Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Kia Sedona owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2004 Kia Sedona. While her daughter was driving at about 5 to 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in all driving conditions. The contact also heard a squeaking sound when turning the steering wheel. The steering shaft u-joint failure (badly corroded) caused the contact to crash the front end of her vehicle into the bridge on her driveway. She has not taken the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer said that there is a national back order for steering intermediate shaft. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 90,000 and failure mileage was 89,000.
Power steering makes whining sound when turning the wheel, power steer fluid low in canister due to leaks. Hard to turn to the steering wheel when turning. Don't know if belts affected I hear a humming sound. Don't know if the power steering pump is working properly. Constantly adding fluid to the canister.
While driving today, I noticed a whining noise, with a slight grinding noise to it as well. Initially thinking it was the brakes, I listened closer and realized it was not happening when braking but rather seemed to be happening when turning, primarily during acceleration. Soon after the turn as I steadied speed, the noise would decrease or disappear. After the first few times making turns however, in addition to the noise the steering wheel also became very stiff and extremely difficult to turn. It progressed so suddenly and severely that I was worried I May not make it home without crashing. This all happened during a total of approximately 20 miles of driving in town. …
2004 Kia Sedona. Steering this vehicle became extremely dangerous when executing turns, especially exiting from highways. Steering feels as if it is binding and about to seize. Steering wheel will not return to center without significant driver effort. The problem is more noticeable when applying the brakes. Kia simply advised me the vehicle is out of warranty and the steering mechanism is not part of the drive train. The repair shop indicates the steering system needs replacement of the rack and pinion mechanism. This vehicle was purchased new in nj and it has been used primarily in nj and the northeast; the vehicle is used as the family car with most driving done locally within town. Mileage is approx 63,000. The problem is not related to the power steering fluid or pump. The steering mechanism is about the most basic and critical safety system on a car next to the brakes. …
While driving, I noticed the steering started to get more and more hard to correct while turning. As you are turning the wheel sticks, then gives and sticks again. While in the stuck position, if you do not turn the wheel harder, the van will continue to lead in the direction. We took the van in for inspection, and were told it was the power steering pump. They replaced it, but we out of the 60,000 mile warranty. Thankfully we bought the extended warranty, so it only cost us the $100 deductible. They then told us the power steering belt needed replaced, but was not covered under the extended warranty. After we received the van back, it continued to do the same. We are taking the van back in for service and complaint tomorrow. Hopefully they get it right this time. This is not something to think you got it right the first time, has to be absolutely right the first time. …
I have a 2004 Kia Sedona Mini-van. On the evening of November 6, 2009 the steering column essentially seized on me. The van became extremely difficult to control almost to the point where it was undriveable. There was no warning or previous indications. I was barely able to get the van to a shop on Saturday, November 7, 2009 where the mechanic found that Kia had issued a technical service bulletin for steering difficulties due to malfunctioning intermediate steering column. Given the severe safety implications of this situation, I believe that Kia should have issued a recall notice and should reimburse owners that have had the part replaced.
2004 Kia Sedona ex. I have had the power steering pump replaced (under 60K mile warranty) because steering got tight and noisy. Now 5 months later (and out of warranty) they tell me the steering knuckle (or universal - not very specific) needs replaced at a cost of $200. I took this to the dealer for warranty repair of the front heel bearings (100K warranty on these) and for evaluation of the dangerous steering. This van suddenly became very difficult to steer, and you actually have to "un-steer" when going around a bend. The wheel will stay in the position you steer it to and would run right off the road if you do not force it back to center.
While driving 50 MPH vehicle stalled. Vehicle was still driveable. Dealership informed the consumer that there transmission failed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Dealer stated problem was caused by electricl harness. Also having multiple failures with output speed sensor; transmission 3 times; thermostat assembly; power steering leaked; input speed sensor; low ground voltage failed; fuse block problems; cruise control. Consumer was advised that due to the design of the cruise control, the vehicle accelerates often while on an incline at 45 to 55 MPH as if vehicle's engine/transmission was racing.
The steering started to become difficult while driving ,intermittently dangerous when you never knew it was gonna happen. Eventually just stopped working all together ,I did alot of online research and found out this is a very common problem ,with the steering knuckle binding because of corrosion . All and all think the vehicle was very well thought out and alot of amenities are awesome in this vehicle ,why doesn't Kia just offer a recall ,since they have already posted a bulletin for this? Call the dealership and realize this part is always on back order come on Kia man up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting a left turn, the steering wheel locked making it difficult for the contact to turn the wheel. The contact tapped on the brakes and then the accelerator in order for the steering wheel to unlock. The dealer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 61,000. The consumer also stated the vehicle jerks and the power steering problem has worsened significantly. Updated 07/19/11
NHTSA investigations
Steering binding
On April 28, 2008, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe08-033 to investigate complaints alleging steering binding in model year 2002 through 2004 Kia sedona minivans.Kia's response to odi's request for information in pe08-033 indicated that concerns with binding of the steering intermediate shaft were first identified and investigated in August 2002, in vehicles sold in…
Steering intermediate shaft binding
Odis analysis of warranty data shows that the alleged defect has occurred at a relatively high frequency in salt-belt states (5.9 percent).however, the tests conducted by odi and Kia have shown that the alleged defect has a minimal effect on steering efforts.in addition, odi interviews of owners who experienced the alleged defect showed that in most cases the problem was preceded by months or years of noise or a…
Steering complaints in other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Kia Sedona, 15% of the model year's 213 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Kia Sedona steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2004 Kia Sedona, though it has 3 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 2004 Kia Sedona steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.