2003 Kia Sedona LX from North America - Comments

A month after purchasing my KIA Sedona LX, I took a trip to Florida from New York City. Upon return to NYC, the van started to "act up", and the Check Engine light came on. It felt like it was running on 5 cylinders, instead of 6. I found out that I was correct in my assumption of the engine problem. For a few months, my van ran beautifully. Very comfortable, and quiet inside. In September of 2003, we took a cruise to the Caribbean for 8 days. Upon my return, imagine my shock when my mini van refused to start, or even make the clicking sound. I didn't have that problem with my 98 Buick Lesabre, but after having AAA come out to jump start the van, it was OK. I took the van to the dealership the next day, and had them replace the battery. Now, its January, again, and one year after buying my Sedona, I have to take it in to the dealership to have the alternator replaced. What is going on with KIA? Is this why they offer a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty on their products?

Now, if you live in the NYC area, you know what a hassle it is to get your vehicle serviced by the service department. You have to call and make an appointment to have your car looked at to begin with. And if they cannot repair the car in that day, its like trying to pull teeth to get them to provide you with a loaner car when you need your transportation. We both work, and the van is going back into the shop?? Whats wrong with that picture? I have 11752 miles on it, and it barely turns over. Not my idea of proper construction on a car that I'm going to be paying for for 7 years. It should last at least as long as I am paying for it, don't you think?

Bad engine construction. Too many problems for a car this new.

Regarding the comment about the warranty on the KIA:

We have a 2001 Grand Caravan that we have to fix out of pocket because the manufacturer will not stand behind their faulty workmanship, i.e., had to replace regulators on both front windows (approximately $500) because the windows would not go up all the way--no fun when it's cold or raining; we've had to have the air conditioning fan housing fixed.. no cool air comes out if the fan doesn't work; we got stuck on our vacation in South Dakota because the ignition switch jammed--this was all out of pocket for us.

Therefore, I would rather have a company that is willing to stand behind their product, like KIA, than a company that does not. Dodge has lost our loyalty forever. We looked at KIA's today, and plan on purchasing a 2004 Sedona in the next couple days. We will absolutely appreciate the generous warranty should problems arise.