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Kia Sedona problems
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In observing the various problems, I feel fortunate that i've only had minor ones--Bubbled step pad on rear bumper, one ck. eng lite for a fuel sensor(of sorts), and the most anoying what appeared to be a burned out left turn signal and ended up being the wiring harness completely cut by the interior body panels. This with the van only being 14 mo. old. I was told that the lamps were not covered and it would be $12 for replacement. Heck, I can replace a $2 turn signal bulb. After nearly cutting my hand to reach in the little hole on the lleft fender, I proceded to completely take out the bulb,socket, and the cut wires!!. In all fairness, after I called and talked to the Svc Mgr, it was covered and repaired.
As everyone knows, spliced and patched wiring is never as good as the solid wire itself. And sure enough, it happened again, and I fixed it myself this time properly.
My questions are about the Transmission. To date, no problems, 14,000 miles. But from day one, it has not shifted in what I call a "crisp" manner! It just kinda slides into the next gear. My '88 Dodge with 192K on the trans, shifts ever so smartly, and it has never been repaired, or adjusted. DO I HAVE A PROBLEM IN THE MAKING?
I too have the problem with the dome/door lights not going on when you open the door. I have since just turned the switch on the dash off, and then on and it starts working again. Don't know why it happens except maybe if you leave the door open too long, it has some kinda thermal shutoff. Interior FIRE possibility comes to mind!
One last little annoyance--the radio upgrade on the EX has somesort of EL strip/light thet cannot be dimmed with all the other dash lights!! What IIDIOT thought of that? On a dark night it is very bright.
Where does one find out about all the Recalls, and Service Bulletins.
In regard to Batteries, 3-4 years doesn't seem very good to me. I have had many new cars through my company, and the OEM battery lasted at least 5 years
.
Thanks for any info, and I'll continue to watch for new problems. As a field service rep. I know how difficult intermittent problems can be to diagnose. Even more so when you have to bring the unit to a place for service and be without the use.
I higly recommend replacing that korean battery, even if it's not giving trouble yet.
Anyway, FYI, my repairs to date:
5k: Alternator
6k: ABS reprogram
14k: new transmission!
17K: harmonic balancer
35k: cannister solenoid
60k: accel. cable
61k: TPS
I must add that my van was rear-ended, sitting at a dead stop, teenager going 60, never hit his brakes. back end damaged about $3500, driveable, passengers fine. Other car totalled. Amazing lack of damage & injury in the kia. That weight comes in handy.
Welcome to the forum.
I think your owners manual will probably answer your lighting question. I'm away from home, or I'd check mine.
Believe the lights turn off to avoid excessive battery drain when doors left open. You recycle the switch and it resets the lights.
You can subscribe to the Kia maintenance manual in the owners section of Kia.com and get access to all TSB's.
No problems with my tranny. We have seen a few postings on transmission problems, but not many. Having a tranny cooler seems to keep those at bay. Try doing a search on the subject, if you want to look at those with specific problems.
Chances are, your US made cars used Johnson Control batteries (Diehard, most US OEM). Remember, this is a Korean made OEM battery on an inexpensive vehicle. When you replace it with US battery, you will probably get that 5 yrs. Remember, though, the battery life depends a lot on your driving conditions (heated garage, hot weather driving, lots of accessories used all the time, etc).
We have almost 4 yrs on ours and it is doing OK.
Many drivers seem to have pretty short memories. In the 70's and 80's, flat tires were not uncommon, and batteries were replaced every 2-3 years. Now, the expectation seems to be zero maintenance, zero wear, as witnessed by several of the posts above. Doesn't make it so, but those are the expectations.
Gas mileage isn't great, but it is a heavy vehicle, and if you use it around town, it really drinks the gas. It weighs about 1k more than your old van, as I recall. Anyhow, read the post about the crash above...the crash safety is a decent trade off.
Very happy with our vehicle thus far...2003 with 43K or so. Wife never lets the wheels cool for long, so there may be more.
Ah yes, I forgot. within the first year, we had an ac hose leak to the rear air, they replaced it. The rear air made the slide whistle/ motorcycle accelerating noise, they replace the read evap & updated expansion valve. Common problem, I'm told.
properly tighten the lug nuts. They used 100% impact wrench power so that when we had a flat tire someone else had to assist by holding the wrench on the lug nut while I was standing on the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. It was this same tire company that neglected to put back in the metal ring that goes on the inside of the wheel lug nut cover. If you pop off the one that is clicking with a flat head screwdriver along with popping off another one, you should be able to look on the inside and see the metal I'm talking about. We were able to have our KIA dealer replace the lug nut cover (with the ring included) at no charge.
Our issues started less then 20 hours after we took ownership of our Sedona. It had to be flat bedded back to the dealer due to the lumbar switch staying on and draining the battery. The next day, the salesmen ended up driving out to our house to jump the piece of junk so I could drive it in to the shop to have the same "repair" made.
We have had MANY issues with our A/C. We are now getting ready to take the Sedona (2002) in for the FOURTH time in as many weeks. The dealer (Avondale KIA in Avondale, AZ) has kept our car for a total of 7 days to fix our A/C problem. I am like you, "I will not purchase another Kia nor will I offer any good remarks to anyone that would ask me". I found this website while looking into Arizona's Lemon Law. I will say they have a good warranty - unfortunately, I have had to use it TOO MANY TIMES. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
I don't have the time or energy to list all our problems with our Sedona. Unlike you, I haven't come across a good "Kia" service rep who really cares. I've told my wife to "be nice" when she's called the 3 dealers in our area.
We are starting to consider looking into the Arizona :lemon: Law. I would never own another Sedona. I noticed the Service Rep has stopped saying we would be receiving a survey call to grade our level of service. We stopped getting these calls last year.
I purchased a new 2002 Sedona in March of 2002. Have not had any real issues with it except for the AC always being noisy and now in the past year the clock doesn't keep the right time nor does the fuel gauge register all the way full after filling the tank. It has 38K at the present time.
Last year when I took it in to a KIA dealer for service (to check out the noisy AC (which has gotten worse) I was told that it wasn't under warranty, the belt had to be replaced. At that time I had about 24K on the Van. Something to do with the belt being under a maintenance thing and not under warranty... I have told them this noise was there approximately 3 months after buying the van, but was not this loud. It didn't matter, they said it was not under the 60K warranty. Has anyone else had this issue?
I am now going to another KIA service center to get the clock and fuel gauge looked at, do you think I was just snow-balled and the AC/belt should be covered?
Oh and my battery just died, but I was told they don't last more than 3 years usually anyway, so I will purchase a new one this weekend. Any tips on a good battery, cold cranking amps without paying an arm and a leg (I am on a very fixed income - disabled).
I live in Florida, so I basically know that there is no such thing as a 5 yr warranty for a battery in this kind of weather
Thank you for being here in this forum,
Pandawheel
:confuse:
My guess is that the noisy a/c won't be fixed by the belt, and they will have to replace the compressor. Most 02's and 03's have had this complaint, and the redesigned compressor hose mount fixes this. We just had our 03 changed out.
Driving home from airport after a horrible flight, traffic was heavy, getting beat up by the sun and whala, car almost dies. I had to kill the A/C to keep the van running. Kia towed the van to dealership and today they finally duplicated the problem. Manager stated there was a bulletin (not mandatory) for Sedona's requiring the change of the Alternator, Belt and installation of a heat shield for the battery.
I'll be picking up the van tomorrow and we'll keep our fingers crossed :shades:
Funny you mention the "heat shield" on the battery. I gave my 05 Sedona a full inspection yesterday and noticed the battery had an insulated box it sat in. That is the first time I have ever seen that. Let me say, this thing is built like a TANK. Very nice and clean in the engine compartment, but underneath it's "heavy metal" all the way. Tough stuff! I have not seen a car built like that in years! Thick rustproofing too. Nothing like my "stamped out" flimsy Caravan which feels like it would be blown off the road on a windy day.
As far as topping off the gas tank, I have no problem with that. Some people may try to fill the tank at the rate of a gallon a second, and that will cause the auto shutdown on the pump to trip early. Try slowing it down. After my pump stops I can only get another half gallon in at best. Any more and it starts to spill over.
I suspect the 05 model has a lot of the "bugs" worked out. Will the 06 be back to square one? Will it have a few years of problems? It is a new model, so maybe it will. Enough jibba jabba!
Philberto OUT ~
I lived on a boat for years with only 12 volts, and you lived and died with your ability to recharge batteries.
I still think a modern automobile battery is a engineering marvel, and bargin for what it does and what you have to pay for it. The problem is keeping it charged and not overcharging it. Somewhere I read in a post that you should consider the fact they are Korean batteries, and not expected to last very long! I guess so if you continually under-charge it!!
Boxwrench
Thanx,
Boxwrench
Policemen often used a block of wood to hold the gas pedal down to increase RPM because the lights, radio, and a/c during a summer stop can drain their batteries. Also, if they are there for a long time, many pop the hood on their cruisers to let more air circulate around the engine.
My spouse found out about demand the hard way...she had the radio, a/c and headlights on while stopped for about 1 1/2 hrs. When she shut the van off, she couldn't get the van started w/o a jump start. I was there and knew what had happened, but it didn't matter...she was angry. (Bad day - old van died in the mountains en route to our new home, hard to find a rental car. Hot day, both other vehicles had trailers and no room filled with animals and moving stuff, old van loaded with plants and tools.) She was in no mood to hear about electrical demands, hot weather and turning off unneeded accessories. (She forgot headlights were on, and I was busy with the tranny guy and getting a rental car).
Anyhow, your demand on your battery can exceed alternator output at idle in almost any vehicle, not just the Kia. I do recall, however an earlier post saying the Kia OEM battery wouldn't last very long. I suspect one with more CCA will replace ours when we have the need.
Manufacturer : KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 05V329000 Recall Date : JUL 19, 2005
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 118447
Water can get between a protective rubber sleeve and the throttle cable towards the rear portion of the cable. If the ambient temp goes below 32 F, the water can freeze, causing the throttle to stick and the vehicle to accelerate in a manner not intended by the driver.
The only good news is that the bumper-to-bumper warranty is still good to 60,000 miles. My Sedona now has 46,xxx.
Don't think I'll buy another Kia...
Good Luck!
Boxwernch
2004 Sedona EX
Any ideas?
Had dealer look at it and they gave some confusing explanation over the phone about how that power point isn't designed for stuff like that?!
Shouldn't the power point handle things just like the cigarette lighter does?
Call them back and tell them that. Tell them what your charger really uses (most say how much right on the label...usually around 500 mA or 0.5 Amps). Tell them they are full of crap.
That may be the only thing that scares me about the Sedona...bad wire. Thin wire gets hot when you try to pull too much power through it. Although I have not inspected any of it yet (I will), substandard wire in the harness may be the cause of many of the problems I see here...including the fires in the 03 models. Make them FIX IT.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/wheels/231463_tw208.html
Friday, July 8, 2005
Recalls loom for Chrysler, Kia
Chrysler Group and Kia Motors Corp. face U.S. safety investigations and potential recalls of about 353,000 vehicles because of engine fires.
The inquiries include about 300,000 of Chrysler's 1999 and 2000 Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze cars and 52,824 of Kia's 2003 Sedona minivans, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site this week.
The agency said it received 24 complaints of fires in the Chrysler cars and five in the Kia vans, with no accidents or injuries. Chrysler, the third-largest U.S. automaker, is cooperating with the agency, company spokeswoman Curtrise Garner said.
-SM
Feds Investigate Chrysler and Kia Engine Fires
Date Posted 07-06-2005
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=106347
"The agency reports five complaints that allege fires in Kia Sedonas that were parked with the ignition off. One fire in the Sedona occurred while driving and the Web site reports "one consumer's vehicle was totaled."
-SM
I subscribe to the Kia maintenance manual service under the customer area of Kia.com This TSB isn't listed. Are there a lot more that aren't published?
Right now on the Kia Service Info System, they list 5 recalls:
2003-5 throttle cable upgrade
Seat Belt Buckle anchor bolts
Accelorater cable assembly replacement
ABS control module reprogram
Sedona EX Rear wheel bearing
They list an evaporator canister vent under fuel system, but they don't list a service bulletin for the Engine group 10.
Do you know if you guys get service bulletins that they don't post on the KSIS? Not doubting your word at all, just wondering why I can't get a look at the bulletin when I'm paying $80/yr to get the manual and bulletins.
I have a 2003 Sedona EX and am trying to make sure I check all the stuff out before the warantee runs out in about a year. (~47k miles now)
In regards to your battery issue and the van having to be jump started. I had this same issue and my first dealership kept telling me I was leaving the door open, a light on, etc...etc...when in actually it was the LUMBAR SWITCH to the driver's seat that was causing the draw on the battery, something with a short in the switch. I have seen the same thing spoken about in this forum. You might want to have the looked into.
I'm a Nanny, so it's important to me to have a reliable car since my family depends on me to transport their children in something safe and dependable. I will never purchase another Kia product in the future. I'm beginning to think, I should cut my loses and get rid of this one!!! :sick:
The 60K was a disaster, another time my van was in the shop for 5 1/2 days. What's with customer service these days? Everyone wants to make the big bucks, but no one wants to work for it!!!! My concern is what will I get myself into next time.
This for your input.
NOT A PLEASED KIA OWNER IN REGARDS TO SERVICE OR KIA TECH KNOWLEDGE!!!!!!
Thanks,
I have a 2002 EX loaded which is now 3 yrs old and has only 30k. Here is what
has happened:
winshield developed a stress crack and was replaced by MY ins.
rear tailgate started to rust and was replaced.
winshield developedANOTHER stress crack in EXACT same spot. Took dealer 3 days
to look at it and determine that is was astone chip. I was leaving for a road
trip in 2 days and needed it replaced so I had their rep come and replace it..
He takes 1 look at it and says"STRESS CRACK!
Rear seat broke- in shop 3 days for parts
rear tailgate rusted again needed kia rep to look at it. Rep says it is rusted
and now I have to get an estimate. I complain if it is covered, why is estimate
needed?
Car has been going dead several times over the past 3 years. Mention to service
rep and he says if it goes dead while driving- alternator if not battery.
Before I can take it for estimate for body work, car goes dead WHILE DRIVING.
Jump car, bring it home loaded with kids and as they close door, locking
mechanism breaks. Dealer looks it over and says battery needed!
Parts on order for door may take up to 2 weeks.
fyi- gas mileage is great - on need 10 for themonth--IT SPENDS MOST OF THE TIME
IN THE SHOP!
DO NOT BY THIS PIECE OF CRAP!
The van drives okay but the AC is very very loud, has had 2 recalls already and the damn thing gets only 11 MPG. The window sticker said 16-18 in the city, was "assured" this would happen also by the dealer.
WAs thinking of trading the KIa in for another van, but in 4 months has lost almost $11,000.00 in value. I feel I was a handicapped person being taken advantage of by the dealer - pushing this car off as a good deal.
DO NOT EVER BUY A KIA - HUGE PIECE OF CRAP
I have been very happy with my van except for this battery death situation, which I now understand. I am alarmed with the fire business of course, so I will be watching this carefully. Have a great weekend Folks! Nanny
Serviced for idle problem - solution, timing was off. 12,000 miles.
Airbag light went on- 4 times and reset. A/C serviced twice for hot air. Recharged was the remedy. The last two summers.
59,000 miles, idling problem, looses power while driving, A/C not working properly- remedy over haul needed- $1800.00 in front and rear brakes, complete tune-up with belts fluids, plugs, wires.- A/C repaired again. Again A/C recharged two days after serviced total twice this summer.
65,000- 90 degrees, car sitting idle for 4 minutes, car jerked foward in park, battery light, break light went on, hazards flashed, locks locked and unlocked- BUT HERE IS THE PROBLEM I SEE FOR A DEATH- when the lock is in the unlocked position as this is happening- the DOORS ARE NOT REALLY UNLOCKED,radio went on and changed channels, wipers went on, both front and back, A/C was on and blew extremely hot air, reversed the car to pull it out of the spot I was in, drove to the KIA dealership and the alternator and battery went on fire and started filling the car with smoke. I have an 18 month old requires assistance of course undoing carseat, a 5 year old, and a handicapped 6 year old who requires help in and out of the vehicle. Two adults were in this car along with the 3 children- I called KIA and they claim no notice of ever hearing of this problem- they were only concerned how we would like OUR van taken care of, they didn't like it when I said it is a known problem and we got lucky, reminding him the locks aren't really unlocked while this is going on and the potential for the next person or us might not get out in time. The smoke is of rubber, wires and sulfur smell and over takes your lungs quickly. I pray they resolve this before ANY ONE gets killed by the smoke or worse. The potential is definately there. :sick: :lemon: Don't run your A/C in high temps. There is some kind of problem ralting to the voltage and the battery and this A/C is somehow attached to the problem. No dealer won't replace at no charge- 65,000 miles your out of warrenty. So I eat the repair and hope while its there we didn't lose anything else when they replace the battery and alternator and do a diagnostic check on Monday. We needs the A/C the handicapped 6 year old is a cancer patient, opening windows in 90 degrees or more is not the salution for us to keep him hydrated.
Re-read mine closer and I spell out approx when each item happened including recent problems. Van is STILL in shop, now over 1 week. Will update on when it comes out.
There was clearly no sign of external damage in the vicinity of the crack. I dropped it off at the dealer and it is all fixed. N/C. Almost 30,000 miles... and counting slowly. We continue to love the van as much as the first day we brought it home.
Navy, Blue - good to read up on you guys.
All for now. :shades: