Kia Sedona (2005 and Earlier)

cwoferg

Good info on the windshield. That sounds like mine, only not quite so loud. Just sounded like I stepped on a twig.
As for the timing belt, I am only at 28500 miles, so I haven't gotten there yet.

smulvey

I have seen man reports of people having glass crack on Sedonas.

Mine is a 2002 and has 40,000 miles with no
major problems.

I am noticing funny sounds from things under the hood.

I think the power steering fluid needs to be changed or something.

cwoferg

When in doubt, turn it in to the dealer and explain the problem in as much detail as possible. One thing I have noticed about Kia is that they do try to make you happy by finding the problems and they are not affraid to replace things. Give it a shot and keep the paperwork.

navyair

Anyone have experience with the block heater listed in Sedona parts catalog? Cost?

Moving to Minnesota soon. After my 6 degrees F and tons of snow in March house hunting trip, I'm convinced I probably need to install either an OEM or aftermarket block or oil heater.

Also, anybody have experience using aftermarket steel wheels? I've seen what the salt does to alloys on my father-in-law's Chrysler. Considering getting some steel wheels/snow tires for winter use on the van.

Thanks, gang. Just went over 21k on my 2003. Only problems to date have been burned out hatch bulb, and the consistantly noisy air conditioning. Tires wearing well, and remain great in water and snow.

Stay safe.

minivanfrank

Navyair - from Virginia to Minnesota...BRRRR!!! On the plus side, you will not have to worry about the noisy air conditing as much as before :-)
Well, it looks like your hitch from e-hitch.com will come in handy!!! Good luck with the move!!!

lovingmysedona

I just bought a 2004 Sedona EX with sunroof, and I'm wondering if anyone out there can give me advice on the DVD player installation. I had the choice of ceiling-mounted unit (behind the sunroof), or system under the driver's seat with screens in the back of the 2 front headrests. I orignally wanted the headrest system, but my hubby talked me into the ceiling mounted while we were at the dealer (b/c the 3rd row passengers couldn't see the headrest screens). Right before we left one of the Kia employees said something about how we made the right decision, just have to lean the 2nd row seats back so they can see the screen (since it's mounted behind the sunroof). SO~ Now of course I'm freaking out b/c I certainly don't want to recline the seats my children will be in while we're driving (for safety reasons). We didnt see a sunroof Sedona with the flip-down DVD system, so I'm not sure exactly how close the screen will be to the 2nd row passengers' faces. They haven't installed it yet, so I'm sure I could pay the $200 difference cash and opt for the headrest screens if I wanted to. Any advice? Anyone have a sunroof and the flip-down? Do you really have to recline the 2nd row seats to see it? Or is it sufficient to just scoot them as far back as they will scoot? Thank you in advance for your time.

Lori
stampinlori@hotmail.com

lovingmysedona

P.S. They're calling me tomorrow to schedule the install, so if you have any ideas please send me a quick email.

Thank you very much, your advice is MUCH appreciated!

Lori
stampinlori@hotmail.com

stever

You may want to browse DVD/Entertainment Systems for general comments about placement while waiting for responses in here.

Congrats on the new Sedona!

Steve, Host

hoyahenry

LMS,

We have a portable DVD unit. I bought a Caselogic case to keep everything together.

We put the case with the player in it on the fold up tray between the driver and pasenger seats. Opening the flap that seals the DVD player compartment in the case, I fold down this open flap next to the driver seat toward the floor.

There's a strap to hold the DVD player in the case and I secure the player to the case with the screen open. I then disconnect the shoulder strap on the case and clip it to one of the middle row seat belt attachments. This prevents the unit from flying forward during harsh/sudden stops.

I don't know if rear-most seat passengers can really see it, but that's not much of an issue for us. More importantly, other cars can't view as we drive along.

The best part is that I can pack it up and take it on a plane, into a hotel, etc, etc, etc.

I don't know what the built-in unit you are buying will cost installed, but I wonder if you could by four portable units for the cost of the built-in and enjoy the added convenience? And there are enough outlets in the van to power all of them at the same time.

Just .02.

alamid69

We bought a 9 inch TV/DVD combo for around $250 (not the one with LCD screen). Then bought a casing for it for around $90. The unit fits exactly between the two front seats. We also use it as a kitchen TV, well, most of the time to say the least.

cwoferg

We got the Audiovox Video in a Bag DVD/VCR combo and an extra screen. The bag hangs between the front two seats. The screens strap to the headrests. One kid can watch VHS, the other DVD, or we can bring alond a PS2 and/or XBox and they both can do whatever they want. Of course you need a power inverter for the PS2 or Xbox, but they are inexpensive and the Sedona has plenty of 12V jacks. One of the best things we ever bought for the van.

alamid69

Any update on your Sedona?

cwoferg

No. Still awaiting first contact. It has only been 20 days and they have 30 days by law. Usually they will offer tech support and $2-3K, then two weeks later, they offer the buy-back option I am waiting for. My lemon law lawyer said Kia is really good about buy-backs as long as it is legitimate. I have only once brought it in where I could not replicate the problem. Brought it in the second time and boom... Fixed. Still having problems after the third transmission. Getting a "hang-shift" between 1st and 2nd. My wife said it slipped on her today at take-off. And an occasional chatter between 4th and 5th. Might be the torque converter, which is like a centrifugal force clutch, and not the gearing. We will see. For those looking on this site for the first time, I have a first-production run 2002 Kia Sedona EX. All of the problems I am having have been addressed in the 2003 and newer. Everyone I know with one loves them and has had no problems. I just got a lemon. The warranty is outstanding and their way of doing business is replace the part, which is greatly. They don't put a "band-aid on a broken arm" like some other manufacturers do. They are good vehicles feature for feature, just keep your repair orders if you have problems. Good luck and I will keep you posted.

navyair

CWOFerg-

Congrats on keeping a winning attitude. Have seen a lot of posts condeming the whole product line for one lemon vehicle.

Hope this gets resolved quickly in your favor.

bnhbucks

Hey everyone,

It has been awhile since I've been on with you - just busy. I am going into round two of rust on my Sedona. The fix that was done last year to repaint the door was just a band-aid - for it is rusting in the same exact same places - around the chrome bar on the rear hatch (both right and left sides) and right underneath where the lights for the license plate are. I am very disappointed with this rust problem.

Apart from that I am very pleased with this van - it runs extremely well and is very smooth. I must admit, though, I am not excited about these higher gas prices with the way the Sedona eats gas.

DVD - I am just using my laptop computer and plugging in some external speakers. It should work well.

cwoferg

Thanks for the kind words. No need bashing a perfectly good minivan like the Sedona as a whole. Every manufacturer has a bad apple now and then, just check any board on this site. Look how many Sedonas are on the road versus how many are bad. You will be surprised. One good thing about Kia historically, according to my lemon law lawyer, is that they take responsibility for their vehicles and buy them back when proven it is a bad vehicle. They do take care of their customers (as evidenced by their latest offer). No complaints there. The only person I can really blame is myself for not being patient enough to wait for the later run. Overall, I still do love the Sedona, and will miss it when it is gone. It is very quick for a minivan, it tows great, accomodates the kids great, handles really good (except for u-turns, the turning radius leaves something to be desired), is very well appointeed with features, and rides really smooth and quiet (I have the EX). But it is time for me to move on. And again, I RECOMMEND IT.

kiamom

Hello,

We have an 02 Sedona with 27,000 miles. Started hearing a very loud squell (sp?). Took it to the dealer, of course they couldn't hear it. Took it back several days later and they diagnosed a serpentine belt problem. We were told it has to be replaced and is NOT covered under warranty. It will cost 100.00 to replace.

Has anyone experienced the same problem at such low miles? Did it cost as much as we were quoted or did you get it covered under warranty?

Thanks.

Cindy

bluedevils

Not sure about Sedona, as our 2002 EX has made no strange engine noises so far through 33,000 miles. But on most vehicles, serpentine belt does not last forever and needs occasional replacement. As such, it would be considered a 'wear item' along with other things such as brake pads, oil, air filter, etc. 27k miles sounds early to need replacement. You might ask the dealer if the belt actually is visibly worn, or if they just think it needs replacement based on the noise. Our other vehicle is a 1998 Isuzu Trooper with 101k miles. We've replaced the serpentine belt only once - around 70k miles. Repair costs vary by brand, model, and dealer/shop, but $100 sounds too high. Serpentine belt is usually a very quick job. Many handy folks (not me!) do this one themselves. You might ask your dealer if it takes longer on Sedona due to the engine design (belt hard to access, etc.), or the part is just expensive for the dealer to buy from Kia, etc.

Check your owners manual for the recommended change interval. I haven't done that.

grandtotal

Spy shot of 2006 Sedona.

stever

Oh boy, another long wheel base minivan that won't fit in my garage <g>. At least the SWB one will be available (maybe....).

Might be a good one to post over in Kia Owners: Future Models too.

Steve, Host

hoyahenry

I could definitely see flipping an 02 for an 06. Will be interesting to watch.

bluedevils

How far Kia has come - people are actually snapping, and respectable sources discussing, spy shots of Kias! Amazing. I'm sure this news doesn't exactly leave Honda and Toyota shaking in their boots, but offering long- and short-wheelbase options would allow Kia a shot at grabbing more minivan market share with Sedona.

hoyahenry

Well, T and H may not be worried, but they don't have swb/lwb options, do they? No, it looks to me like Kia is taking direct aim at the Dodge and Chevy minivan consumer - a big part of the market - though I haven't checked the numbers lately on total sales. That said, I saw the T&C advertsied last night, starting at $20.5, $35.7 as shown.

Wheew!!! If Kia keeps the number of standard features/content high and the number of options low across trim levels they should compete quite well at the price points they've been targeting.

hansienna

And apparently Sedona sales have experienced a continual increase since introduction. The low prices of the Kia Sedona help keep Honda and Toyota honest with their Odyssey and Sienna.
     Kia pricing has also had an effect on DC since 2005 DC minivans have an MSRP of about $3000 less than comparable 2004 models.

cwoferg

Well, Kia has done it! They proved me right by proving that they are a stand-up company. They are taking responsibility for the vehicle and buying it back. I will know the amount of the settlement tomorrow, but please do not ask how much as I prefer to keep that to myself. I am ordering a different vehicle to replace it, but again, I want you all to know that I still endorse the Kia Sedona, 2003 and newer. It is just time for me to move on. Wish me luck.

hoyahenry

While I have no idea what the answer may be, and I certainly would not want to gloss over the unfortunate circumstances that created this result, but how many other forums have a post like that?

alamid69

Good for you. Goodluck on your next car.

cwoferg

What do you mean? That good of a post? Or that bad of a post? I think I am being more than fair towards Kia. I love the Sedona in general, just got a bad apple. If you care, go over to the Sedona Probelms board and read what has gone wrong with it. Keep in mind that I posted those a while ago. Since then, I got another transmission put in and it is back with shift-point problems again. I think they are frustrated with it as well. AND STILL... ... I recommend the vehicle because I have spoken to countless people who have not had a WINK of problems with theirs.

cwoferg

Thanks for the kind words. I am probably going to order an 04 Durango between today and this weekend. I will make sure I get a second production run by custom ordering it. I learned my lesson the last time! But the Durango board is quiet on problems for the Hemi and loud on compliments. Good luck with your Sedona, I hope it treats you well.

navyair

Best of luck with the Durango. Nice looking vehicle. I've owned a couple of Chrysler products and am getting a used Cirrus for a commuter car in the Twin Cities. (Low mileage in-law vehicle). Chryslers usually have pretty good engines, but the trim starts going about year 3-4...chrome pops loose, rub strips come unglued, etc.

I'm surprised you didn't go with an 04 Sedona, since the company stood behind it. I'm pretty sure Mercedes/Chrysler wouldn't go the extra mile...at least they didn't on my truck.

BTW, I read Hoya's comments as a complement to you and the willingness of the company to buy the car back...hence his comment on where else would you read that?

All the best.

franklin3517

I just turned 35k on my 02, and still haven't had any trouble. I change the oil and filter every 4k, and that's all that's been done to it. I average around 23 to 24 on trips. The only thing I miss, (first van) is a trunk.

cwoferg

"I'm surprised you didn't go with an 04 Sedona, since the company stood behind it."

In many ways, so am I. It is a great vehicle, the company was great and I will still continue to endorse the vehicle, but I am now going to go ahead and get a stronger vehicle with 4-wheel drive and more towing capacity. That is why I chose the Durango. Of course I know I will be giving up ride quality moving from a Sedona to a Durango, but a front-wheel drive vehicle will never exceed 3500 lbs because of the extra tongue weight reducing front wheel traction and stressing the short shafts and differentials driving the front wheels. I wish the Sorrento had a little more oomph, as I like it very much, but it is essentially the same drivetrain as the Sedona and not rated much higher. I wish Kia (or Hyundai) made something stronger as I am pleased with both companies. My wife and I have wanted a travel trailer for a couple of years now. We had just started to try to sell my car in order to buy a truck a couple of days before the last rash of problems because it is worth more than I owe. We were planning on keeping the van over the car because it is three years newer and thus, has a longer warranty. Also, the kids like it much better. With the last rash of problems, however, plans changed. Once we filed the lemon law suit, we decided to keep the car as a "buzz-around-town" car and possibly my son's first car next year and get the Durango instead of a truck for the passenger room for trips and towing. That's my reasoning, that's what I decided on, and that's what I will have to live with. The kids are a little bummed and will miss the Sedona's captain's chairs, but they like the Durango too. It is not nearly as roomy or comfortable as the Sedona with Captain's chairs and three adjustable rows of seating, but they are ready for the change and will live with it. Comparing a minivan to an SUV is like apples and oranges, but we found that the Durango has the best ride of the SUVs (closest to a minivan), so the kids will be happy with it and my wife should adapt to it quite nicely. Hope this answers your question.

cwoferg

I hear of endless people like you who have not had any problems. I am really glad to hear it. I, too, took good care of mine, but hey, what can you do? Keep taking care of it and it will keep taking care of you!

hoyahenry

Navyair grasped the intent of my comment. Thanks.

sedonasorento

Any sugggestions/experiences regarding replacement tires on your Sedona?

jcrider2

I have 40,000 trouble free miles on my 2002 sedona and have replaced the original Kumho's with Michelin Hydro Edge tires. They have a (T)speed rating and the handling and ride has been inproved I think over the originals. They are a directional tread so can only be rotated front to rear. They seen to be good in what snow we had here in Va. this winter.
 Only small probblem I've had with the Sedona was a Air Bag light that stayed on. The dealer replaced the drivers seat belt buckel under warranty and it has been ok since

mrwallace

We have 14,000 plus miles on a 2003 EX. Our only "problem" has been a touch of torque steer that appear after the tires were rotated around 8,000 miles. At 12,000, they were rotated again, and the "problem" has about 95% disappeared. Assuming, now, that it had more to do with the back tires coming forward than a torque steer problem. Perhaps there is a belt problem.

Anyway, other than that, the car has been great.

Will be taking it in soon for an oil change, and have been thinking about throwing on a new air filter - any suggestions as to where and what to get as a replacement if I opt to do it myself?

Thanks

minivanfrank

I just purchased an oil filter from wal mart for a whopping $1.97...it is a super tech ST6607. I have not used this brand before but the box claims that it satisfies new car warranties. The efficiency ratings on the box appear to be good. Made in USA, to boot!

jcrider2

I buy my air filters from NAPA auto parts. They are made in Korea for Wix and NAPA probably by same company that makes KIA's filters. Much lower price than from dealer.

mrwallace

Thanks for your help.

We had timing belts on our Hondas. Is that the same thing as a serpentine belt?

sedonasorento

No - a timing belt connects the camshaft (or camshafts) to the driveshaft and thereby drives the camshaft(s) and typically is not visible without some disassembly while a serpentine belt is used to drive at least some of the belt-driven accessories (alternator, AC compressor, etc) and typically is visible.

stever

"The next Kia Sedona minivan will arrive in 2005 for the 2006 model year, according to industry sources. The new Korean-made minivan won't be alone, though -- a Hyundai version of the popular Kia vehicle is expected to be introduced soon after. Kia and Hyundai are part of the same business conglomerate, and are increasingly sharing platforms and engines to reduce costs and increase profits. The new front-drive Sedona will be based on the Hyundai Sonata architecture and will be available in short- and long-wheelbase editions."

Source: Edmunds Van Newsletter

Steve, Host

mcperr

I recall one of the other Sedona "early adopters" used his frequently for towing. Can he or anyone else relate their experience with towing rv's with the Sedona? What is the maximum trailer weight that anyone has comfortably towed?

Re: 2006 Sedona/Hyundai
Hyundai has had a very attractive minivan in Asia for several years. Profile is a dead ringer for the Honda van (but without the puddle of tranny oil underneath). I have often wondered why Hyundai has never brought it to North America.

minivanfrank

Hello Gang!

Well, I finally got around to giving my '02 a good wash & polish for the spring time!!! Changed the oil also. You know, I swear that it runs much faster now!!! I can't believe that polishing a minivan gets me excited!!!

10,800 trouble-free miles!!!

hoyahenry

... in the spring. What a mess! I just had to wash it down. I didn't have time to do the wax. 18,400+ - all is very well here, too.

hansienna

I have read somewhere the Kia Sedona EPA Ratings of 15 City / 20 Highway have improved in the 2004 Sedona but have not seen an EPA Booklet that lists all 2004 Vehicles.

grandtotal

16/22.

hansienna

The 16/22 looks much more realistic than the original 15/20 but probably still on the low side for a vehicle with a 5 speed AT.

aaf

As with all EPA ratings, the 16/22 is an average. The disclaimer is "actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions,..." This really means your vehicle will probably get between 13-19 mpg in the city and 18-26 mpg on the highway depending on how and where you drive. On my first long trip with our 2004 Ex, Boston to Virginia, I averaged 23 mpg with mostly highway but also significant city driving during stopovers in DC and NY. BTW the website to find the EPA ratings is www.fueleconomy.gov.

bluedevils

Drove from Detroit to Columbus and back last weekend. 7 adults, with 1 bag per person. The bags all fit - just barely - behind the 3rd row seat. The 3 guys in the back seat (5'7", 5'9", and 6'3") were cramped, but overall I was very pleased with the job done by our 2002 Sedona EX on this trip.

440 miles, 90% of them highway. Mix of 60mph, 70mph, and 80mph on highway - depending on local speed limit. Overall, probably averaged 70mph. A/C was on for maybe 20% of the trip. The miles were split over 2 tanks of gas, and I was shocked and pleased to see the van got 24 mpg on this trip. I was expecting around 20 or 21. We get 21-23 mpg highway with our family trips @ 75-79mph, but this trip the van was carrying much more weight and I expected a penalty. The extra weight must have been overshadowed by the slower speed.