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 owned a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a friend's residence, the contact exited the vehicle and took the baby she was caring for inside the residence of the friend. Upon returning outside, the contact became aware that the vehicle was on fire and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The Fire Marshall informed the contact that the fire had started in the engine compartment. Additionally, a Fire Report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The fire caused damage to the friend residence. The contact stated that the fire melted the aluminum siding on the house. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was covered under a liability insurance policy. The vehicle was a total loss. …
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. …
I brought this car (owned by by son and his wife, used by me) in March 2022 re recall SC186 to the Kia dealership in Berwyn, IL and they said the new part was needed, and they'd call me when it was in for me to return to have it replaced, but they never did call to say the part was in. -- I called various times through August 2022 to check, and they gave me a runaround. I called Kia customer service on 8/25, and their records showed that the Berwyn Kia claimed they did the recall on 04/08/22 -- AND THEY LIED - THEY NEVER HAD ME COME IN TO HAVE THE PART REPLACED! And because the recall is listed as done, no other dealership can replace the part! I filed complaint #[redacted] with Kia customer service - they said they would inform Berwyn Kia of my complaint, but might or might not get an answer from the dealer. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving several warning lights including the ABS warning light had illuminated. After restarting the engine, the odor of burning rubber was present and smoke was scene coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the fan module was faulty. The fan module was replaced but the failures continued to occur. The vehicle was examined by a second independent mechanic who diagnosed that the wire harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. Three hours after the vehicle was parked in the driveway, flames appeared from the rear of the vehicle. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames. A fire report was filed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 189,000.
Car caught fire because of electrical connection in the diver side headlight wiring. This occurred while driving on a city street with the headlights off. Car was totaled. Insurance and manufacturer have been informed.
I have had numerous problems with the passenger doors. Recently in March the left passenger door came open while driving with my 7 year old in that seat. I had to pull over and close the door but it wouldn't stay latched and ended up tying it with a rope to keep it closed. I took it to the dealer and called Kia customer service who fixed the car and paid for it with their good will service. This weekend the same thing happened on the right side passenger door. This morning I called Kia customer service and they said they would pay for the $93 part but I had to pay for the $300 labor charge. I have had numerous problems with the electrical doors not shutting in the past. I have been told the motor is to small for the door. I am now concerned because the doors are not latching and flying open at anytime. My children's safety is at risk. …
For the first incident, while coming to a stop sign, my son was driving the vehicle stalled and the ignition powered off, power steering failed, brake and battery lights came on and quickly the power came back on though the power steering still failed. Van had to be shut off and restarted for power steering to resume. This was first happening very infrequently but is now happening more, usually when coming to a stop but has also happened at steady speeds - 35mph, 20 MPH, 5 MPH. It usually happens in very heavy rains/wet conditions but has also happened once or twice in dry conditions. In addition: *passenger blinker will stop working for a week or two then randomly start working again (this pattern continues). The bulb has been replaced but it continues to happen. *passenger side door locks do not respond to key faub or power locks and have to be locked/unlocked manually. …
The engine will not crank/start intermittently without rhyme or reason. Turn the key to start, the lights come on , all indicator lights turn on, all electrical devices such as lights and radio and heater are working, but the engine does not crank. The starter makes no noise whatsoever. This happens randomly and cannot be given to a dealer to fix as he May try it 20 times and it will start and I will try it the next day and it won't. I can turn the key back and forth 20 times and it will suddenly start. I sometimes exit the car, wait 10 minutes, and then it will start. This condition apparently affects 2004-2009 Kia's of all models as well as Hyundai which is a sister brand. Tens of thousands have been affected by this but Kia refuses to acknowledge the problem other than to say take it to a dealer . But the problem is not easily duplicated at the dealer. …
Related recalls
Electrical system
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge.
Electrical complaints in other Sedona years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Kia Sedona?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Kia Sedona, 26% of the model year's 170 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Kia Sedona electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-088 (electrical system, Feb 14, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Kia Sedona electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 7 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.