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.
If the truth be known, I believe many weary Sedona owners would be more than happy to join you on your crusade.
I just rid myself of my 2002 LX and wow, what a relief. You can review my ownership experience by clicking on "Hopeless" under year 2002 in this site.
Hopefully, for potential buyers, the new 2006 version of the Sedona proves to be more reliable and less costly to maintain and repair than the current version.
My 2002 Sedona was not a "stellar" vehicle, if you get the parallel. It was in the dealers shop on numerous occasions for repairs and maintenance. Maintenance costs are outrageous. Parts costs were atrocious. The alternator failed at 102,000 kilometers, just out of warranty. The dealer wanted $1,100 to replace it. The dealer price for an air filter element was $42 and spark plugs are $18 a piece. Aftermarket parts for Kias are not readily available in Canada yet and Kia and its dealers know that. Your in for a surprise when the timing belt needs replacement.
My Sedona became a sharp pain in the wallet so I traded it on a new GM van. At least parts are available and a lot cheaper and, every mechanic in town can fix it. Think about that before you opt for a Kia.
...I was thinking of buying one... I definitely WON'T now...
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