Kia Sedona (2005 and Earlier)

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Comments

  • jondotjondot Member Posts: 63
    A recent post asked if there was any info about re-setting the air bag.
    The only post I recall is 1345 which indicated dealers would be furnished instructions this past April. Has anyone heard anything about this?
  • alxndrsalxndrs Member Posts: 28
    The air coming from my vents has a VERY musty, mildewy smell. It smells whether it is on A/C or not. Always when first starting then goes away. It is to the point that I now open the windows before starting the vehicle. Has anybody had this problem or have any idea what could be causing it? Had the oil changed recently, if that makes any difference.
  • 2002sedonaex2002sedonaex Member Posts: 2
    The smell is actually a fungus that grows somewhere in your air conditioning system - much like mildew grows on damp tiles. It happens both my acura and the sedona.

    The trick is to turn off your air conditioning ten minutes before your destination but leave the fan on. This will dry off the AC system.

    Or you could go to the dealership - if they charge you more than $10 you're getting ripped off.

    Good luck.
  • couturrcouturr Member Posts: 5
    I have an EX with about 1000 miles. The A/C system seems to generate a lot of noise or whine from the engine when I'm at a stop. If I turn it off, the whining stops. Any recomendations or similar issues?
  • akinlaakinla Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for all the feedback and help

    Just put together a deal.

    An LX with roof rack, cd, and ABS for $20,996 including tax, license etc.

    I tired hard to get the final price down to $20,500 but the guy would budge from this from this price.

    What do you all think.

    Thanks Again
  • jondotjondot Member Posts: 63
    Post 2032 has the answer to this problem. I went to the web site given there:


    http://www.alldata.com/


    printed out the tech service info and handed it to my dealer. He sure 'nuf fixed my loud A/C and the other engine performance problem.

  • jondotjondot Member Posts: 63
    Tha Alldata site got more complex!. Here is the exact page for the Sedona:


    http://www.alldata.com/TSB/71/02711018.html

  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    What's your price before tax, TTL etc.? That's the only way anybody can tell what sort of deal you got.
  • akinlaakinla Member Posts: 7
    The $20,996 was the total cost out the door.

    Before tax and ttl, $19,570 for the car, ABS, CD, roof rack and destination.

    So what do you all think?

    This was my first ever car deal.

    Thanks grandtotal and bluedevil for sounding off.
  • newvan2newvan2 Member Posts: 30
    I posted several posts ago about the stinky a/c. While it is annoying it is still better then the MIL lingering. My dealer who said there are no "tsb's" or recalls on the Sedona, that is until I gave him the tsb numbers. Anyhow, he fixed my WHINY a/c, not the daughter or MIL, and fixed the smell, he said to run recirc all the time that will help eliminate the stagnat water and mold build up. My A/C is blowing ice cubes now. Whatever they did they did really good. It is colder then before.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    I'm not sure I understand what happened here. I thought you started out at $16995 without options or destination. If so then adding $595 for destination and $965 for your options at MSRP I arrive at $18555 not $19570 before taxes etc. What went wrong? Must be just an honest mistake on the part of your dealer. I suggest you go back and get it corrected.
  • akinlaakinla Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the input grandtotal

    Actually it was 17,995 without options and dest. The 16,995 was for a few LX that I really didn't like (ie. strange option packages).

    So from 17,995 you can get to 19,580 before taxes.

    What do you think though, at $20,996 out the door for an LX with CD, ABS, and Roof rack.

    I go to sign tonight.

    What do others think. Should I try to haggle some more?
  • akinlaakinla Member Posts: 7
    Its actually 19097 (options and dest included) before taxes.

    I goofed.
  • alxndrsalxndrs Member Posts: 28
    Thanks, 2002SedonaEx and Newvan2, for the input on the musty smell. Will try both ideas. My MIL wears something that smells wonderful, so I would prefer to have her lingering than the mildew. :)

    Drove 2 hours to the dealer yesterday to have them address the smell, the "lukecool" A/C, a cruise issue, and misaligned rear hatch. Here's what we were told:

    The musty smell must not be there because they couldn't smell it. (AAAARGH!) We had just driven 2 hours, and blew all the smell out. The smell is strongest when it is first started. They said they "checked it out" but the vehicle is too new for a mildew problem, so that can't be it. (Okay, I drove 2 hours just to pretend there was a problem.) They said sometimes water collects on other parts and can get musty smelling, but that is normal. Next, they told us the air was blowing 38F and that is acceptable. My husband looked at the thermometer, and "kindly" told the guy that it actually read 48F and that is UNacceptable. He continued to say that this new freon does not cool as well as the old and ours works fine. The cruise issue is that the cruise drops 2-3 miles when set. Just started this...didn't happen when we first got the van. He said this is also perfectly normal and acceptable. Went to the body shop, he aligned the hatch with the body, but now the latch isn't hitting correctly.

    We weren't exactly pleased. Went to the sales manager and told him we would not be able to give "Excellent" on the JD survey. He talked to service. We are going to take the van back down on Tuesday and leave it until the weekend. They will give us a loaner, probably a Focus (not exactly a soccer mom's dream, but it will have to do.) The service tech said that perhaps if they have it for a couple days, they can take the freon out and put new in to see if that helps. Maybe they will be able to smell the smell if the van sits there overnight. The body shop will try to align both the door and the latch, and touchup the paint that has worn off from the door hitting the bumper.

    I'll try driving it with recirc on and see if that helps. I usually do have that on, but had starting driving without it because of the smell. Didn't want to blow those molds around more than once.

    I told the service tech that I wouldn't have driven 2 hours to bring the van in if these issues were not actually there. (As if spending time at the service department is something I enjoy and just do for its recreational value.) Any suggestions for when we drop this baby off?
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    ...but I'd haggle a little more. Your dealer, bless his heart, is playing with you. Given the only four options available on an LX are the three you are buying and a rear spoiler, exactly what strange option package is he talking about? Effectively he is selling you an LX at nearly full MSRP and allowing you the $1000 rebate that ends 9/3. Edmunds TMV indicates $19370 for an LX with the options you want, and if you then subtract the $1000 rebate you arrive at a target of $18370. It sounds to me like your dealer is using what is known as "bait and switch", that is give you a price on one vehicle but the vehicle you actually want will cost you a lot more. If it's too late and you have signed then put all this out of your mind and enjoy your minivan.
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    '...I'll try driving it with recirc on and see if that helps..."

    That will definitely make it worse. I'm going to go out on a limb here, though, and suggest that no matter how bad it gets, it is not a defect. The dealer will end up charging you for anything they do to "fix" it.

    Your husband seems to know something about HVAC (heating, ventilation and AC), so he knows what is happening to create the smell. The best way to alleviate the issue is to warm up and dry out those air ducts before reaching your destination - especially at the end of the day. Pick the intersection(s) or landmark(s) 1-2 miles from your home where you can live without the A/C, turn it off, turn off recirc, switch to bi-level (feet and dashboard exhaust mode), and open the windows. This will reduce/eliminate the amount of condensation that builds up on the cold interior of the air ducts once the engine is shut off.

    I remember renting a Chevy Monte Carlo in Dallas in June two years ago. It smelled like someone urinated in the car when you turned on the AC. The service rep said he was having that problem with all of those cars when I exchanged it for something I could breath in.

    I relate that only because the problem is not unusual, and can be much worse.... It's possible that there is someone on the maintenance boards that may have some insight into anti-bacterial applications for the duct work - and how it is done and maintained.
  • jlngwrjlngwr Member Posts: 51
    I feel like I definitely paid too much when I bought my LX. I have none of those options you are getting and paid 19K (before destination, taxes, etc). For a mere $500 you are getting so much more. However, I bought my van last year August when it pretty much just came out.
  • alxndrsalxndrs Member Posts: 28
    Thank you for the suggestion. Maybe I need to learn to live without it around town (yikes.) See, I come from Smalltown, USA, and I only drive 5 miles to work and back. So, by the time it begins to cool off inside the van, I'd be 2 miles from home. It's good to hear that it isn't a defect, just an annoyance. Now I feel a little bad about being so upset with the tech.

    So, what is your thought about how cool the air should be coming out of the vent? And do you agree that it is normal to lose speed when setting the cruise?

    Thanks again for the input!
  • newvan2newvan2 Member Posts: 30
    The musty smell on the A/C is a defect. Therefore the TSB. My dealer did the same dance until I gave him the TSB number. Once they fixed this it is also blowing COLD air, beforehand it was blowing lukewarm. If I thought that in the year 2002 a brand new car would need to be driven @10 min without the a/c so it can evaporate the condenstation, I would park it in the dealers lot and walk away. I do believe that an airconditioner is made to evaporate and drain the condensation? Anyhow, IMHO I would not settle. This musty smell has gone away in my EX. I will keep you all posted, I am going to try the recir suggestion since it could not hurt at this point. I normally never use the recirc in the past or other vehicles.
  • alxndrsalxndrs Member Posts: 28
    I checked the alldata site for TSBs, and found these three: Rear Heater - Air Duct Leakage; Engine Performance - Hesitation On Cold Drive Away; Cooling Fan - Noise. My A/C doesn't have a whine that others have talked about. Would this still be the TSB that I should tell them about? Does it address the cooling issue? If not, what is the number you gave your service tech?

    For some reason, (could it be the 2 hour drive?) the musty smell was gone yesterday. Could it be that with all the short hops I make during the day, the water is not having time to evaporate before I park it? Was scheduled to go back to dealer on Tuesday, but think I will reschedule for a later time to see if the smell returns once I get back to work.
  • pete1222pete1222 Member Posts: 10
    Hi,

    This has been a great website for KIA van owners!
    It helped us choose the Sedona over other options.
    Six weeks and 2700 miles into our EX van we've been pretty happy with our decision.
    OK here's "the problem". We just started hearing
    two different sounds.
    1) A "thump-thump-thump" sound which, from what I've read at this site, may be the tires.
    (FYI---We don't have a moon roof).
    And,a much more concerning sound:
    2)From the engine compartment comes a fairly loud "throaty" gurgle! It actually sounds like a diesel engine!! That has occured twice now. Both times while driving around town.
    Any thoughts are much appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Pete & Wendy in NJ
  • pizardpizard Member Posts: 45
    Hi everyone

    I bought my Sedona used in January (was told it was an executive car, but has a Budget Rental Car checkup sheet inside the door - was I lied to or is that who did their service work). Anyway, I have had continual problems with hesitation. I had problems with hesitation from a stopped position and that seems to be fixed now, but I still have problems with hesitation when the engine is downshifting (to pass someone or just accelerate in general). I am going to take it in again to see if they can find the problem. I have had the powertrain control module replaced. Also, it is much more noticeable with the A/C on.

    Just wanted to know if anyone else has experience this and if so, what's your story and is it fixed?

    I did get the TSB number, but I think that might be for the problem that was fixed from the stopped position on hesitation, but I am going to give it to the shop anyways.

    Besides these problems and other problems I had (most of them being due to the van being heavily used before and items being broken or worn), I love this van.

    Thanks,
    Stacey
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    When similar hesitation problems come up on the Villager/Quest boards, the first thing recommended is cleaning the throttle body (some folks have to clean theirs out regularly). If Chevron is available in your area, you may want to switch to their brand (or try some of their Techron gas additive occasionally) and see if that helps at all.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • gwm2gwm2 Member Posts: 6
    To all the users of AllData's TSB website: Is this website worth the price? I'm a new owner of a Sedona EX and while I don't want to miss any repair/recall info., I also don't fully trust any car servicer. Oh, and might I add, I'm kinda' tight with a buck so that's why I question the site's worth.
  • saber86saber86 Member Posts: 128
    I would like to start a new discussion board for new sorento suv. We are shopping for mid size suv and we really don't want to get a ford explorer. It just seems every mother and father is driving a ford explorer. My wife really likes the new sorento from what she has seen on the internet.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    To create a new discussion, you go to the topic list (i.e., click on Vans) and hit Add a Discussion.


    But we already have a Kia Sorento discussion. Enjoy!



    Steve

    Host

    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • firetektoofiretektoo Member Posts: 15
    Fact: EVERYBODY loves that "new car smell", especially the NCS of LEATHER. Well, after over a year of very happy ownership, yours truly wanted to recreate that first feeling and found one of those hanging smelly things in LEATHER fragrance!
    Opened the package and hung it on the gear shifter. Instant sensory pleasure. Happy happy joy joy.

    Then came the dawning of a new day.

    Where the glorious hanging smelly thing had touched the genuine artificial imitation woodgrain, there was now a bubbled and gooey scar.

    So much for bringing back old memories (sigh).
  • saber86saber86 Member Posts: 128
    I did not know there was a discussion board already started for Sorento. I really need to learn my way around here. Thanks again. :)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You're most welcome, Saber86. There's so much stuff on edmunds.com I have trouble finding some of it, and I've been using edmunds for about 4 years now!

    Firetektoo, "new car smell" is a bunch of nasty chemicals outgassing. Lots of those hanging "tree" air fresheners are pure formaldehyde. I think I'll pass :-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    No. You should not see a speed decrease when setting cruise. That said, if it does occur, press the res/acc button twice to add 2 mph to the set speed.

    Since driving habits change over time...you also want to make sure that you are not removing your foot from the gas pedal before selecting set and that the speed you want is constant on mostly flat terrain.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Current offer on Sedona EX with everything except two-tone paint and rear spoiler (MSRP appx $23,735) from the local dealer is $22,200. They claim this is right around their invoice, even though CarPoint and Edmunds both show invoice on this vehicle as $21,095. My parents haven't decided yet whether to buy the Sedona or not. This seems like a decent price, but I think they can do better.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Our Sedona EX sometimes sits idle for 2-3 days. It has always started quickly, so we must not have this faulty power lumbar switch. In normal circumstances, you shouldn't have to worry about leaving your vehicle idle for a week or two. It should start easily. However, with a problem such as this sticking lumbar switch, it's not surprising that the battery is wearing down much quicker than normal. I'd try to drive the vehicle at least every other day for 20+ minutes, to make sure the battery remains charged.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Salesman at local dealer said he heard the '03 Sedona was delayed until November or so. Does anyone know if more 2002 Sedonas are still being shipped to dealers, or is the current stock all that's left of the '02 Sedonas? Pickings in our area seem to be pretty slim.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Was your service experience at a Grand Rapids, Michigan area Kia dealer? If they're giving you a Focus loaner, it must be Keller Kia/Ford. They aren't obligated to give you a loaner, so this is definitely a good sign. However, their inability to resolve some of your issues on the first try is NOT a good sign.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Once set, the cruise on our Sedona EX usually maintains the proper speed for quite a long time. Occasionally, it will sneak up 1 mph, but that’s about it.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    I don't know how the problem can be fixed, but it does not seem normal and I don't think anyone should be forced to live with this situation on a new vehicle. Our Sedona does not appear to do this. If some Sedonas don't do that and some do, then the ones that do definitely have a problem.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    This seems to be a problem in the Lexus RX300 and Escape/Tribute discussions this summer. Check out this post for some ideas:

    wwest "Mazda Tribute/ Ford Escape problems" Aug 8, 2002 1:55pm

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • alxndrsalxndrs Member Posts: 28
    Yes, this was at Keller in GR. I tend to be overly understanding. They were very busy that day. Maybe they couldn't find the problem, or maybe they were just too busy to really look. It hasn't smelled musty all weekend, so either they actually did something, or it just hasn't been as humid, so the problem is not manifesting itself. The tech did try to explain that there wasn't anything that could be done about it, because it was a natural phenomenon. I think we'll just document and try again later. Don't think I'll make the trip down today. Will call them and reschedule. Thanks for all your input.
  • alxndrsalxndrs Member Posts: 28
    Thanks for the lead. It was very informative. Can you explain what you mean by your wife won't shop IKEA because of the "outgassing"? It's off topic, so you can reply to my email if you prefer.
    Thanks!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Lots of furniture is made with various adhesives (particleboard, etc.). All that stuff outgasses (plus new carpets, paint, fabric - the sizing and permanent press used be done with formaldehyde). Some people can be sensitive to it. My wife is bothered by Ikeas, fabric stores and doesn't want her office carpet chemically cleaned, ever!

    Lots of similar glues and materials go into car construction, plus there's all that plastic and vinyl. So we have the windows down a lot when we buy a new one.

    or so I've read on the net :-). Any chemists or environmental consultants want to weigh in, please do.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    The gasses are known as "Volatile Organic Compounds" and can be harmful. There are laws limiting the manufacturer's employees exposure to these gasses, but I'm not aware of much studying done on the consumer side. Some are known carcinogens, so your spouse's sensitivity may be a safety net for both of you.
  • bill124bill124 Member Posts: 246
    I would appreciate hearing from owners about their gas mileage. The 15 mpg for city seems very low and my experience is that actual is virtually certain to be less than the manufacturer estimates.

    Also, any pricing info. in the Long Island or New York City area?

    Many thanks.
  • bill124bill124 Member Posts: 246
    Dealer price was $16,400 for a used Sedona LX with 17K miles. Only 5 year warranty in place of 10. Any ideas on whether this is a good price?
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    The range reported here is 16-24. I would say based upon experience and discussions that 23 highway is a good expectation and 17 in strictly errand driving in city and suburban environments. Sorry, can't help on the NY pricing.
  • alxndrsalxndrs Member Posts: 28
    Thanks for elaborating on the outgassing. And, thanks again for the lead on the A/C issue.
  • 3carseats13carseats1 Member Posts: 16
    My 1995 Camry and my Sedona has the same problem with the mildew. Major auto parts stores sell a product that you can spray into the intake vents and run the fans on high for about 10 minutes and that usually does the trick. Lasts a few weeks. Never had a problem with the smell in a car until I moved to Houston. Humidity or what? Any answers?

    Has anyone had a challenge with the paint? I washed my Sedona yesterday (White) and I noticed that there were several spots of "bird poop" that left a small yellow/orange stain that would not come out with anything. Bug/Tar Remover and good ol' elbow grease didn't help. Does anyone have any suggestions?
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    This may seem obvious, but did you wax it? I have had good luck with Mother's Carnauba in the can for scratches and the like, but not exactly for this issue. It's a mild abrasive during the application phase. Polish until it goes away. BUT! it might tend to seal in the issue if it's unsuccessful.


    I also just checked their site http://www.mothers.com and they have some suggestions on the detail exterior pages- albeit product specific.

  • amyshubbyamyshubby Member Posts: 19
    "Salesman at local dealer said he heard the '03 Sedona was delayed until November or so. Does anyone know if more 2002 Sedonas are still being shipped to dealers, or is the current stock all that's left of the '02 Sedonas? Pickings in our area seem to be pretty slim."

    I've been trying to find out the same info. My local dealer was pretty hush-hush about it. Your post was the first I heard about the delay lasting until November.

    My lease is up January 15th and I'm waiting as long as possible. Of course, the concerns (and there's a lot of them) are that the 2002's will all be gone, Kia wont have the 1,000 cash back for the 2003's, and the dealers wont move as much off invoice as they did on the 2002's.

    I'm going to stop by a different dealership in the area later this week. I'll let you know what they say.
  • amyshubbyamyshubby Member Posts: 19
    Any word on whether Kia is extending the 1k rebate past 9/3?
  • 2002sedonaex2002sedonaex Member Posts: 2
    Have you tried a clay bar?
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