2009 Kia Sedona Electrical Problems
6 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Electrical Recalls (1)
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.
Fix: 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. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Owner Complaints (6)
Your engine is leaking oil from the valve cover gasket on the front cylinder bank, which drips onto the alternator and damages it. When the alternator fails, your charging system stops working and the warning light comes on, leaving your car running on battery power alone. Once the battery drains, your engine will shut off and won't restart, creating a dangerous situation. Fixing this will require replacing the valve cover gasket and likely the alternator.
Parts you may need:
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Your driver's side master switch has stopped working, so you can't use it to lock/unlock all doors or control the windows — you now have to lock and unlock manually with the key, and the remote key fob won't work either. Additionally, your gas tank release button has stopped functioning, forcing you to manually access the fuel door from the trunk. Both mechanics who inspected the vehicle checked fuses and ran diagnostics but couldn't identify the electrical fault.
Parts you may need:
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Your car won't crank or start, even though the battery is in good condition with no corrosion. You hear a very faint clicking noise from under the hood when you try to start it, and the starter itself appears to work fine. This issue has left you stranded twice. The problem could be with the starter solenoid or the main circuit board under the dashboard, and a mechanic will need to diagnose and replace whichever component has failed.
Parts you may need:
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Your car won't shift out of Park, and the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light comes on, requiring multiple attempts to get the vehicle into Drive. This problem was recalled and repaired in 2013, but returned by 2014 within 20,000 miles—and when Kia attempted the repair again, they installed the wrong part, requiring a third visit to fix it properly. The repair typically involves replacing or servicing the shift interlock solenoid and ESC control module components.
Parts you may need:
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MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED TO REACT TO THE GAS PEDAL, MOTOR RPM FELL DOWN TO ~1000 RPM - USUALLY ITS IDLE VALUE. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AS I WAS TRYING TO SPEED UP WHILE ENTERING THE TRAFFIC ON A HIGHWAY, AND IT CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT LOOKS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KIA SEDONA VEHICLES, I WAS ABLE TO FIND QUITE A FEW REFERENCES ON THE INTERNET, FOR EXAMPLE SEE THIS: HTTP://WWW.KIA-FORUMS.COM/KIA-CARNIVAL-SEDONA-2006/61112-SUDDEN-LOSS-ACCELERATOR-RESPONSE.HTML. *TR
THE LIGHTS HAVE TO BE SHUT OFF MANUALLY EVERY TIME WE USE THE LIGHTS AND IF WE FORGET, THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON A FEW HOURS LATER BY THEMSELVES AND SOMEONE WILL CALL TO INFORM US THE LIGHTS ARE ON. WE WENT ON A WET GRAVEL ROAD AND GRAVEL STUCK IN THE BRAKE DRUM AND MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. I BACKED UP FAST, HIT THE BRAKES HARD A COUPLE OF TIMES TO CLEAR THE GRAVEL FROM THE BRAKE DRUMS. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRY TO WIGGLE IT UNTIL THE KEY CAN BE TURNED TO START THE VAN. *TR