NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 213 owner complaints for the 2004 Kia Sedona. Most complaints involve wheels (36) and service brakes, hydraulic (34). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
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.
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH ALLOY WHEELS, MOISTURE CAN ACCUMULATE AROUND THE REAR HUB CAPS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sedona model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 250 |
| 2003 | 200 |
| 2004 | 213 |
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 385 |
| 2007 | 157 |
| 2008 | 170 |
| 2009 | 48 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2012 | 108 |
| 2014 | 39 |
| 2015 | 140 |
| 2016 | 297 |
| 2017 | 134 |
| 2018 | 49 |
| 2019 | 39 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 10 |
“I HAVE A 2004 KIA SENDONA LX VAN AND THE WHEEL BARRINGS ARE BAD I FIXED IT ONCE ALREADY A MONTH AGO AND IT IS ALREADY BROKEN AGAIN BOTH TIMES IT COMPLETELY FELL APART IN TO LITTLE PEICES WHEN I TOOK THE WHEEL OFF.”
“WHILE DRIVING TODAY, I NOTICED A WHINING NOISE, WITH A SLIGHT GRINDING NOISE TO IT AS WELL. INITIALLY THINKING IT WAS THE BRAKES, I LISTENED CLOSER AND REALIZED IT WAS NOT HAPPENING WHEN BRAKING BUT RATHER SEEMED TO BE HAPPENING WHEN TURNING, PRIMARILY DURING ACCELERATION. SOON AFTER THE TURN AS I STEADIED SPEED, THE NOISE WOULD DECREASE OR DISAPPEAR. AFTER THE FIRST FEW TIMES MAKING TURNS HOWEVER, IN ADDITION TO THE NOISE THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO BECAME VERY STIFF AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. IT PROGRESSED SO SUDDENLY AND SEVERELY THAT I WAS WORRIED I MAY NOT MAKE IT HOME WITHOUT CRASHING. THIS ALL HAPPENED DURING A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES OF DRIVING IN TOWN. SINCE RETURNING HOME I BEGAN TO INVESTIGATE WHAT THE LIKELY CULPRIT MAY BE, AND NOW BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT IT IS THE UNIVERSAL JOINT; A PROBLEM THAT HAS CLEARLY EFFECTED ENOUGH KIA SEDONA OWNERS THAT I FIND THE LACK OF RECALL QUITE MADDENING AND A BIT CONFOUNDING. WITH TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE VAN AT THE TIME, IT IS PLAIN TO SEE HOW POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS THIS PROBLEM IS, AND I AM JUST GRATEFUL THAT THERE WAS SO LITTLE TRAFFIC AT THE TIME; HAD IT BEEN A BUSIER TIME OF DAY OR MORE HEAVILY…”
“POWER STEERING MAKES WHINING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL, POWER STEER FLUID LOW IN CANISTER DUE TO LEAKS. HARD TO TURN TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING. DON'T KNOW IF BELTS AFFECTED I HEAR A HUMMING SOUND. DON'T KNOW IF THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS WORKING PROPERLY. CONSTANTLY ADDING FLUID TO THE CANISTER.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedona Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 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.
Owners filed 213 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are wheels (36), service brakes, hydraulic (34), steering (33). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Kia Sedona at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).