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 2003 Kia Sedona owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona. While driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal seized halfway down when it was depressed. As a result, the contact swerved onto the sidewalk and stopped 30 yards in a parking lot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the electric computer braking module did not allow the brakes to stop completely; therefore, the computer reacted as if the vehicle were traveling on ice. The dealer (moritz Kia hurst, 110 ne loop 820, hurst, tx 76053, [phone]) stated that there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer stated that they would have the dealer inspect the vehicle for free. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 115,800.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that when driving approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the front driver side brake failed to respond without warning. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS system failed to allow brake fluid to run through. In addition, the outlet valve became stuck in the lock position and the ABS unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. Ma 10/22/2015 updated 9/27/2017
I bought a 2003 Sedona used in 2007 with about 50000 miles and have nothing but problems ever since. 1st in 7/08 I went to a local shop (not Kia) because my engine seemed very loud. The mechanic told me I needed new motor mounts n that it was kind of unusual for a car to need them so soon. I did call Kia n ask them about this and was basically told to bad for you. So I had them fixed ($556.36). Not even a few weeks later my ac was blowing hot. Same mechanic told me my ac was out n that one of the hoses needed replaced. Had to wait a few years but had it replaced ($1050.72). Had my 1st brake job done in 2008 ever since I've had to have my brakes replace 2-3 yearly plus had to have new calipers. No one can tell me way the breakpads wear out so quickly. I dont drive a unusual amount. I've had to replace 2 interior door handle and now have a broken exterior handle. …
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the steering wheel shook when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who cleaned the brakes with a hardware kit. The problem recurred, and the brakes were cleaned two more times. A couple weeks later, the problem recurred again. The vehicle was back to the dealer, who suggested the rotors be cut. The problem recurred a fifth time, and the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, who replaced the front rotors and shoes. The problem recurred 3-4 months later, and the front shoes were shot. The independent repair shop determined that the front brakes wore quickly because the rear brakes were defective. …
This van has been a problem ever since I bought it. This is the 3rd time the brakes have been replaced, the cd player doesn't work any more. The alternator with out at 40,000 miles. The fuses inside keep blowing. The air controller in the back in falling out of the ceiling. I had to leave it with the dealership for over a week so that they could find the hesitation problem it was having when pulling out into traffic. It turned out to be the distributor cable, this was at about 17,000 miles and that was also the miles at the 2nd brakes job. It now makes a noise in the back of the van that sounds like a motorcycle is coming up behind you. I just hope whatever it is it doesn't blow like it sounds like it could. I bought this van because I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old so I really don't want to crash with such precious cargo. Thanks, rose ann.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Kia Sedona. She received a recall notice for the wheel bearings, brake lights, and the vehicle speed control. The dealer refused to honor her recall notice since the VIN was not included. The contact provided the dealer with copies of the recall notice with her vehicle information listed and they declined to repair the recall. The manufacturer admitted that her vehicle is included in the recalls based upon the VIN. The contact returned to the dealer; however, they did not honor the recall after confirming that she received approval from the manufacturer. She is currently responsible to assume the cost for repairs related to the recalls. The failure and current mileages were 79,291. The NHTSA campaign id number(s) are: 03V158000 , 05V013000 , 05V232000.
Brakes failed in an accident and the air bag did not deploy. When the consumer attempted to apply the brakes because the vehicle in front of him was a t a stop, the brakes locked up and the vehicle went into a skid. The consumer received the vehicle back and was told there was nothing wrong with the brakes, however over the next few months he continued to experience brake problems every so often. The dealer kept the vehicle for a few days and they replaced the wheel cylinder and the rotors which were warped. The consumer then received a recall notice regarding the brakes and took the vehicle back to the dealer who stated it would take a few hours to fix. Since the recall repair was complete the consumer has not experienced anymore brake problems.
Car has been huge headache bought new in 2003 has been towed twice for leaking coolant lines that rusted out. Last time was on vacation Kia has not returned on phone call or e-mail as it cost me 300 dollars and car is under bumper to bumper warranty has 34K miles . Drivers door handle broke and airbag light was on fixed by dealer. One brake pad lining fell off at 25K miles replaced myself. Most important we had a rear tire blow out at 60 MPH in three lanes of traffic. Tire shredded apart with 28K miles and was new york inspected 2 months earlier. Other back tire bubbled out on one side and made the car shudder. Replaced tires myself but please investigate this car now I am really worried after reading about the airbags not deploying.
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle experienced continuous brake problems. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times who repaired or replaced the brakes and rotors every time problems reoccurred. The dealer determined that the problems were due to normal wear and tear although the vehicle's problems occurred 2 months after the vehicle was purchased. The manufacturer was contacted and would not state the cause of the problem. The contact believes that the problems are a manufacturer defect.
Brakes vibrating I have taken this van back to the dealer for this problem since I have 1400 miles on the van each time they tell me warped rotors I have been driving for over 25 years and never had problem like this almost ever 6 months I have had to bring it in for until they changed the front pads with a new type at a cost of $230.00 at 13,000 miles 4/28/05 the problem seem to be fixed but after 10,000 miles its back 4/28/2006 one year to the date this needs to be checked.
Related recalls
Service brakes, air › Antilock › Control unit/module
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.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the control module. Owner notification began May 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Brake complaints in other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Kia Sedona, 16% of the model year's 197 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Kia Sedona brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-158 (control unit/module, Apr 25, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Kia Sedona brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 48% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.