YearToAvoid

2005 Kia Sedona Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

81/100

#4 most-complained of 17 Sedona years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2005 Kia Sedona has 185 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 81 out of 100 — #4 highest of 17 Sedona model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is brakes (81 complaints, 44% of the total). Complaints report 20 crashes, 9 fires, and 16 injuries.

Complaints
185
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
20 / 9
Injuries / deaths
16 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
17
14 city / 21 hwy

Top 2005 Kia Sedona problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes81 (44%)
  2. Engine37 (20%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires34 (18%)
  4. Electrical System22 (12%)
  5. Airbags16 (9%)
  6. Other15 (8%)
  7. Steering14 (8%)
  8. Structure & Body12 (6%)
  9. Fuel System6 (3%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain5 (3%)
2005 Kia Sedona complaints: complaints filed per quarter222005 Q22007 Q12008 Q42010 Q42013 Q12014 Q42016 Q42019 Q2
250 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2005 Q2 to 2023 Q2; peak 2007 Q3 (22).

2005 Kia Sedona recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 05V329000Jul 20, 2005Engine118,447 vehicles

    Vehicle speed control:cables

    On certain mini vans, freezing conditions can cause water on the throttle cable to freeze during normal operation. Resistance to movement of the throttle cable can occur when the driver lifts their foot off of the gas pedal.

    Risk: This can cause the cable to stick, thus preventing the engine from returning to idle and causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate. Such an event can occur without warning and could cause a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will modify a protective sleeve around the throttle cable. The recall began on august 15, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

  2. NHTSA 05V232000May 19, 2005Suspension, Wheels & Tires37,358 vehicles

    Wheels

    On certain mini vans equipped with alloy wheels, moisture can accumulate around the rear hub caps causing damage to the outer wheel bearing.

    Risk: Wheel bearing failure may occur without warning which could result in a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear hub caps free of charge. Upon inspection, some vehicles will also require replacement of the rear outer bearings and/or hub assembly. The recall began on june 13, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

2005 Kia Sedona fuel economy and fuel cost

City
14 MPG
Highway
21 MPG
Combined
17 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2005 compared with other Sedona years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Avoid81185217
2006Avoid94385718
2007Avoid88157618

All Kia Sedona years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Kia Sedona a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Kia Sedona ranks #4 of 17 among Sedona model years (Complaint Index 81/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 185 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia Sedona?
The most reported problem areas are brakes (81 complaints), engine (37 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (34 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 25,000 miles.
Does the 2005 Kia Sedona have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Kia Sedona, most recently reported 2005, covering engine and suspension, wheels & tires.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Kia Sedona?
EPA rates the 2005 Kia Sedona at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 21 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.