2004 Kia Sedona EX from North America - Comments

Tuesday Dec 9, 2008.

Rust appeared on the hood of our 2004 Sedona EX about 2 years ago. It started as small pimples/spots below the grill both on the inside and the outside. We mentioned this to our dealer and were told that this was caused by stone chips, and it's not covered under warranty. Their opinion was that the rust is only on the surface, and had not broken through or perforated the surface.

The rust got progressively worse, and recently we finally got the dealership to bring in their Area Service Manager to inspect. On the morning of the inspection, I met another customer who was also there to have his 2004 Sedona inspected... for rust on the hood in the exact same spot.

After inspection the dealership agreed to call us upon completion of their findings. A day later we received a call and were told that repairing the hood would not be advisable. I told them that I have heard of other Sedona owners insisting that the hood be replaced.

They agree that the hood needs to be replaced. The cost for repair is $1102.64 and their offer is that we each pay 1/3!!! Dealership 1/3, KIA Canada 1/3, customer 1/3. I also only have a limited time to accept this offer???

I've owned cars for over 30 years and have had rust problems with some of them, but have never heard of this.

They insist that this is an isolated problem, even after I sent them pictures of 5 other 2004 Sedona vehicles with identical rust marks and a promise to send more in the coming weeks.

After doing some limited research, I found rust problems on earlier models, but we were assured that these problems had been resolved in newer models.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Also, please be aware that if you do have a Sedona around this age, make sure you insist that they check the REAR COOLANT LINES. These are also starting to rust out, and I already know of one person who recently replaced his engine when the line broke. KIA is aware of this, and will repair under warranty, but only if you INSIST that they check this. They will not check this as part of their regular inspection.

Pictures available upon request.

Am looking for similar pictures to send back to manufacturer

Excellent advice. You are absolutely right. I am one of those who had a problem with the rear coolant lines. End result was a blown head gasket. I had to fight with Kia to have it repaired under the warranty. Insist they check them and keep good records so you don't have to do battle with Kia.