Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Kia Sedona owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
One more time Kia Sedona 2002 failed to brake car lost control front passenger seat belt snapped out, looks like power steering failed and brakes also, not the first time brakes failed in Kia Sedona. Prior to this accident the consumer complained to the dealer about vibrations while braking. Car accelerate by itself (throttle stuck).
Car accelerated on his own as a result car went into median, also passenger side seat belt snapped. Car was heavily damaged as a result of the crash. Went from 10 to 50mph in seconds. Also, brake system failed to respond. Previous report filed #10065882.
The brake pedal placement makes it easy to simultaneously press both the brake and accelerator pedal when attempting to stop the vehicle. On one occasion the vehicle crashed into the wall of the consumer's garage. The dealer has been notified.
We purchased the 2002 Kia Sedona yesterday 12-28-03. We drove the car for about 45 minutes today, stopped for dinner at a fast food restaurant and then drove again for about 10 minutes when while driving the vehicle, the battery and brake warning lights flashed on and off a few times, then stayed on. When the brake pedal was depressed, the radio shut off and would not come back on. Then the seatbelt warning light came on and the dash lights, exterior and interior lights dimmed. While car was still in motion, the sunroof would not close and the other windows were very slow at closing. The car shuddered a couple of times as if ready to stall. We made it home just in time, the car stalled and would not restart. We were able to close the sunroof, but it was very slow. We have tried to charge the battery, but it does not seem to be taking a charge. …
On July 4, 2002 we purchased a 2002 Kia Sedona minivan. Immediately after driving out of the dealership we parked at a store, when we returned to the vehicle it would not start. We called the dealership and they sent out a tow truck. The van was towed to the dealership and the service adviser indicated that they had numerous complaints regarding a driver seat relay that was causing the batteries to go out on this year, make and model of vehicle. He indicated that they were changing all relays. They replaced with new battery and new relay on the van. The van continued to give us problems, the whole electrical system (stereo, windows, door locks) would go off and on as we were driving. If we would stop vehicle, the vehicle would not start. We had numerous jump starts. We took the vehicle in approx. …
We purchased our van in jul of 02. After 6 months we returned the van complaining about a squeeling noise from the brakes. We were told the brakes were OK. At 24K miles I noticed the rotors were dulland the rear shoes were worn, I was told the rotors were glazed over and need to be turned and the shoes were worn to less than 50% life, and they would not warrenty after 12K miles. I had the rotors turned and replaced the pads, a few weeks later we noticed the the brakes would pulsate when slowing down from highway speeds. I took to dealer that the rotors warped. I replaced the rotors and pads, after 3K miles the pulsateing happened again. In oct 04 we had an accident I was reffered to Kia customer service and was told that they would not warrenty anything because I did the repairs myself, even though I had a reoccuring complaint about my brakes before now. …
The incident started prior to this date. It started when my vehicle hit 10,000 miles. I heard a rumbling in the brakes and told my husband, he thought I was crazy-that brakes don't go at 10,000 miles, but sure enough they did. It was covered under Kia warranty, they said the rotors were warped and the brakes were shot. Now in April of 04 at about 22,000 miles same thing again. Kia said all 4 sets- front and reat needed replacement and it wouldn't be covered under warrant-normal wear and tear. They wanted to charge me $600.00. I took the car to Goodyear. They replaced all for $340.00. I took the original brakes and they still had "meat" on them. Anyhow, aug. 04 at about 27,000 miles under Goodyear's warranty, once again the front brakes had to be replaced. Now in feb. 05, everytime I made a right hand turn the red brake light went on. …
I own a 2002 Kia Sedona. Yesterday I took it in to the dealer for the 15th time due to a check engine light. I also asked them to check the brakes since they are pulsating when stopping, which is the fourth time for this specific problem. It has been just 19,000 miles since the last rotor and brake change. They told me that they had done a "good will" replacement of parts the last time I brought it in and that it will cost $700.00 to fix this time. They said, "there were hotspot and warping noted the last time you brought it in and since it is happening again, it shows a pattern of hard breaking." my wife drives this vehicle back and fourth to work 3 time a week and thenm it is only used around town so I know that is not the issue. They also stated that rotors on minivans should only last 18000-20000 miles anyway. …
I have had my 02 Kia for 2 years. It ran great for a few 1000 miles but then it just went haywire. The problem that cost me the most time and money turned out to be the fuel pump. The Kia dealer in charlseton sc originally told me that it was bad gas so I called to the gas station on the military base that I got gas from and raised sand. They pulled the whole pump and it turned out to be good gas so the government could not reimburse my money since it was not their fault. Kia wanted to charge me 500 dollars to pull all the fuel components and dispose of a full tank of gas. Imagine that..I was without my van for 3 weeks since I was stranded on the interstate with 2 kids and my pregnant wife. I also had to get a rental car. Problems: 1. Fuel pump-stranded me for 3 weeks and some days ..new fuel pump 2. New battery-vehicle died on me in florida. Thought alternator went out... …
Consumer belts squeal, slidding door drags, pulley was replaced at 7744 miles. ** answer required*** the pulley and belt have been replaced 10 times. The alternator seized while the vehicle was being driven. The A/C fan made loud noises. The sliding door dragged. The emergency brake would not hold, the dealer adjusted it three times then finally replaced. An internal short in the fuse clock caused the vehicle not to start. The vehicle stalled intermittenlty but the dealer was unable to duplicate the stalling. The power windows would stick and make noise, the dealer lubed it and replaced the regulator. The rear hatch rusted around handle and had to be repaired/refinished twice. The exhaust manifold racked. Oil leaked from oil filter. The front and rear wipers failed. The sliding door handle broke. The dash lights illuminated due to broken bad switch contacts. The rotors warped. …
Brake complaints in other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Kia Sedona, 13% of the model year's 248 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Kia Sedona brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Kia Sedona, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Kia Sedona brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.