2002 Kia Sedona: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Kia Sedona: 3 recalls, 198 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #03V017000 · 2003 · 21,248 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain MINI vans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the second and third seat belt buckle anchor bolts do not comply with the standards.
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant May not be properly restrained.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle anchor bolts. Owner notification began February 24, 2003.
Seats Vehicle recall #03V135000 · 2003 · 4,276 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, some of the second and third row seat strikers installed on the vehicle floor pan have been improperly heat treated and could break in a crash.
Why it matters: This could result in injuries to occupants of these seats.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat strikers. Owner notification began April 25, 2003.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V013000 · 2005 · 89,238 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain MINI vans, during assembly, the throttle cable would twist itself out of position.
Why it matters: This can permit the cable to be hung up, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the throttle cable free of charge. Vehicles produced from March 20, 2001 through November 7, 2001 will have a guide clip installed on the throttle body assembly in order to ensure that the tension force cable does not move out of position. Vehicles manufactured beginning on…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 13 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (50): the most common themes are electrical failure (38), stalls / loses power (15), door / lock issues (14).
- Seat belts (28): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (6).
- Engine & cooling (27): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), warning light on (8), electrical failure (8).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (26): the most common themes are noise or vibration (10), warning light on (6).
The 2002 Kia Sedona has 198 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 20 Sedona model years for complaints (1.6× the average Sedona year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (42 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 50,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (163 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Kia Sedona.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Kia Sedona have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Kia Sedona. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Kia Sedona problems?
Owners have filed 198 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (50), seat belts (28), engine & cooling (27).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Kia Sedona get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Kia Sedona repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.