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 2008 Kia Sedona owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open and unlock the doors as well as to deactivate the alarm system. The contact stated that the rear driver's and passenger's side windows failed to open fully, and the passenger's side front door failed to close correctly as the chime and dome light remained on while driving. The contact stated to remedy the door failure her spouse placed a piece of metal between the door and the sensor to correct the failure. The rear passenger's side sliding door also failed to connect with the sensor correctly as the door chime and dome light remained on. The check engine warning light would illuminate while driving at various speeds. …
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The message "ESC OFF" was displayed. The contact stated that the headlights were inoperable. Additionally, the engine had overheated, causing an electrical short and battery failure. The battery was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The vehicle was restarted and driven at 25 MPH; however, the failure recurred. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and remained on the side of the road. The contact stated that several mechanics had previously diagnosed the vehicle with electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated several months ago, smoke was seen coming from the front of the vehicle while stopped at a stop sign. The contact stated that recently she parked, the vehicle and it failed to reverse, she checked the oil level however, there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the failure recurred as while she was driving smoke was seen in the vehicle and the brake pedal failed to engage while depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated on the final failure a few weeks later the vehicle stalled, while driving 55 MPH and came. The contact was not able to move the vehicle, which caused the vehicle on fire on engine. The contact stated the fire was extinguished by the fire department and a fire department report was filed. …
On 05-10-16 my 2008 Kia Sedona was parked in the drive way. It was not on. It had not been driven for more than 24 hours.the key was not in the ignition. We were removing one of the back passenger seats on the driver's side. The side door had remained open. In the past we had problems with the driver's side sliding door, it wouldn't open or wouldn't close. While removing the seat the open door indicator (buzzing) came on. Did not know why it came on, the car was in park and was off. A couple of minutes later the smell of smoke was coming from the car. Did not see where it was coming from at first and then smoke was coming out of the engine area. The hood was opened and there were flames on the driver's side behind the steering wheel. The fire dept. Was called but we were able to put the flames out before it became dangerous and cancelled the call. …
[redacted] owned a 2008 Kia Sedona minivan, VIN #[redacted]. This was his only vehicle at the time. On or about April 26, 2021, [redacted] heard a loud noise coming from the driveway and went outside to investigate. The van was engulfed in flames, mainly in the engine compartment. He attempted to put the fire out himself. His neighbor called the Pinellas Park fire department who responded and put out the fire. The vehicle was a total loss. The van had been parked for approximately five hours after he used it earlier that day to pick up children from school The spontaneous vehicle fire was a serious safety risk, and he is fortunate to have not lost his home in the fire along with the vehicle. The day before the fire, the ABS indicator light on the dash came on. He made an appointment to have the van serviced on April 27, but the fire destroyed the vehicle before it could be looked at. …
While driving tried to stop for a light and brakes failed, pedal went to the floor ABS did not engage and finally slowed. This is second master cylinder on the vehicle. My mechanic who did the replacement several years ago tried two more new master cylinders today and they also failed to hold pressure. Dealer was no help with possible solution. I need to tap the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. We can find no recalls on the master cylinder
This van has the exact same issue with the brake switch that all the others had in recall. Shifter is stuck in park. ESC light is on and brake lights are not working. There are no open recalls for this issue on the VIN number. Further, the Kia dealership refuses to fix it free of charge.
The first time this incident happened, I was driving my 2008 Kia Sedona van on a level street at approximately 30mph. The van started accelerating at a fast speed and the brakes would not work. Fortunately, there were no cars coming the other way and no people out walking. I was not able to stop at the stop sign and I put on my emergency brake and turned off the van. The second incident occurred while I was driving up a hill. The van started accelerating and I was not able to use my brakes. This time I put the van in neutral and was able to regain control of the van. I took the van to my mechanic and they did not find any problem with the brakes or anything else. My friend also experienced a similar incident with her newer model Kia Sedona and uses my same mechanic and found nothing wrong. Her incident happened before my first episode in June. …
As I was approaching an intersection and I started to apply the brakes, the van suddenly accelerated, when I pressed hard on the brake still it wouldn't stop...call Kia Sedona authorized dealer, they said there's no recall. As I researched the internet, I notice that car gurus(which is a car forum) over 33 people had complaint with the same problem. There were an accident with fatalities even. I'm very concern as I drive with all my kids specially my grandson often, and it scares the crap out of me to think that I would get involved in an accident with the little one on board. A lot of people did the diagnostics that the dealer suggested, after paying over $110 plus taxes, the car is still showing the same problem. I really need somebody to tell me what am I supposed to do? I'm still paying for the vehicle, I'm scared to drive it anywhere specially the highway...help please...
Let me start by saying we loved the van up until this incident. I was driving on the interstate with my family in our 2008 Kia Sedona. I had the cruise control set to 75 MPH, I went to pass someone and when I pushed the accelerator to pass the car. I tried to disengage the cruise control by pressing the brake as well as doing it manually by pressing the cruise control button. I could not get the van to slow down even though I was pushing the brake to the floor. At one point I was doing between 90 and 100 MPH. I finally managed to get the van stopped and my brakes were smoking extremely bad. I took it to the dealer and they said it was a bad brake switch. The dealer acted like it was no big deal. I explained that we could have been injured or even killed.
Brake complaints in other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Kia Sedona, 12% of the model year's 170 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Kia Sedona brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Kia Sedona, though it has 5 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 2008 Kia Sedona brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 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.