10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 3
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 88,574 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
[XXX] owned a 2008 Kia Sedona minivan, VIN #[XXX]. This was his only vehicle at the time. On or about April 26, 2021, [XXX] heard a loud noise coming from the driveway and went outside to investigate. The van was engulfed in flames, mainly in the engine compartment. He attempted to put the fire out himself. His neighbor called the Pinellas Park fire department who responded and put out the fire. The vehicle was a total loss. The van had been parked for approximately five hours after he used it earlier that day to pick up children from school The spontaneous vehicle fire was a serious safety risk, and he is fortunate to have not lost his home in the fire along with the vehicle. The day before the fire, the ABS indicator light on the dash came on. He made an appointment to have the van serviced on April 27, but the fire destroyed the vehicle before it could be looked at. Shortly after this happened, [XXX] learned of Manufacturer Recall Number SC186; NHTSA Recall Number 20V088. He was never notified by Kia North America, before or after the fire which destroyed the vehicle. [XXX] has opened case number [XXX] with and was assured that Kia would be providing reimbursement for the Kia Sedona vehicle he had to replace. Kia North America requested pictures of the fire damaged vehicle, which he sent to them. He offered to allow Kia to inspect the wreckage of the vehicle, but no action was ever taken despite assurances that Kia would send a representative to inspect the vehicle. In September 2021, Kia North America stopped responding to Mr. Brackett, and no longer returns his or my communication. If the NHTSA requires any more information, please contact my office. /s [XXX] Florida Bar #[XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated several months ago, smoke was seen coming from the front of the vehicle while stopped at a stop sign. The contact stated that recently she parked, the vehicle and it failed to reverse, she checked the oil level however, there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the failure recurred as while she was driving smoke was seen in the vehicle and the brake pedal failed to engage while depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated on the final failure a few weeks later the vehicle stalled, while driving 55 mph and came. The contact was not able to move the vehicle, which caused the vehicle on fire on engine. The contact stated the fire was extinguished by the fire department and a fire department report was filed. The fire department inspected the vehicle and stated the cause of the fire was undetermined. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 20V088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) however the contact had not received a notification on the recall. The contact stated a local dealer was contacted however, no assistance was offered and provided manufacturer number. The manufacturer had been informed of failure and a case was opened. The contact stated she was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
- Winchester, Ky, KY, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact was informed that the notification that was received was an interim notification. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. A dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Lockport, IL, USA
While driving tried to stop for a light and brakes failed, pedal went to the floor ABS did not engage and finally slowed. This is second master cylinder on the vehicle. My mechanic who did the replacement several years ago tried two more new master cylinders today and they also failed to hold pressure. Dealer was no help with possible solution. I need to tap the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. We can find no recalls on the master cylinder
- Linthicum Heights, MD, USA
On 05-10-16 my 2008 Kia Sedona was parked in the drive way. It was not on. It had not been driven for more than 24 hours.the key was not in the ignition. We were removing one of the back passenger seats on the driver's side. The side door had remained open. In the past we had problems with the driver's side sliding door, it wouldn't open or wouldn't close. While removing the seat the open door indicator (buzzing) came on. Did not know why it came on, the car was in park and was off. A couple of minutes later the smell of smoke was coming from the car. Did not see where it was coming from at first and then smoke was coming out of the engine area. The hood was opened and there were flames on the driver's side behind the steering wheel. The fire dept. Was called but we were able to put the flames out before it became dangerous and cancelled the call. The battery had to be disconnected to avoid having the flames start up again. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealer to investigate the cause. After a few days of waiting the dealer concluded the ABS may have caused the fire. The fire had burned the wiring harness and fire wall. The car was totaled due to not being able to confirm the actual cause of the fire. To date we do not know what actually caused the fire but we had to buy another car. I want to point out if you have a problem with the door system be alert. If your car is in park with the key out of the ignition and you have warning buzzards go off check the current status of the vehicle, possible relay over load to door connection. Not confirmed, but was the only power operating part to the vehicle that was in use when the fire started.
- Leesburg, FL, USA
With emergency brake the van rolled away.
- Washington, DC, USA
This van has the exact same issue with the brake switch that all the others had in recall. Shifter is stuck in park. ESC light is on and brake lights are not working. There are no open recalls for this issue on the VIN number. Further, the Kia dealership refuses to fix it free of charge.
- Hillsborough, NJ, USA
Have to put brakes and rotaters on every 6 months and don't know why
- Powhatan, VA, USA
As I was approaching an intersection and I started to apply the brakes, the van suddenly accelerated, when I pressed hard on the brake still it wouldn't stop...call Kia Sedona authorized dealer, they said there's no recall. As I researched the internet, I notice that car gurus(which is a car forum) over 33 people had complaint with the same problem. There were an accident with fatalities even. I'm very concern as I drive with all my kids specially my grandson often, and it scares the crap out of me to think that I would get involved in an accident with the little one on board. A lot of people did the diagnostics that the dealer suggested, after paying over $110 plus taxes, the car is still showing the same problem. I really need somebody to tell me what am I supposed to do? I'm still paying for the vehicle, I'm scared to drive it anywhere specially the highway...help please...
- Hartford , CT, USA
Second time in 3 years I have had to replace the brake switch on my 2008 Kia Sedona, why is the recall for this issue only for the 2007 Sedona?
- St Petersburg , FL, USA
The first time this incident happened, I was driving my 2008 Kia Sedona van on a level street at approximately 30mph. The van started accelerating at a fast speed and the brakes would not work. Fortunately, there were no cars coming the other way and no people out walking. I was not able to stop at the stop sign and I put on my emergency brake and turned off the van. The second incident occurred while I was driving up a hill. The van started accelerating and I was not able to use my brakes. This time I put the van in neutral and was able to regain control of the van. I took the van to my mechanic and they did not find any problem with the brakes or anything else. My friend also experienced a similar incident with her newer model Kia Sedona and uses my same mechanic and found nothing wrong. Her incident happened before my first episode in June. Today, I was driving my daughter to work and the same thing happened as I was driving up a slight elevated street. I was not able to use the brakes and shifted into neutral. I was able to slow the engine and get her to work. I have five children and I have had at least one of them with me when each of these incidences has occurred. I called the Kia dealer today and they told me to call Monday. This is a very scary situation and I fear serious injury may occur. I was on residential streets when all three episodes occurred and did not have my cruise control on as noted from other Kia owners who have experienced this on the highway.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Lancaster, CA, USA