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Kia Sedona problems
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One nagging problem or returning problem that isn't cured can be used. Also a series of problems left un-repaired can qualify. Like others, and fair enough, there is an amount of lost time and number of incidents. It's actually about the same as most states with such a law.
Yes - we are documenting any repairs, but I do that with any vehicle.
Look - EVERY manufacturer has some issue or issues right now. (Anyone care to talk about the Mazda M5?) Cars are VERY complicated machines. So I know there will be little annoyances. As long as the ARE fixed by a dealer, properly and timely, that isn't any problem for me until they have the car more than I do. (Had a Jeep like that once!) Or it lets me down at a time when I really need it.
My problem here was the dealer handing over this car, after all we had to go through to get the paperwork correct and get the dealer-prep done, with that indicator light on. Some dolt somewhere during the process should have seen that as he drove it up to the door, running? But then, "Lot Boys" are generally not way up on the skills ladder.
We will see. It gets a fair chance now, as fair as we can give it, but it is "on the block" and probably will be trade-bait even at a pretty big loss.
On some manufacturers' cars, a loose or leaking gas-filler cap CAN cause the trouble light to come on, and tightening the cap and driving a while CAN reset the code. Not a defect - just the way the system was designed. It could be that the cure was in the 50 or so miles they put on the car while they had it, waiting for a part. But they should at least state that verbally AND on the service receipt. Nothing in the owner's manual indicates the loose cap would cause the warning light or that topping up the tank will cause it. Nothing there states it might go away in a while of driving. Of course, on the side of safety, they advise taking it into a dealer for a checkup.
We do all required service on our van and the blown engine was 110 miles into a family vacation. When we had it towed to a dealer to replace the engine they stated this was the third '03 Sedona they had seen with a thrown rod and all the issues accompanying that event.
We fought with the dealer to service the vehicle correctly all this time and we still were denied the claim the brakes were bad from the factory.
I have talked to a few mechanics and warped rotors and stuck pins are two known problems with Kia Sedona brake systems. Keep fighting the dealer to repair the brakes until they are to your satisfaction. Also, document ALL your complaints with names, dates, etc. Our dealer here in Portland, OR only seems to document half of what we bring the van in for.
Good luck on the brake issue. I would suggest calling the Kia Motors factory rep at 800-333-4542. Brian is at ext 45782 and he is good to work with. Every time you have an issue with the dealer call him or his co-workers and have them "babysit" the repair before and after you take it into the dealer.
Definetely stay on the dealer and document everything. The Sedona's definetely have a rotor problem.
We also ended up with a new seatback cover and new seat cushion cover on the driver's seat. The seat cushion - the part you sit on - had been cracking and wearing, which was somewhat acceptable at 3.5 years old. At first I was upset that the dealer accidentally replaced the seatback cover (the part your back rests up against) instead. But now that they replaced the seat cushion cover on the next visit, it's nice to know we've got a driver's seat with all-new leather on a van that has 55k miles on it.
We also had an Oil Pressure Warning light for a while. Dealer replaced a sending unit sensor or something like that. No more oil light.
As usual with our dealer, they are polite and willing to fix just about any issue we mention under warranty. But they are somewhat incompetent and many of our concerns require multiple trips for final resolution.
Because of the most recent snafus, they threw in a free oil change/lube/filter.
I ended up putting on new disc pads on the front of the Sedona the other day. I used the Autozone pads that I had spoken about earlier. I had failed inspection for that and the tires...and it was also recommended to adjust the rear shoes. I popped the rear drums and...lo and behold...I needed new brake shoes in the back also.
Someone had asked whether the rear brakes are self-adjusting or not...the answer is that there is, in fact a self-adjuster (although in my case it did not seem to work that well)!
It seems a litle early to replace Brake Pads at 24K. And the rear brakes usually last twice as long as front pads. This doesn't say much for the Kia braking system. My '04 EX has ABS, and I'm wondering how long the pads will last. They feel as good as when I first drove it. No warped, or shimmi, or pedal pulsing. Just passed 17K and the Kuhmo's look like at least another 10K left.
I was the one that was wondering about the rear brake self-adjusters. My dealer said I should have the brakes adjusted at 7.5K. My question is why, if it has self adjusters!
Boxwrench
After pulling off the pads and looking at them...I probably could have squeezed another year out of them. But then I would have to argue with the mechanic who said that they were a bit more worn down than they actually were. He had written up (1/32" left) ...they were not as bad as that. Quite easy to change out so no problem there.
As to the rear shoes...the drivers side front was worn down more than the passenger side front and needed to be replaced...actually the passenger side was still within spec.
The tires probably could have lasted a bit longer if I had been more vigilant with the rotation. My fronts were ready for the trash and, although the rear tires still have a decent amount of tread on them, I did not like the look of the cracks on the sidewalls. :surprise:
By the way, this month in Consumer Report there is a section on tires and the Hanook Mileage Plus II H725 gets a #3 recommended rating of those tested in the All Season category.
We have a 04 EX, the rear brakes really seem tight. Did you have any problem adjusting your rear brakes thru that little slot in the back? All I can see is a spring. I tried taking the drums off, but they are too tight. We have a Toyota Rav4. That has the adjusting slot on the drum. One of the easiest cars I've worked on. Jim
There are actually two slots in the back. The lower one (which you normally think you would be using to adjust the brakes with) is for the inspection of the brake shoe.
The upper access slot (near the wheel cylinder) is the one required to adjust the star wheel with. Pop off the dust cap and look a bit forward of the slot and you will see the star wheel.
To tighten the shoes:
- drivers side: star wheel turns in a CCW direction looking fwd
- passenger side: star wheel turns in a CW direction looking fwd
Hope this helps
When you look at these drums you will see that they are also tapped out in (2) other places in order to accept the same size screws.
You first remove the screws from their original location and then screw both back into the other holes evenly...this pushes the drum off of the axle.
Have you had any luck getting it stopped?
Thanks a lot for that information. I had gone out and bought two bolts to fit into the empty drum holes. I tried to get the drums off, but of course it didn't work.
What a change. They used to have a couple of metal clips to keep the drums from falling off. Jim
Any thoughts on what this may be and if the override is doing any damage? This only happens when the temps start to change dramatically in fall & spring. Nothing in summer or dead of winter.
John :mad:
Our 2002 EX lives through Michigan winters and has never had any trouble shifting in or out of Park. We did have the trans fluid 'replaced' at the dealer about a year ago as a preventive maintenance item.
Using the shift override should not cause any damage.
You deffinitely have a problem with the transmission shifter. I just went out to my van and didn't even start the car, just turned on the key, and when you push down on the brake pedal, you can move the shifter. I have a '04 Sedona EX with ABS. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the transmission fluid, or even the transmission. There is either a mechanical or electrical link to the shift lever and is is not functioning properly. Older cars never had the interlock with the brake/trans shift lever. You could put the shifter in any gear as soon as you turned on the key without stepping on the brake.
Make them fix it!!
Boxwrench
http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=13511
Kia Motors Corp. is recalling 74,276 Sedona minivans from 2002 to 2004 model years equipped with power seats because a problem with the wiring under the front seats could cause a fire.
I just did a test on my '04 EX and this is the result: If you use the remote to unlock all doors (two times on UNLOCK) all doors unlock, and if you only open the rear Hatch, they will relock in 30 sec. If, on the other hand, you open any 1 of 4 side doors first, then open the rear hatch, all doors stay unlocked. It is not necessary to put keys in the Ignition to keep the doors from relocking!
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? MEN PUT KEYS IN THEIR POCKET, WOMEN PUT KEYS IN THEIR POCKETBOOK (purse) and put that in the car first. Listen and Learn!
Boxwrench
I have a '05 sedona which has an extremely noisy air conditioning unit. The head mechanic told me that it needed to have some parts updated,hose and some type of valve and then to be recharged. After the parts came in, I again left the unit at the shop. When I returned,7 1/2 hours later, nothing had been done. The service advisor advised me that Kia Tech has to approve or disapprove any and all repairs.My replacement parts that was SUGGESTED to be done by their own top mechanic were not approved and Kia Tech told the advisor to advise me that "everything was normal". I have 3,000 miles on it,it has been in the shop 9 times since I bought it April 29 2005. No problem has ,air,breaks,noisy rear end,Homelink center was replaced and still not working. Anyways, bottom line is the service advisor advised me that there is NOTHING wrong and not to bring the vehicle back there for the same problems.He said that he can only do what Kia Tech tells him to do and if I didn't like it I should get a lawyer !!!
Guess what I did ----- I got a Lemon law lawyer
I guess I'm old-fashioned. I have "fumbled" with keys all my life regarding cars. This Sedona is the first vehicle that I've owned that had a remote lock/unlock feature. I don't have a problem with hitting the unlock button more than once. Besides you still have to get your keys out to put in the ignition to start the car anyway, so where is the problem? If you had a sedan you would have to hit 2 buttons - one for the trunk and one for the doors.
Society in general is getting too dependant on "remotes" and automatic features. I guess it is a good time to be getting Old!
On anther note, I feel that any buisness with shopping carts should have a brake device on the carts, that when you take your hands off the cart the brake is applied. Kinda like the lawn mowers that won't run unless you hold down the bar to keep the engine running. That would solve the problim of runaway carts. Maybe I should patent that Idea!
Just MHO
Boxwrench
My second problem that I am experiencing is the brake rotors. They are starting to warp. Realize that it has been noted on the Net that KIA uses materials for their rotors that are highly susceptible to warping. This means that the materials used cannot withstand the high temp during braking. If a metal reaches a temperature that is at, close to or beyond where it starts to break down, it will start to warp. I guess that this is my next issue. Would appreciate any and all feedback because I believe that it is the only way that we will be able to assure that the vehicles sold n the US are of GOOD QUALITY.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Look forward to hearing from you.
AL
Here it is:
Make : KIA Model : SEDONA EX Year : 2002
Manufacturer : KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 05V463000 Mfg's Report Date : OCT 04, 2005
Component: SEATS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 74276
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER SEATS, THE WIRING UNDER THE FRONT SEATS COULD BE MISROUTED, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH METAL SEAT COMPONENTS.
Consequence:
THIS CONTACT COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION THAT MAY RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE JUNCTION BOX AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RE-ROUTE THE WIRES UNDER THE POWER SEATS, IF NECESSARY, AS WELL AS INSTALL PROTECTIVE SEAMING WELTS AROUND THOSE WIRES TO BETTER INSULATE THEM. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Notes:
KIA RECALL NO. SC054. CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
My 2005 Sedona is getting 11.5 to 12.5 mpg driving about 40% hwy and 60% city. The best I got on a short trip (150 miles) was 14.1 mpg. One service advisor advised me that I didn't break the motor in right and it was my fault. Then he said that the motor wouldn't even be broken in until at least 25,000 miles !! Then another advisor said that even RUNNING the A/C should have very little or next to nothing to do with the mileage you get. After 2 weeks he said he did a study and found that the A/C shouldn't be used in the city if I wanted my milage to improve !!
Now, I bought this van April of 2005 and it has 3,150 miles. It has been in the repair shop now 10 different days,the problems were noticed,agreed they were there by the service advisor yet no problem has been resolved yet even though parts had been ordered. The advisor said that the only repair they can make are the ones that KIA TECH approves and to advise owners that the problems won't be fixed because they are "NORMAL" according to KIA TECH
I thought I did pretty good research before buying this car. I have never been so embarrased in my life to find out how much the wool got pulled over my eyes on this one. :lemon:
Great article & site. I guess it is the nature of the beast that everyone with complaints and problems make them known here. You don't hear much from the many more owners that are really happy and satified with their Kia. I'm sure Kia is not alone in the problem/complaint department. There are enough problems to cover all makes & models. It appears that Kia is really working to improve their image in America. Now if they could just improve the MPG average on Sedona's with some kind of retrofit it would probably eliminate 80% of the complaints!
IMHO
Boxwrench
I can't figure it out!! Now, I seem to be having a strange odor I can smell inside the van, it almost smells like vinegar. Don't know what that could possibly be either! I like the van but these strange problems that can't seemed to be solved irritates me!