repaired · 2022 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
2008 Kia SedonaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 170 owner complaints about the 2008 Kia Sedona, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-088 the manufacturer reports only 23% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 20, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Kia Sedona has problems
170 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
45Electrical system8 crash/fire/injury
38Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
25Structure2 crash/fire/injury
15Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
15Exterior lighting2 crash/fire/injury
15Electronic stability control (ESC)1 crash/fire/injury
12Service brakes
11Latches/locks/linkages
8Service brakes, hydraulic
5117 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 45 | 8 |
| Vehicle speed control | 38 | 1 |
| Structure | 25 | 2 |
| Suspension | 15 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 15 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 15 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 4 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 11 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 8 | 0 |
| 17 other systems | 51 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2008 Kia Sedona recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Hood: latch
Risk. If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a…
repaired · 2015 Q1
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Brake lights: switch
Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
73kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 32 electrical system complaints. 69% were reported before 100,000 miles.
7under 30k miles22under 100k miles10100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Sedona year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sedona median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Kia Sedona safety ratings
2008 Kia Sedona Van SWB w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Sedona owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2008 Sedona?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.