The 2003 Kia Sedona is a minivan that came with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine. At 23 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Minivan - 2WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 14 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $4,200 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 555 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 1 configuration |
| Age | 23 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 2003 Kia Sedona. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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.
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.
On certain mini vans, during assembly, the throttle cable would twist itself out of position.
Risk: This can permit the cable to be hung up, which could result in a crash.
On certain passenger vehicles, there was a programming error in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) electronic control module logic. The programming error could cause reduced braking force at speeds below 25 mph, which could result in increased stopping distances.
Risk: Such increased stopping distances could result in a crash.
Owners have filed 163 complaints about the 2003 Kia Sedona with NHTSA. 13 reports involved a crash and 21 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 24 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 21 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2003 Kia Sedona. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly c
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 4 defect investigations covering the 2003 Kia Sedona.
Steering intermediate shaft binding
Odis analysis of warranty data shows that the alleged defect has occurred at a relatively high frequency in salt-belt states (5.9 percent).however, the tests conducted by odi and Kia have shown that the alleged defect has a minimal effect on steering efforts.in addition, odi interviews of owners who experienced the all
Steering binding
On april 28, 2008, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe08-033 to investigate complaints alleging steering binding in model year 2002 through 2004 Kia Sedona minivans.Kia's response to odi's request for information in pe08-033 indicated that concerns with binding of the steering int
Electrical fire
By letter dated october 4, 2005, Kia notified the agency that it is conducting a safety recall (NHTSA recall no. 05v463) involving all model year (my) 2002, 2003 Kia Sedona ex vehicles and certain my 2004 Kia Sedona ex vehicles.Kia?s recall covers 74,276 vehicles.Kia reports that fires were caused by wiring under front
Throttle cable binding
Kia provided information describing a water entry point at the rubber sealing boot located at the throttle body end of the throttle cable, advising that water could enter the cable sheath during normal vehicle operation.in low temperatures, the water freezes and may impede the movement of the throttle cable thereby pre
‹ Sell a 2002 Sedona · Sell a 2004 Sedona › · All Kia Sedona years
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2003 Sedonas that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Kia Sedona; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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