KnownCarProblems2008 Kia Sedona Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 170 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Kia Sedona, most often about the electrical (27% of complaints, typically around 72,500 miles). It is 6th of 19 Sedona model years by number of complaints and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2008 Kia Sedona problems
Electrical
45 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 72,500 miles.
Went with my family to dinner and vehicle worked fine as usual. When we got back into the vehicle after dinner and I started it, I noticed the airbag light on, the A/C was on full blast and interior lights stopped working. Turned vehicle off, waited a minute and tried again with same results. Went home, disconnected…
I have a 2008 Kia Sedona van and have been having problems just recently with the head light bulbs burning out. I have had to replace the driver front head light bulb twice in the last 4 months. After just replacing the last bulb just a little over a month ago, my driver side brake tail light bulb is now out. Is there…
Speed control
38 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
Defective throttle position sensor causes the Sedona van to suddenly and unexpectedly stop with no throttle control. This is a known defect with the manufacturer, however, they will not repair until the sensor fails. This is unacceptable, considering that there is no warning signs, and the car has to be in motion at…
Defective throttle position sensor causes the Sedona van to suddenly and unexpectedly stop with no throttle control. This is a known defect with the manufacturer, however, they will not repair until the sensor fails. This is unacceptable, considering that there is no warning signs, and the car has to be in motion at…
Body and structure
25 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 54,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The passenger rear door will not open with the key fob, only with strength. Have been told the motor is wore out for that particular door. It was just parked, with this trouble to this date. As stated, I have been told that the motor to this door is wore out.
This mini-van has manual sliding doors. Since newly bought, the sliding doors have been difficult to open and close. One problem corrected under warranty eliminated the warning ding when under speed indicating a sliding door was ajar. Another corrected problem was the loose door handles caused in part b the amount of…
Brakes
20 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
As I was approaching an intersection and I started to apply the brakes, the van suddenly accelerated, when I pressed hard on the brake still it wouldn't stop...call Kia Sedona authorized dealer, they said there's no recall. As I researched the internet, I notice that car gurus(which is a car forum) over 33 people had…
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The message "ESC off" was displayed. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the engine had overheated, causing an electrical short and battery failure. The battery was replaced several…
Lights
16 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 82,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.
2008 Kia Sedona headlights keep burning out every 2-4 weeks. I have tried different retail stores to purchase from but does not matter.
Purchased a 2008 Kia Sedona used with a 3yr 36k extended warranty. On the way home I tested to see if the cig lighter worked in the dash. The air bag light illuminated, and the interior lights no longer work. Also the A/C fan in the cabin is now stuck on high when in use. This is an annoyance however the major concern…
Suspension
15 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 88,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
There is a recall on my vehicle for the control arms. I found this out when I did a google search because mine has broken nearly completely in half as I was driving it. I was on a city street and it snapped as I was applying the brakes. After that it was giving me issues turning left and braking. The recall states…
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. While driving various speeds, the contact heard a rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact was unable to tell where the noise originated. An independent mechanic stated that the control arm on the front driver side of the vehicle was loose and spray…
Stability control
15 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles.
2 months while decelerating at red light, acceleration occurred while pressing brake pedal, stopped within a fraction of an inch from car in front of me. Last night while driving 70mph on hwy ESC and check engine lights came on and lost all acceleration function. Car stayed idling but could not regain acceleration.…
Traveling at 85 MPH, cruise control on, "ESC off" light and check engine light illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle decelerated rapidly. Lost ability to accelerate past 20 MPH. Vehicle was stopped and restarted. Accelerator resumed working for however the check engine light illuminated and checked the code it…
Engine
12 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. While driving 70 MPH with the cruise control engaged he pressed on the accelerator pedal, and then the pedal fell completely to the floorboard. While attempting to pull to the side of the road , the vehicle stalled. He was able to restart the vehicle. A technician from the dealer…
Driving down the road and lost all power. We had to pull off the side of the road, turn the van off and wait a few minutes. When we started it back up it ran okay but this happened several times (dates unknown other then aug 7,2014) driving down a busy road and having loss of power could have been very dangerous. It…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Kia Sedona recalls
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: An electrical short within the ABS module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the hecu when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began june 5, 2020. Owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is sc186.
Full defect summary
Kia motors america (kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 sedona and 2007-2009 sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the anti-lock brake (ABS) module and result in an electrical short.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on july 27, 2016. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is sc134.
Full defect summary
Kia motors corporation (kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 kia sedona vehicles manufactured from june 15, 2005, through april 04, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed.
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the front lower control arms on 2006-2007 models. 2008-2012 models will either have their front lower control arms replaced or additional anti-corrosion coating will be applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on july 27, 2016. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is sc133.
Full defect summary
Kia motors corporation (kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 kia sedona vehicles manufactured from june 15, 2005, through august 14, 2012 and originally sold in, or currently registered in alaska, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners and dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on december 20, 2013. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall number is sc100.
Full defect summary
Kia motors corporation (kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 kia sedona vehicles manufactured from june 15, 2005, through august 14, 2012 originally sold in, or currently registered in massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia or the district of columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may break due to corrosion resulting from prolonged exposure to salty environments.
Lights: switch
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'on' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in may 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is sc098.
Full defect summary
Kia motors corporation (kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 rondo, model year 2007-2011 sedona, sorento and sportage, model year 2010-2011 soul, model year 2008-2011 optima, model year 2010 forte, model year 2007-2009 amanti, and model year 2009 borrego vehicles. Originally, in april 2013, kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 rondo and sportage, model year 2007-2011 sorento, model year 2007 sedona, model year 2010-2011 soul, and model year 2011 optima vehicles. In september 2013, kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressi
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 Kia Sedona
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia Sedona?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (45 complaints, typically around 72,500 miles); speed control (38 complaints, typically around 25,000 miles); body and structure (25 complaints, typically around 54,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Kia Sedona have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from February 14, 2020 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Kia Sedona?
- It is 6th of 19 Sedona model years by number of complaints, with 170 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.