2003 Kia Sedona LX review from North America

This vehicle began having problems immediately after purchase and was taken in for repairs with only 300 miles on the odometer. Over the first 23 months, it was in the shop 14 times.

Problems have included several battery failures, the failure of the distributor and several other engine parts, broken doors, the lock system, cruise control, warped dashboard and stereo failure.

Last August, the vehicle's engine seized. Despite my 17 service visits over 23 months, KIA accused me of improperly maintaining the van and refused to pay for damages. After an intense search for reparations, I found the BBB Auto Line arbitration service, which ruled in September that KIA was negligent. The manufacturer was ordered to make all repairs.

The van was returned with a new motor (supposedly worth $7,000) and now runs. KIA, however, has refused to cover the cost of my vehicle payments (I went three months without vehicle) or for the car I had to rent on occasion.

I have reported KIA to several consumer agencies, including the state Consumer Affairs Division and the FTC. Several investigations are pending.

I have approximately 200 pages of paperwork to verify all claims, and I would love to share this evidence with anyone considering doing business with this company. I will never buy another KIA, and I have made it my life's crusade to dissuade anyone from ever wasting their money on one of these cheap, unreliable vehicles.

Poor, unreliable vehicle and terrible customer service. I strongly recommend avoiding the Sedona and anything else made by KIA.