Kia Sedona (2005 and Earlier)

mvls1

The rebates vary by region. I called Kia regarding another matter and while on hold a recording gives you a rundown of their current rebates by model and region. I was surprised that some regions get up to $2000 more in rebates on some models.

saabturboid

Not only are the rebates by region, but by model year. The $5,000 rebates that have been advertised on the Sedona lately are for model year 2004 models only. If all you dealer has on the lot are '05s then you are out of luck.

We've got 7,500 miles on our '04 now and are still loving everything except the gas mileage. We've never even managed 20mpg, with most tanks hovering around the 16mpg mark. I expect this to improve as the engine wears in and it gets warmer. It had better. My wife really wanted an SUV but I talked her out of it because of poor gas mileage. It is embarrasing that our minivan gets worse gas mileage than my father-in-law's Chevy Tahoe with a 350 V8.

- Chad

Kirstie_H

An auto writer for a large U.S. newspaper is looking for a few recent Hyundai or Kia buyers to ask them what they think of their cars. He's also is interested in talking to those who are thinking of buying a Hyundai or Kia. His deadline is Friday, March 4. If you're interested in being interviewed for his story, please respond to Kirsten Holguin at kholguin@edmunds.com.

jenniofthekia

I, too, am having strange steering issues with my 2002 Sedona. I am at 50,000 miles. The steering wheel seems to get "stuck" in various positions, then turns almost too easily for part of the arc, then gets stuck again. I thought it was a power steering issue, but the dealer couldn't duplicate the problem -- and found nothing wrong with the power steering. It does not occur all the time, which is the worst part. You never know when you are going to land in the wrong lane due to random acts of steering madness. Could you please detail for me what part/parts of your assembly were "bad" so that I can take the info to my dealer and see if we have the same m.o.? Fortunately, I haven't had any issues with warranty service -- thank goodness because I have used it every 3 months! (we tried to get our van replaced under the lemon law, but just missed the cut off date -- the people at Kia national were nasty, but the local dealer has been excellent -- Payton Wells in Anderson, IN -- may be worth the drive for you, if your van an make it that far!) Under warranty we have replaced: 2 oxygen sensors, a catalytic converter, a #2 engine cylinder, an alternator which didn't generate enough amps to run the van's "luxuries" (aka, the air and the radio) and caused the battery to drain while driving (if you haven't had this replaced on your 2002 you should demand it before the warranty runs out...Kia is aware of this problem but is not recalling for it!), 2 cup holders, the driver's seat belt, the driver's door handle, the ac compressor, etc...thank goodness we bought an extended warranty, too!)

please provide more detail regarding the steering (what yours was doing, what the suggested fix was) if you can

thanks!

kflynnshop

We have a 2004 Sorento and love how it handles in the snow. We are looking into purchasing a Sedona but are concerned about the lack of 4WD given we live in a snowy region. Does anybody have an opinion about how the Sedona handles in the snow and slushy roads?

navyair

Haven't driven the last two MY's, but I own a 2003 Sedona EX purchased Nov 2002. First winter I drove it during an East Coast blizzard up the New Jersey turnpike. Snow was falling hard enough that the plows weren't keeping up, and crossing the Delaware, a tractor trailer had jackknifed on a slick bridge. There was about 5" of snow and sleet on the road. Ended up with over 8" for the storm.

Kept looking for a reason to pull over. Van just kept going fine at 45mph (posted lowered limit)-no skidding or sliding all the way from VA to NJ. I have an EX with ABS and Hankook tires. Only complaint is minor...alloys seem to be unsealed - the salt from the roads made marks on the uncovered metal. Took me awhile with metal polish to polish them out.

Moved to Twin Cities this year. IVO the extensive use of salt, I bought steel rims for winter use. Mounted 4x Nokian (all weather 55k mile special rubber) snow tires. 10" of snow is the most I've driven in this winter, with absolutely no problem getting around, started or stopped. Slush and ice is the norm for winter driving here. Cars are usually muddy, salty, and coated with ice.

Hope this answers your question. Wife drove it though a 40' patch of 8" mud yesterday, so we checked out the mud traction too. Tonight's project: wash the car.

craigmri

Navy,

If my wife drove our Sedona through a 40' mud puddle her driving privilages would be revoked and she'd spend a month getting the undercarraige clean.

Women!.......Sheesh! ;-)

Craig
'04 Sedona
Spotless like new

navyair

Most days, I'd say "Amen". We were at a friend's going away party out in the country when the temps hit high 50's.

Our 10" snow started melting, and a barely muddy gravel driveway ended up with a river running over it from a nearby hill's watershed. It was either drive slowly through the muck,and raging torrent or stay overnight. My car ended up muddy too. (Broken washing machine and dog needed surgery, so #3 in a run of bad luck for the weekend).

Fortunately, car washes here wash the undercarriage, and I have my own high pressure washer for the first really nice day. (Oh, and the 3 y/o washer went away, and the surgeon fixed the dog).

integradriver

Had the Sedona in for brakes at the dealer a couple of months ago when it was really cold out. Decided I was too lazy to change wiper blades, so I asked him to do that too. 20 minutes later, I get a call from the dealer. Apparently, the tech forgot to do the blades in the shop, so he went into the parking lot, raised the wiper arm, and the wind took it. Cracked the windshield! (Which was a non-Kia replacement one anyway). I got a loaner and a new windshield the next day. Anyone ever heard of a windshield going from wiper arm impact?

craigmri

I bet the mechanic removed the blade and the metal arm snapped onto the windshield with the metal arm popping the glass....Its all it takes.

Craig
'04 Sedona EX

bluedevils

We are in southeast Michigan - moderate snow in winter, but nothing crazy like Buffalo or Lake Michigan snowbelt.

Our Sedona seems to do fairly well in snow/slush - with both the original Hankook tires and the Bridgestone Turanza LS-T tires that replaced the OEMs a few months ago.

Sedona is a heavy vehicle and that seems to help keep it planted and help it to push through snow, from what I can tell.

If you are really concerned, plan on buying a set of snow tires and you should be in great shape.

veritasusa

I see in the specs for the Sedona that the EX version has "solar glass" in the windshield and front side windows. Could someone tell me what advantage is derived from this glass over the glass that is standard in the LX? I can't find any info doing a search in the Edmunds forums.

hoyahenry

Yeah, I took one plug out of the 2002 EX we have, and it had the crappy Champion plug, too.

Unfortunately, I sheared the porcelain on it about 1/2 inch from the top of the plug, trying to get it out, so I had to get a replacement.

I understand the other 3 are not fun to remove, so I have to take the van in now with 26K miles.

Good news is I have a coupon for a free oil change from the dealer.

bill2kids

HI. I have some questions if someone can answer
them.Has anyone had any experiance towing with the Sedona?Also does the sedona get any better gas mileage with the 5 speed automatic vs the old 4 speed?
THanks.
Bill

hansienna

NO. The Sedona had a 5 speed AT in the 2002 Sedona before Toyota put a 5 speed AT into the 2004 Sienna that appeared early 2003.
Original 2002 Sedona was rated 15/20 for 2002 and 2003 and now has a higher rating of 16/22 for 2005. Most owners of 2002 and 2003 Sedonas reported much better highway mileage than the EPA 20 rating.

jcrider2

The intake manifold has to come off to get the rear plugs out. It was an expensive plug change.
Not long ago I got a free oil change card from Kia Motors for having owned the van for three years. Next big expense will be the timing belt at 60000 miles. About 7000 miles from now.

bluedevils

I see plenty of advertised (coupon packs, etc.) from various (mostly chain) repair shops for spark plug changes, tune-ups, etc. These typically specify a price of $100 or less for spark plug change on a 6-cylinder vehicle. Any idea if these shops would honor the price even though the labor to change Sedona plugs is fairly long?

We are nearing 49,000 miles on our Sedona and I believe it is due (overdue?) for a spark plug change.

navyair

I don't usually tow with my Sedona -I have a pickup truck. However, last fall we towed my 6x12' covered trailer 300 miles loaded with furniture. The load and trailer was about 1600#

Didn't even notice I had the trailer on behind, except the gas mileage went down to about 12-14mpg highway...mostly highway driving at 60-65mph. (Trailer is a straight front, not aero design).

craigmri

We towed our 18' boat with our Sedona all the time. Power and handling was great with no difficulty at all......Gas mileage suffered for it but I guess thats expected.

Craig
'04 Sedona EX

stever

Kia Sedona garners top scores (Clarion-Ledger)

Steve, Host

teraguru1

I have had the same problem 2002 EX with 65000 Miles. If your van is still under warranty have it fixed before its too late. I was quoted an outrageous amount to fix this.

craigmri

Steve,

Very interesting!!

Top minivans

Minivans that received top rating in federal crash tests:
1. Nissan Quest
2. Dodge Grand Caravan
3. Kia Sedona
4. Mazda MPV
5. Chrysler Town & Country*
*Long-wheel base model
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Craig
'04 Sedona EX

jazacmom

I have a VIN # on a Sedona that I want to buy, however, I would like to find the built date to know how long it has been sitting on the lot. Tried to go to Kia website, but I could not find a place to get the info.

thx.

hansienna

EVERY vehicle should have a build date located on the driver's door or door jamb.
DaimlerChrysler minivans not only indicate the month and year, but also the day and hour of the month it was built.
Just open the driver's side front door and look for the little plaque.

jazacmom

Okay, thanks for that piece of info. I will look

aaf

jazacmom,
Go to the Kia America website. Then try the "Kia owners" line on the menu. Then go to "parts and accessories". Enter and place the VIN where asked for. That always works for me. Good luck.

mnkids2kias

My 2002 gets crappy mileage

Claires

Folks,
This topic is for discussing the features, attributes, etc. of the Kia Sedona. If you'd like to discuss Kia Sedona problems, take it to the Kia Sedona Problems Forum, where other drivers may have already found the solutions you're looking for.

Claires

bluesky2

Picked up my 2004 Sedona on Oct 30th 2004. After that between birthdays, holidays and a 4 month home renovation, I haven't been able to visit here much.

Just wanted to update on our Sedona. We've had it almost 7 months, 6800 miles. Love the ride. Love the fit and finish. Don't love the gas mileage.

We've had a couple of minor repairs. 1) Power seat on drivers side would go up, but not down. They replaced the power switch. 2) When I started it up the day after an oil change, the engine shook and knocked. I was so scared that it was out of oil, so I had them tow it in. Turns out it was a fouled plug, which they replaced. I love our service department. Very good team. Oh, and when the van was towed in for service, Kia roadside assistance was wonderful. They called me every few minutes to update me on the tow truck, and then to check if he came, and then to see if we were happy with the tow service. Very impressive!

So far, we are very happy with our Sedona! :shades:

sedonasorento

As I recall, the owners manual for our 02 Sedona talks about only running the AC on low if you are powering any accessories (dvd player, game boy, etc). Has anyone had any experiences (good or bad) with powering toys in their Sedona?

grumpyguycdn

Hi all,

I am looking at buying a travel trailer that is 21' in length and about 3200 lbs. Has anyone towed this size of a trailer with their Sedona? If so, for how far a distance? How was the experience? How were any hills you encountered? I will be using a load distribution hitch as well as sway bars and trailer brakes, but how was the handling? How well did the Sedona's gearing and power hold to the weight? Most importantly how was the braking?

All input would be greatly appreciated before I drop the $20,000.00

Thanks in advance

Rob

bluedevils

Do a couple searches in this thread for "trailer" or "towing" and you will probably find a few owners with experiences towing trailers in the 2000-3000 pound range. From what I remember, most comments about towing with Sedona were very encouraging.

grumpyguycdn

Thanks Blue! You have helped me out before.

briman2k

Hi....I used our 2003 Sedona to tow our 21' trailer accross Canada last year. It's dry weight is about 2600 and it must have weighed around 3400 when we had loaded everything up. The Sedona did quite well, however, we only got around 300 km per tank of gas...and it had to work pretty hard to get up some steep hills near North Bay....Braking was fine with the trailer brakes and we have a anti-sway hitch....

I bought a 2004 4Runner V8 to do the towing now....It has a much easier time...

Still love our Sodona though....

Brian

grumpyguycdn

That is very helpful Briman thanks. How did it handle? Was your trailer a tandem axle? I expected poor gas mileage so thats no surprise. On standard road grades how was the acceleration? Not bad? Poor? Sorry for all the questions but as I said in my previous email I don't want to drop the 20K before having as much information as possible.

Thanks again Briman.

Rob

grumpyguycdn

Sorry Briman but one other thing. I know you used anit-sway bars, but did you use a load distribution hitch? Also was your hitch a class 2 or class 3 hitch?

Rob

briman2k

Hi Rob..

The acceleration was ok, I did have to leave the OD off because it kept jumping between 4th and 5th. The trailer is a tandem axle and the van handled great. This is the sway/WD setup I used: Weight Dist/Sway

And this is the hitch (Class III/ IV): Reese Hitch

Let me know if you need any more info..

Brian

navyair

My 18' trailer tows just fine, and I don't have electric brakes on the trailer. It was about that weight loaded, in my estimation. However, I didn't tow it through any mountains. I've had it on 2-3 times for a 5 hr drive within the state of WI. (Too-from inlaws).

This is a standard straight up/down 90 degree front enclosed trailer with no aerodynamic assists. Gas mileage went down, but I really couldn't tell much difference towing it. Gears shifted fine, the speed up/down was fine, and the cruise control held it constant on the decent sized hills we did encounter. MUCH smoother than my old Aerostar.

If you have any doubts, buy the Sedona, then use the savings to spring for an electric brake controller. You are gonna have to get the thing wired for brakelights, etc. anyway.

BTW, I got a decent class 3 hitch and wiring package from e-trailer.com. Easy self installation. I made a post on it awhile back.

Good luck! JC

professor3

I have a 2000 Sedona with 50,000 km ( about 30,000 miles). The OEM tires are the worst tires I have ever driven on . I spoke to two dealers who have both said that have received no other complaints :surprise: . I contacted Kia Canada - They were terrible to deal with. I spoke with Hankook - They said that the tires conform to the specifications called for by the customer ( Kia)

I find that these tires have very poor wet road and snow traction. The are getting progressively noisier and have a tendency to wander . They also like to follow road ruts and other imperfections like nothing else that i have experienced.

Am I the only one that hates these tires???

Does anyone have a recommendation on a great tire for this van?

Thanks

jc9799

Hey, all.
I've got an Explorer lease that ends in less than 4 weeks. We have 2 kids, age 5 and 3. Our other car is a VW Passat. Our replacement car will probably be a minivan.
We're checking out all the usual suspects. The one question I have about the Sedona is its rear seat. Seems everyone else has a fold in the floor 3rd row. How has this been for you Sedona owners? When you need the 3rd row removed, is it no problem at all, a minor inconvenience, a major hassle, or "My gosh, what a royal pain in the...!"?

Thanks for your help.

bluedevils

I am not very good at identifying how well a tire performs in terms of traction etc. Our Hankooks seemed to be fine. We replaced them at 38,000 miles with a Michigan winter in our future. Considered going with the same Hankook RA07 - great price for an H-rated tire. Ended up choosing Bridgestone Turanza LS-T even though it is not H-rated. I do not consider this a safety issue, but some folks do. See my post #3932 in this thread; also, search for 'tires' in this thread and you will find a fair amount of discussion.

Good luck with your tire shopping and let us know what you choose.

verama

I'have a 2005 Sedonna. and just recently mi wife got in an accident because the ramdom steering wheel behaviour (It was very hard to move). Did ever kia found anything regarding your problem. It might help them Identify the problem with ours.

Thanks

dharmon

The '06 Sedona wil have fold away third row seating, along with a lots more standard equipment. You would be well advisd to check around this forum and other Sedona forums here to learn more about the '06. The new standard equipment list is quite impressive.

aksaravanan

Hi, i have a 2002 kia sedona, just bought from a friend. i am trying to remove 2nd and 3rd seats to bring large items. i was able to take out 2nd row completely(though it is really heavy) and one seat from last row. Other seat is not coming out.
it looks like stuck. i pulled the strap and try to lift handle and it is not at all moving. Not sure where to go for help. can i call kia for warrenty? or stop by some car shop to get help?

thanks
AK

bluedevils

This is fairly common. Chances are, your seat is not actually 'broken' but just a little stubborn right now coming out. try pressing down hard and/or sitting in the seat -- to make sure it is completely attached. Then try removing it again. This problem occurs with our 3rd row seats from time to time. Every time, I've been able to get the seat out within 1-2 minutes. It is an inconvenience, for sure.

sker1

Don't worry about the seats!!!! Just be smart and don't buy a Kia. We've had the junker for only two years with 90, 000 miles on it. We've spent more to fix the van than what its worth.

sker1

I'll fill you in in do time. It just takes a while to get all this paper work in order to put ALL the specifics in line so you can understand the plight I'm facing with the lemon Sedona I have.

bill2kids

Had the 2005 Kia Sedona for 1 week now.Kids and wife love it.
It has only 1 small problem......Bad gas mileage(around 16 mpg)
This should improve as I put more miles on it though.It has 500 right now.
I hope it gets better for my trip to Las Vegas.I will post my mileage after the trip.
By the way I paid 15,500 for a base LX.I feel I got a good deal.
: :shades:

Claires

Congrats on your new ride, bill2kids! I hope you'll post about your purchase in the Kia Sedona: Prices Paid and Buying Experience discussion so that prospective buyers can benefit from your experience.

sedonasorento

We've had the same problem with our 02. The passenger side 3rd row seats pops right out, but the driver side 3rd row seat is stubborn. I have found that if you pull the strap, the rear releases and you can tip the seat forward. You will see a lever at the front, right at carpet level. Push it forward, and the front of the seat should release. At least, that works on ours. Good luck.