Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2003 Kia Sedona recalls
Vehicle speed control: cables
NHTSA campaign 05V329000 · reported July 20, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 118,447 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This can cause the cable to stick, thus preventing the engine from returning to idle and causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate. Such an event can occur without warning and could cause a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will modify a protective sleeve around the throttle cable. The recall began on august 15, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Wheels
NHTSA campaign 05V232000 · reported May 19, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 37,358 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain mini vans equipped with alloy wheels, moisture can accumulate around the rear hub caps causing damage to the outer wheel bearing.
- The risk
- Wheel bearing failure may occur without warning which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the rear hub caps free of charge. Upon inspection, some vehicles will also require replacement of the rear outer bearings and/or hub assembly. The recall began on june 13, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Vehicle speed control: cables
NHTSA campaign 05V013000 · reported January 19, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 89,238 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain mini vans, during assembly, the throttle cable would twist itself out of position.
- The risk
- This can permit the cable to be hung up, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the throttle cable free of charge. Vehicles produced from march 20, 2001 through november 7, 2001 will have a guide clip installed on the throttle body assembly in order to ensure that the tension force cable does not move out of position. Vehicles manufactured beginning on november 8, 2001, already have the extended guide, which accomplishes the same objective. The recall began march 21, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Service brakes, air: antilock, control unit/module
NHTSA campaign 03V158000 · reported April 25, 2003 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 3,375 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, there was a programming error in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) electronic control module logic. The programming error could cause reduced braking force at speeds below 25 mph, which could result in increased stopping distances.
- The risk
- Such increased stopping distances could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will reprogram the control module. Owner notification began may 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Dec 10, 2022 · Engine · fire reported
My Sedona keeps catching on fire not sure why but now if I get it up to temperature it automatically catches on fire I'm going into my second fire extinguishe
Jun 1, 2021 · Steering · 113,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over and left the vehicle. The contact returned 2 days later and drove the vehicle home. The contact stated that the check engine, brakes and air bag warning lights were…
Jul 14, 2020 · Seats · fire reported
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…
May 8, 2020 · Electrical system · 200,000 miles · fire reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 KIA SEDONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE DESIRED GEAR WITH SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED THE VEHICLE, AND UPON OPENING THE HOOD SAW FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE…
Aug 22, 2018 · Service brakes · 115,800 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED HALFWAY DOWN WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SWERVED ONTO THE SIDEWALK AND STOPPED 30 YARDS IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC COMPUTER BRAKING MODULE DID…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 10, 2022.