Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
At approx. 3:55 a.m on the above date my step son woke up to the sound of a horn continuously blowing in our driveway. He looked out the window and saw flames coming from inside the cab of the listed vehicle. He ran into the bedroom and woke me and his mom up. I jumped up and ran outside to find my fiances van on fire as I ran back in the house to get the kids and her to get out of the trailer because the van was parked within 5 feet of it the drivers window busted and flames began rolling out of it. We called 911 and waited for the fire dept to get there to extinguish the fire. The van became fully involved and burned almost completely up. I found out later that day of a recall back in 2005 of possible fire danger caused by wiring in electric seats. I started thinking that May be what started because the drivers electric seat stopped working about 8 months ago. …
From 2nd week we complained of engine noise. Each time no problem was found. Few months later ck engine came on. A spark plug was replaced. 1 month later ck engine light on again. New fuel injector. 2 days later ck engine light again. Needed new motor at 3800 miles. 1 week later caught on fire in our garage. Kia regional management chris butler said they would repair damages from fire but had no concern that our 6 month old van with only 3800 miles already had the motor replace and caught on fire. His advise don't park in the garage anymore so we won't have to worry about it burning down our house. Ironic that we choose this van because we thought it would be easier and safer for our kids. Now I fear our families safety everyday because we have it.
2002 Kia Sedona minivan. Purchased used feb 2006 w/32K miles from private owner. Most recent miles 59K. Caught fire while parked in garage and is totaled. Have had electrical problems including electric seat stop functioning, and dead battery whenever parked for more than 5 days. Replaced the battery, replaced the alternator, replaced the serpentine belt. On 11/17/07 after 6-months of the seat not working, the drivers side electric seat controls suddenly began to work again, a few hours later the van caught fire (drivers side door and dash) and burned the interior. Insurance declared it totaled.
I was driving no less then than block from my house - when I notice smoke from the driver side fuse panel and next thing you know the whole panel became engulf in flames. I called the fire department and able to put fire out- but unfortunately, the car become total in the damage.
The car was parked in front of the house. A neighbor knocked on the door and told us that the Kia was on fire. No one was in the car at that time. The engine compartment was totally burned up. The car gave me no other problems.
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... …
While driving on highway with heat on, the air stopped blowing into the car from the vents even though we could hear the blower motor running. This started October 4, 2003 and still has not been fixed as of June 2004.even though we have had the car in the repair shop 11 times. We have been placed in very dangerous situations because of this. During the winter, when the blower would quit, the windows would fog up or freeze up immediately. We couldn't even see to get the car off the road. There was no way to clear the windows, not to mention the discomfort of freezing to death when it was 30 degrees below zero. The entire heating system, actuators, blower motor were replaced and the blender doors were reprogrammed. We only have heat sporadically. Now that summer is here, the air conditioner doesn't work,. It is in the shop now having the compressor replaced. …
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. …
I have had numerous problems with my Kia Sedona. Within a few months of ownership the head gasket blew and it was towed in and replaced. Then the windshield broke during the night in the garage with no weather extremes. I replaced that. In 2 years I've had 2 blowouts to the front driver's tire. The only 2 in my whole 30+ years of driving.dealer says its not the car. The front wheel bearings were replaced. In dec 2004 the engine was replaced, the lumbar support was broken and fixed, the driver's doorhandle broke and was fixed by Kia. Jan18 it was back in because the hood release was not working. It was fixed and we picked up the vehicle 1/19. On 1/21 the gas pedal stuck, I brought it in and they fixed it immediately. " the cover had fallen down and they tied it back up." obviously not a good job because it stuck again on the way home at 65mph. …
I own a 2002 Kia Sedona. I purchased it in February and was fine until a month later. I was on my way to work and I got on the highway and the van stalled and just shut down. After about 5 minutes later it restarted then shut off again about 3 miles down the highway. I had the fuel pump and camshaft replaced but it still will not start. Then the battery stopped working. I replaced that and it still will not work. I called Kia and because it is out of warranty they would not help. The dealership is way too expensive being that I am a single parent I cannot afford their prices. Kia customer service is very bad and will not help with anything. After searching online I have came to a conclusion that this is a very common problem and there hasn't been one fix to it. I don't have the ability to go out and purchase another vehicle and just want this one fixed. Please help!
Engine complaints in other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Kia Sedona, 15% of the model year's 248 complaints. The component named most often is engine (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Kia Sedona engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.