2005 Kia Sedona Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Kia Sedona has a complaint index of 81, ranked 4th worst of 17 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Brakes account for 44% of its 185 complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 8,500 miles, plus two recalls covering the throttle cable and rear hub caps.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 81/100
- #4 of 17 Sedona years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 185
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 20
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 16
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 14 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 16 / 0
Top 2005 Kia Sedona problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes81 (44%)
- Engine37 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires34 (18%)
- Electrical System22 (12%)
- Airbags16 (9%)
- Other15 (8%)
- Steering14 (8%)
- Structure & Body12 (6%)
- Fuel System6 (3%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to slow the vehicle even with firm pedal pressure, leading to collisions at highway speeds.
- Owners describe sudden electrical shutdowns while driving, with loss of power steering and brakes at the same time.
- Several complaints describe fires starting in the dashboard, engine bay, or starter area, in some cases while the vehicle was parked or just started.
- Frontal airbags reportedly failed to deploy during head-on or side-impact crashes at moderate speeds.
- Wheel hub separation while driving was reported, causing loss of control and a crash into a fixed object.
- Steering reportedly became very hard to turn at low speed, contributing to a parking-lot collision.
2005 Kia Sedona recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Kia Sedona reliable?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2005 Sedona 4th worst out of 17 model years for this vehicle, with a complaint index of 81 and 185 complaints, most tied to the brakes. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Sedona years.
- What is the main problem with the 2005 Kia Sedona?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 44% of complaints (81 of 185), with owners reporting failures at a median mileage of 8,500 miles.
- Does the 2005 Kia Sedona have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a throttle cable that can freeze and stick in cold weather, and one for rear hub caps on alloy-wheel models that can trap moisture and damage the wheel bearing.
- Are electrical fires a concern in the 2005 Sedona?
- Yes. Electrical system complaints total 22, and 8 of those involved fires, including reports of dashboard smoke and fires linked to the starter or radio wiring.
- How does the 2005 Sedona compare to other model years?
- Its complaint index of 81 is higher than 2008 through 2021 (all at or below 75), but lower than 2006 (94) and 2016 (100), which rank as the worst Sedona years.