

27 reports12 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR FIRE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CUTS ON THE FACE AND ARMS. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED SHRAPNEL IN THE RIGHT EYE WITH BRUISING, ALONG WITH GLASS IN HER FACE AND HAIR. THE FOUR PASSENGERS IN THE REAR SUSTAINED RINGING IN THE EARS. THE AMBULANCE PROVIDED ROUTINE ASSISTANCE, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (CASE NUMBER: 15-1706-00760). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,511.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2017Air bagsODI 10994535
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sedona
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
141816$4,000555
  • Sedona
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    14 city · 18 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Kia Sedona as of Oct 31, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 4694
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2003 Sedona questions

How many recalls does the 2003 Kia Sedona have?

4 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2003 Kia Sedona problems?

Owners filed 200 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (38), engine and engine cooling (28), air bags (27). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2003 Kia Sedona get?

The EPA rates the 2003 Kia Sedona at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026