10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,911 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Kia Sedona engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Kia Sedona Owner Comments

problem #8

Sep 202005

Sedona 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,876 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer belts squeal, slidding door drags, pulley was replaced at 7744 miles. ** answer required*** the pulley and belt have been replaced 10 times. The alternator seized while the vehicle was being driven. The A/C fan made loud noises. The sliding door dragged. The emergency brake would not hold, the dealer adjusted it three times then finally replaced. An internal short in the fuse clock caused the vehicle not to start. The vehicle stalled intermittenlty but the dealer was unable to duplicate the stalling. The power windows would stick and make noise, the dealer lubed it and replaced the regulator. The rear hatch rusted around handle and had to be repaired/refinished twice. The exhaust manifold racked. Oil leaked from oil filter. The front and rear wipers failed. The sliding door handle broke. The dash lights illuminated due to broken bad switch contacts. The rotors warped. The A/C was blowing when it wasn't on and sometimes it blew out warm air. The rear seat arm rest will not stay down. The threshold on the left side is cracked.

- Monessen, PA, USA

problem #7

Jan 122005

Sedona 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles
One of the main concerns/failure is a front end bobbling noise when driving on uneven pavement. The dealer states they know of the problem but they don't know how to fix it. Originally they replaced the front struts and 2 engine mounts as these were cracked. The noise is still there and my dealer is at a loss on how to fix it. Kia-forums.com under Kia Sedona front struts is a forum devoted to people who are having this front end bobbling noise. There are about 5000 hits on this forum and each one of the car owners has been told Kia knows of the problem but they don't know how to fix it. This problem is happening on all Sedonas from 2001 to present.

- Burbank, CA, USA

problem #6

Apr 212005

Sedona 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving, the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably without warning. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle. Then stall. The driver tried to restart, but was unable to start. The vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the problem can not be duplicate at this time. Please provide additional information.

- Longview, TX, USA

problem #5

Sep 252004

Sedona 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Our Kia Sedona's engine has been dying when coming to a stop for about 6 months. Kia tried on 8-5-04 to fix and was told it needed new spark plugs. Replaced the plugs. Three weeks later on 9-11-04 van engine dyed again when coming to a stop. Keeped a log of this. On 9-25-04 while driving 70 mph on the interstate, the engine again dyed while in the passing lane. Finally got a check engine light. Had to wait three days to get van into Kia, light went out by then. Kia dealership said it has a transmission error code but can't pinpoint the defect to fix. Kia kept the van a week trying to get engine light to reappear in vain. So I now have a van that could stopped running at anytime and place. Not very reassuring or safe. We are very upset and Kia Corp refuses to do anything to remedy the situation.

- Deforest, WI, USA

problem #4

Dec 292002

Sedona 6-cyl

  • 1,000 miles
Vehicle stalled due to an electrical component shorting out the battery. The battery was replaced 4 times and alternator was replaced once. Also, the engine light came on while driving. Dealership replaced the entire motor. Vehicle burned excessive fuel under normal driving condition. The above repairs only provided a temporary solution for the problems.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #3

Jan 012003

Sedona 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
My 2002 Kia Sedona has experienced multiple problems since I bought it in March, 2002. Major electrical problems, battery replacement, sliding door failing to close, engine noise, air conditioner problems. Have contacted manufacturer and dealer. Some issues resolved - - others unable to be diagnosed or replicated. Fear that engine, electrical system is still not working properly and will fail and cause an accident.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #2

May 302003

Sedona 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,800 miles
From 2nd week we complained of engine noise. Each time no problem was found. Few months later ck engine came on. A spark plug was replaced. 1 month later ck engine light on again. New fuel injector. 2 days later ck engine light again. Needed new motor at 3800 miles. 1 week later caught on fire in our garage. Kia regional management chris butler said they would repair damages from fire but had no concern that our 6 month old van with only 3800 miles already had the motor replace and caught on fire. His advise don't park in the garage anymore so we won't have to worry about it burning down our house. Ironic that we choose this van because we thought it would be easier and safer for our kids. Now I fear our families safety everyday because we have it.

- Henderson, NV, USA

problem #1

Mar 032003

Sedona 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,611 miles
The mini-van started with a simple oil leak that developed into a cracked oil filter housing on the engine to then 3 burned out coils and two check engine lights all within 30 days. Car still in shop. Eb.

- New Haven, MI, USA

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