Kia Sedona Tires/Wheels
Ok..I had struts replaced and both front tire because of abnormal inside tire wear at 23,000 miles. I was ticked! They did give me a "free" alignment! Yea! Now today 4/16/07 at 31,000 miles my vehicle is in for the 30K service..(strut mounts are being replaced)the tech advisor calls and says my front tires need to be replaced for the same abnormal inside tire wear. I want to know if anyone else is seeing this issue? Outcome? Lemon law? Other boards to post on? Etc..? I have called Kia and opened a "consumer complaint" and have a case number. Please help if you can.
PS. I still have the first set of "abnormal" tires in my garage!
Thanks,
Fonedoc
PS. I still have the first set of "abnormal" tires in my garage!
Thanks,
Fonedoc
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Comments
As both front tires were worn more than the rear, after being rotated a number of times, I decided to use the New spare, and buy a new Kumho from "Pep Boys" for the other tire.
According to Pep Boys, the new Kuhmo was over $90 each, and didn't have any mileage warranty at all!! None!! This was the exact replacement tire that came on the car when new.
Well, I gave up on that idea, and will wait and get 4 new Michlin tires from Sams very soon.
So much for OEM tires on the early Kia Sedonas.
Recently, I had the strut mounting replaced under warranty per the tech service bulletin, and they did another alignment, as required in the TSB, and actually had them credit me for the alignment done months ago. This was done during 30K service. Which was WAY overpriced!
Boxwernch
My first post.
Just bought a used 2004 KIA Sedona EX on 08/14. 27,800 miles. The Dealer (Hyundai with a sister KIA franchise) put 4 new Firestone 215/70R15 on. I thought they were undersized for a 4800 lb van (GVW almost 6,000), but that's what the owners manual calls for.
Two days later, a family emergency required my wife, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and grandson to go to Tampa Fla. I made sure the Firestones were inflated to 35 psi cold, topped off all fluids, and packed them in the KIA. I gave my wife (who has never driven a mini-van) specific instructions, including keeping the max speed below 70, keeping a gas mileage log, and NOT allowing my son (high speed and road rage) to drive.
Well, she let him drive--and he did 85 mph the whole way, with heavy acceleration, high speed turns, and last minute braking. The KIA made it down there and (almost) back with no problems.
Just 50 miles from home, the new Firestone on the rear passenger side blew out the sidewall. They put on the spare & came home.
I looked at the tire. Hole in the sidewall. But what caught my eye was the load rating---1620 lbs AT 44 PSI!!
So what is the load rating at 35 psi? It seems that following KIA's 35 psi requirement will result in an underinflated and overloaded tire.
Going back to the dealer to get these Firestones replaced. Any suggestions on which tire? Also, can I go to a 215/75R15, or a 225/70R15 on the Sedona?
Thanks,
AlbanyBill
p.s. --- gas mileage only 16 mpg. I was concerned until I got in and noticed that the overdrive WAS OFF!! My wife confirmed that the "O/D OFF" light was on the whole way!
NEVER LETTING ANYONE DRIVE MY VAN AGAIN!!!
Look again. I'll bet it says: Max Load 1620 pounds. Max inflation pressure 44 psi. These 2 items are not connected!
FYI, the maximum load for a P215/70R15 is 1620 # and it occurs at 35 psi. The 44 psi figure is an allowable usage pressure, but there is no increase in load carrying capacity as a result of the increased pressure.
As far as the sidewall blowout - I'll bet you will find a puncture somewhere in the tire. Tires don't like to run without pressure and one of they ways they fail when the pressure is too low is by the sidewall rubbing against itself. There should be some rubber dust if this is the case.
I didn't know that.
Seriously, in 37 years of driving, I thought the max load came only at max pressure. Learn something every day.
The dealer called today. He will look at the tire when I bring it in for the 30K. The spare looks like an OEM. It's also marked 1620 lbs. 44 psi. I've got all at 35 now.
But I still think the 215/70R15 is marginal for a 6000 lb GVW. Can I go up one size (215/75 or 225/70) without problems?
Thanks,
AlbanyBill
Not sure what model Firestone tire you have on your van, but I just recently purchased new tires for my '04 Sedona EX, at Sams and I wanted Michelin X tires. The original Kuhmo tires were almost gone at 32K. I never had a lot of faith in the Korean made tires, although I had NO trouble to date. After making the deal, and they went to put them on, I was told that it was not the right tire for the Sedona. I then purchased Michelin Aqua-Tread tires (at $10 more per tire) which had to be ordered as no 215/70R15 were in stock. I equate the tires for the Sedona like tires in the past that were designated "Extra Load" tires, capable of higher pressure.
That said, I love the Michelin Aqua-Tread tires with a 90k warranty!! Supposedly- no Hydroplaning on water, and they ride so smooth & quiet! I think I paid $114 each before a $60 instant rebate on 4 tires. You will notice that most tires are rated at 35 psi. Probably the higher rating required for the Sedona tires is because it is a smaller tire and there wasn't room for a larger tire when they designed the front clearance for the weight of the vehicle. Personally, the larger the tire, the more expensive the replacements are likely to be.
Your Firestone tire probably had a problem, and thus the sidewall problem.
Boxwrench
Thanks,
Simon
The bolt pattern is 6x5.5"
the offset is high (about +40mm stock)
the center bore is a little less then 3 3/4 inch (or 95.3mm)
Basically it's unique to our vans but some aftermarket wheels will fit, and some GM wheels can be made to fit by having the center bore machined. I have yet to find a Toyota, or Nissan wheel with enough positive offset, most are only +20mm.
The tire company knows the tire better than the auto manufacturer, so follow the tire.
Thanks,
tom
thanks!
Steve, visiting host
The Sedona is a "bargain buy" for all who are considering an Asian-built minivan (e.g. Toyota, Honda, etc) with one exception. I believe the suspension is not as firm as it could be and am considering some changes to match the integrity of the Toyota or Honda.
Proposed Changes:
- Installation of an Adjustable Air Shock system
- Installation of the largest tire possible on the stock EX-rim 245x60x17
Even at a total expense of $1,500, that kind of investment in my Kia-Sedona-EX will raise my total stake to $16k. Query, does anyone have additional context about the suspension that might dissuade me from making these changes.
So, would you recommend all of the following?
1) Performance struts/shocks
2) Sway bar/Strut bar
3) Adjustable Air Shocks
Or, just the first two of the three...
Thanks for your feedback.
I would only do bags in the rear if your planning on putting a ton of weight in the van, it is really what they are made for.
Otherwise, high performance shocks and / or struts should be good. You could do springs but unless you going to take the minivan to the track I honestly think springs is a little much.
Don't forget, if you go to a 17" rim, although better traction, your tire wear increases significantly.
The Goodyears rode nice when new, but quickly turned into harsh ride and the sidewall is very soft. Both the Yokohama and Dunlop seem to have a stiffer side wall according to the description.
I'd appreciate any comments on these tires, or suggestion for tires. :shades:
Thanks.
Go to www.tirerack.com, put in your year/make/model and then select best sellers and customer reviews.
Does anyone know what the rim size and bolt pattern is for a 2007 Sedona EX? My tire size is 235/60/R17.
Thanks.
Van has 65,000 miles, the stock Hankook were crap, 1 blew out, and the other had sidewall cracking...
I have the 2006 Sedona EX and have a very good solution for you. After studying several options, excluding heavy duty shocks (because Kia is the sole source of their struts and shocks), I found a product that truckers use to stabilize the back of their trucks for pulling trailers. It is called the Timbren SES
Copy and paste this website to get a sense of it link title
I had a local Midas dealer order and install them for me. The Midas guy ripped me off on labor charges, but since he had helped me find this solution, I didn't get too agitated.
The timbren application essentially buffers the car, preventing it from sagging below a certain height. When I first got the install, I noticed a significant improvement in the overall stability of the vehicle and that bore out on the highways as well. Now, if I could only find heavy duty shocks for that thing, I think I'd be over any angst about getting a 4x4, for stability sake.
Best of luck