TSB_BOD051_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Kia Sedona electrical problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
5fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 35 electrical complaints filed for the 2007 Kia Sedona, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 11 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and a
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIFYING THE CORRECT SWITCHES WHILE ORDERING PARTS, PREPARING TO PERFORM THE STOP LAMP REPLACEMENT OR WHILE PREPARING TO RETURN REPLACED SWITCHES TO KMA (IN CASE OF AN EXISTING MANDATORY PART RETURN (MPR) REQUEST). TO FACILITATE FASTER AND EASIER IDENTIFICATION OF THE CORRECT PARTS, A PICTURE GUIDE AS SHOWN ON PAGE 2 IS PROVIDED. THE GUIDES CONTENT WAS PURPOSELY FORMATTED TO FIT ON ONE PAGE SO IT CAN BE EASILY PRINTED AND KEPT ON OR NEAR A WORKSTATION, PARTS
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: AUDIBLE TONE FROM BACK-UP ASSIST ALWAYS ON - IF YOU ENCOUNTER A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT RELATING TO THE AUDIBLE TONE FROM THE BACK-UP ASSIST FEATURE REMAINING ON AT ALL TIMES, INSPECT THE SENSORS IN THE REAR BUMPER FOR POSSIBLE COLLISION DAMAGE CAUSING A SHORT IN THE SENSOR. ALSO, MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE HARNESSES FEEDING THE SENSORS FOR CONTINUITY TO GROUND.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗KIA: PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) SYSTEM RELATED DTC(S).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2007 Kia Sedona describe a range of electrical failures, with some posing immediate safety risks. Stop lamp switch malfunctions appear frequently—brake lights either fail to illuminate when braking or stay on constantly, draining the battery. This same defect disables cruise control deactivation and the brake-transmission shift interlock, trapping the shifter in park. ESC warning lights illuminate persistently, especially at highway speeds.
Intermittent no-start conditions plague many vehicles. Owners report the engine won't crank despite working lights and radio; some find tapping the fuse box restores function, suggesting loose connections. One TSB cited identifies high resistance in the burglar alarm relay within the IPM as a possible cause.
Power sliding doors fail across both driver and passenger sides—they won't open from the button, open partway then reopen, or unlock themselves while driving at highway speed. Owners describe needing to manually pull the door past a "catching point" to complete the motion. At least one door opened at 65 mph with an infant in the adjacent seat.
Multiple vehicles caught fire while parked and unattended. Owners report smoking from under the hood, with one incident tracing to an overheated electrical stability control module with fried wiring and plug connectors. A vehicle that stalled at 25 mph had fire visible under the engine; another burned to the ground in a driveway. Electrical wiring issues include cigarette lighter outlets with undersized wire gauge (22 AWG rated for under 1 amp powering a 3-amp device), generating dangerous heat behind panels.
Battery drain troubles persist despite warranty checks and repairs, with some owners replacing batteries every six months. Window locks, wipers, and radio function spontaneously malfunction or operate erratically.
Same Kia Sedona electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Stop Lamp Switch Malfunction
Defective stop lamp switch causes brake lights to fail illumination or remain permanently lit, drains battery, disables cruise control deactivation when braking, prevents transmission shift from park, and triggers ESC malfunction warnings.
When: At highway speeds and during normal driving; affects vehicles manufactured 9/20/2006–11/28/2006 (outside stated recall window in some cases)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights do not illuminate when pedal depressed; Brake lights remain illuminated when pedal released; ESC malfunction light illuminates; Cruise control does not deactivate when brake pedal pressed; Transmission shifter stuck in park; Battery drain from continuously-lit brake lights
Codes mentioned: ESC malfunction indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Genuine Kia replacement stop lamp switch; one owner replaced part twice with no resolution, suggesting underlying circuit or relay issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall for stop lamp switch affecting vehicles made 9/20/2006–11/20/2006; many owners report recall marked as completed at dealership despite continued symptoms. Kia denies coverage for vehicles outside the stated manufacture date window. TSB cites burglar alarm relay in IPM and poor pin connections as possible contributing causes.
Intermittent No-Start / No-Crank Condition
Engine fails to crank despite fully functional lights, radio, and other electrical systems. No clicking noise or starter engagement. Condition is intermittent; opening and closing doors or tapping the fuse box sometimes restores ability to start.
When: Intermittent, occurring during normal operation; one occurrence at 26,415 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition turned, no engine cranking; Lights and radio function normally; No clicking sound from starter; Manual intervention (door manipulation or fuse box tapping) sometimes restores crank ability
Codes mentioned: None detected during dealership scans
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replacement mentioned in one case; TSB references burglar alarm relay in IPM, poor pin connections in starter circuit, and high circuit resistance as possible causes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued addressing intermittent no-crank; suggests checking burglar alarm relay resistance and starter circuit pin connections before replacing IPM. Recall #20V088000 (electrical system, service brakes) was issued but parts were unavailable at time of owner complaint.
Electrical Fire – ESC Module / Wiring Harness
Vehicle catches fire while parked, unattended, and not running. Fire originates from electrical stability control module with fried wiring and connectors, or from undersized electrical wiring generating heat behind instrument panels.
When: While parked, engine off, keys removed; fires documented at unknown mileage and at 253,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood while vehicle parked; Visible fire under engine; Fried ESC module plug and wires; Undersized (22 AWG) cigarette lighter wiring overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not inspected or repaired in most cases; one incident required fire department extinguishment. Dealership stated vehicle would have caught fire had wiring fault gone unnoticed. Multiple vehicles deemed total loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia corporate stated fires are out-of-pocket expenses and not covered under warranty or recalls. No manufacturer investigation reported. Fire department reports filed in at least two cases.
Power Sliding Door Malfunction
Driver and passenger power sliding doors fail to operate reliably. Doors won't open from interior button, open partway then reopen unexpectedly, unlock themselves while vehicle is in motion, fail to latch completely, or become stuck in open position for extended periods.
When: Intermittent; occurs during driving and while parked; documented at 55,000 miles and during active use
Symptoms owners cite: Door does not respond to interior power button; Door catches or feels stuck partway; Door opens 6–12 inches then reopens without command; Door opens fully and cannot be closed by power or manual pull for 10–15 minutes; Door unlocks and opens 2 inches while vehicle in motion on highway; Incomplete latching when power-closing; requires manual push to complete; Lack of manual override ability
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple shop visits without successful repair; technicians unable to reproduce fault. One customer reports dealer said computer malfunctioned; another notes computer controls not overridable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia aware of failures and has parts availability delays. No recall issued; repair costs cited as 'possibly hundreds' beyond warranty period. One owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign 16V389000 (latches/locks/linkages) but door issue persisted.
Battery Drain / Parasitic Draw
Vehicle drains battery excessively, requiring replacement every six months despite normal driving patterns. Issue present from original purchase and persists after warranty repair attempts.
When: Ongoing since purchase; battery dies after 2–6 months of normal use
Symptoms owners cite: Battery depleted completely within 6 months; Battery drain occurs even when vehicle parked; Vehicle drains battery dead within 2 days when parked
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements at owner expense; one Kia service center identified and repaired a problem post-warranty, but drain persisted. Owner reports multiple other 2007 Sedona owners experience same recurring battery replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia warranty service stated charging system tests normal and factory draw is acceptable; advised owner not to return. After warranty expiration, Kia service identified a problem and repaired it, but issue continued. Corporate headquarters unhelpful.
Seat Belt Retractor Seizure
Shoulder seat belt strap fails to retract fully to its stowed position, becoming rigid or seizing. Lubrication provides temporary relief only. Lap belt was replaced under warranty with same recurrence.
When: During normal use; issue persistent after lubrication and warranty replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Shoulder belt does not fully retract; Belt seizes or becomes rigid; Temporary relief from lubrication before recurrence; Lap belt exhibited same failure after warranty replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Lubricated multiple times; lap belt replaced under warranty; same defect reappeared on replacement belt
Clock Spring Failure – Airbag, Cruise Control, Horn
Clock spring (steering column electrical contact) fails, disabling airbag warning light (stays illuminated), cruise control, and horn. Condition presents serious safety hazard.
When: Progressive failure; airbag light first, then cruise control, then horn
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light remains on constantly; Cruise control quits functioning; Horn quits functioning
Repairs/costs cited: Two independent garages quoted $350 for clock spring replacement; owner cannot afford repair and drives without functional airbag or horn
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2007 Sedona, though other Kia models have been recalled for faulty clock springs. Owner believes model should be recalled.
Electrical Glitches – Multiple Systems
Sporadic electrical gremlins affecting brake lights, windows, wipers, radio, cruise control, and ignition in unpredictable patterns. Brake lights flash; windows and wipers stop mid-operation; radio changes stations without input. No-start condition intermittent.
When: Ongoing for 3+ years; occurs while driving and parked
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights flash sporadically; Windows lock and unlock randomly during brake light flashing; Wipers stop working intermittently; Radio changes stations without user input; Windows fail to operate; Intermittent no-start for 2+ days, then starts normally; Vehicle starts reliably from passenger side after being unstart-able from driver side
Power Loss and ESC Light Illumination During Driving
Vehicle suddenly loses power during highway driving (55–65 mph), accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive, and ESC warning light illuminates. Power returns after vehicle is shut off and restarted.
When: During highway operation at 55–65 mph; multiple occurrences reported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Accelerator pedal travels to floor with minimal response (~1500 RPM, ~20 mph output); ESC warning light illuminates and remains lit; Check engine light illuminates; Power restored only after shutdown and restart
Codes mentioned: ESC warning light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealer in Cheyenne, Wyoming advised owner to bring vehicle for diagnostic testing; owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign 16V389000.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
This morning my wife was riding down the road in our 2007 Kia: sedona doing 55 miles an hour, when the side electric door just opened up on it's own. (it was locked.) our six year old grandson was sitting there with his seat belt on (thank god). As you can guess, it scared the hell out of him and my wife. Last year, this same thing happened a few times with the other side door.…
Power doors no longer work, they do not stay latched while driving. Three times the rear passenger door has come unlatched and started opening while I was driving with my kids in the back. I was able to pull over open the door all the way then re-close it. But the problem has persisted. *tr
I own a 2007 Kia sedona lx. I have had it since nov if 2009. I m replacing my battery every six month due to the fact that the vehicle has a draw and has had since the day I bought it.. It was under warranty by Kia and I have taken it there complaining about this problem. I was told that when they test my charging system it has the normal factory draw. I took it there again and was told it is…
I have handed over my car for repairing on 09-23-2020 which is still not fixed and still lying with horne Kia service centre gilbert, arizona. They have messed up my car was diagnosed twice in a gap of 2 days. Horne Kia wants to cover up their technician (whom they call the best in their team) they have mess my engine and sending me a second quote to change the engine. On the first week october…
Had electrical trouble with your 2007 Kia Sedona?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2007 Kia Sedona?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 55,000 and 150,000 miles, with the median around 85,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 150,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Kia/Sedona.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.