Initial occurrence was on november 20, 2008 when our 2008 sedona was less than seven months old and with only 13000 kilometers on it. Vehicle stalled when trying to start up after a four way stop. Thought some type of fluke? No further occurrences for two to three hundred kilometers until november 23, 2008 when stalled while turning at a busy intersection. Stalled again after put in park and…
2008 Kia Sedona electrical problems
severe 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
6fires
When does it fail?
Of the 37 electrical complaints filed for the 2008 Kia Sedona, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ 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 37 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.
Among the 15 model years of Kia Sedona in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a wide spectrum of electrical failures in the 2008 Sedona that recur despite repair attempts. The most dangerous pattern is intermittent no-start: the engine won't crank despite all lights and accessories working normally, and the starter makes no noise. Owners must cycle the key, wait, manipulate doors and windows, or turn the steering wheel to make it start again—only to face the same problem days or weeks later. Dealers have replaced starters, batteries, relays, the entire main computer, and other components without durable fix.
Power sliding doors fail to open, close, or latch properly and unexpectedly unlock and swing open while the vehicle is moving—a significant child safety issue. Multiple part replacements (motors, latching mechanisms, control modules) have failed to resolve this permanently.
Airbag warning lights illuminate after using power outlets or the cigarette lighter, disabling the safety system. Headlights and turn signal bulbs fail repeatedly every few weeks, draining owner wallets. The electrical system exhibits widespread shorts that blow fuses, disable interior lights, and cause AC fan malfunction.
Most critically, several vehicles have caught fire in the engine compartment while parked, destroying the vehicle completely. These fires are connected to recall SC186 (NHTSA 20V088), which addresses electrical system and brake hydraulic defects, but replacement parts remained unavailable for months, with one dealer fraudulently marking the recall complete without performing the repair.
Same Kia Sedona electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent No-Start / No-Crank
Engine fails to crank or start without warning despite all lights and accessories functioning normally. Starter makes no noise. Problem resolves temporarily with key cycling, waiting, door/window manipulation, or steering wheel movement. Owners report repeated failures days or weeks later.
When: Across entire ownership timeline; early as 13,000 km; persists through 127,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not crank despite ignition key turned; All lights and accessories working normally when failure occurs; Starter motor silent; Randomly resolves after multiple key turns or waiting period; Returns intermittently, sometimes multiple times daily
Codes mentioned: P2106, P1295, P0638, P0236
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced starter, battery, starter relay, grounding strap, fuse box, main computer/ECU, alternator, ignition switch, IPM module, junction box. Repairs provide temporary relief only; failures recur within weeks to months. Owner bypassed IPM module with temporary results.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued but described as inadequate. Kia Canada authorized multiple code resets and reprogramming attempts without resolution.
Power Sliding Door Malfunction
Automatic sliding doors fail to open, close, or latch properly. Doors stop mid-motion, open only manually, or refuse electronic operation. Doors unlock and open while vehicle is moving. Multiple part replacements (motor, latch mechanism, control modules) fail to resolve issue permanently.
When: Within first 2–4 weeks of purchase; recurring monthly intervals thereafter; present at 20,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not open electronically despite button press; Door will not close completely; stops mid-motion; Door opens only manually; Door latches intermittently; chime and dome light remain on while driving; Door unexpectedly opens while vehicle is in motion; Door frame casing separates after repeated repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced door motors, latching mechanisms, and control modules on both driver and passenger sides. One vehicle required three separate component replacements over three months; issue persisted. Interior door casing began coming apart from repair work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia service covered goodwill repairs on first and second occurrences. Extended warranty eventually exhausted; subsequent repairs left owners responsible for full cost.
Key Fob and Door Lock Sensor Failures
Key fob fails to unlock doors or disarm alarm. Door sensors malfunction, keeping chime and dome light on while driving. Manual workarounds (metal shim) attempted by owners. Related sensors fail on airbags and sliding doors.
When: 90,000 miles; as early as 700 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob does not open or unlock doors; Key fob does not disarm alarm; Door sensor fails; chime and dome light remain on during operation; Rear window operation affected; Multiple sensors fail simultaneously (airbag, door, window)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner placed metal shim between door and sensor as temporary fix. Dealer-level repairs not detailed in narratives.
Passenger/Sliding Door Opening While Driving
Doors unexpectedly unlock and open during motion, creating child safety hazard. Occurs on both sides. Related to latching and sensor failures.
When: Recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger door swings open while driving; Both driver and passenger sliding doors unlock and open while in motion; Door will not stay latched; Door chime alarm continuous while driving with door open
Repairs/costs cited: Owner tied door shut with rope temporarily. Kia paid for $93 latch part but owner paid $300 labor on second occurrence. Problem recurred on opposite side shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia customer service covered part cost only, not labor, on goodwill basis.
Headlight and Turn Signal Bulb Failure
Headlight and turn signal bulbs fail prematurely and repeatedly, every 3 months to 2–3 weeks. Multiple replacements required at owner expense. Bulbs work briefly after being touched but fail again within weeks.
When: 2 years into ownership; as early as bulb inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulbs burn out repeatedly (replaced twice in 4 months); Right turn signal bulb fails every 2–3 weeks; Bulb appears to work immediately after technician touches it, then fails again; Headlights turn off unexpectedly when dusk falls despite no owner action; Turn signal bulb blows every couple of weeks with increasing frequency
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple replacement bulbs purchased and installed. Technician suspected short circuit but vehicle passed inspection when bulb temporarily worked. Owners report spending hundreds of dollars on bulb replacements.
Electrical System Short/Power Distribution Failure
Blown and repeatedly blown fuses in power outlets and circuits. Accessory power outlet failures trigger airbag light. Interior lights fail or malfunction. AC fan stuck on high. Suggests widespread short circuit or junction box failure.
When: Early ownership; 2 years in; after accessory usage
Symptoms owners cite: Fuses blow repeatedly in front power outlet; Airbag warning light illuminates after using accessory outlet; Interior cabin lights fail or do not work at all; AC fan stuck on high setting when in use; Accelerator loses power; ESC and check engine lights illuminate; Brake lights stay on even with ignition off; Parking brake lights remain on with ignition off
Repairs/costs cited: Fuses replaced multiple times; no durable repair found. Technician suspected short in outlet wiring. Metal pin bent in plug contact as temporary fix.
Spontaneous Engine Compartment Fire
Vehicle catches fire in engine compartment while parked in driveway. Fire destroys vehicle completely (total loss). ABS light had illuminated the day prior in one case. Related to recall SC186 / NHTSA 20V088.
When: After 5 hours parked (narrative #5); after normal operation and parking (narratives #10, #26)
Symptoms owners cite: Flames visible from engine compartment; Vehicle fully engulfed in flames; ABS warning light on day before fire (in one case); Burning rubber smell and smoke from hood (diagnostic event preceding fire in other vehicle)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed; one fire report filed but details unavailable. One vehicle's electrical harness later diagnosed as faulty; fan module also found faulty in separate diagnostic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC186 (NHTSA 20V088) issued for electrical system defect. One owner reported never receiving recall notice before fire destroyed vehicle. Kia promised reimbursement but later ceased communication despite requests for vehicle inspection.
Airbag Warning Light and System Disablement
Airbag warning light illuminates after electrical disturbance (accessory use, power outlet use, etc.). Once triggered, airbags are non-functional. Issue widely reported across 2008 Sedona ownership base; pattern suggests common electrical root cause disabling safety system.
When: After accessory connection; early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light comes on; Airbag system disabled (will not function); Typically triggered by use of power outlet or cigarette lighter; Often accompanied by AC malfunction and interior light failure
Repairs/costs cited: Described as high-cost electrical repair ($90 reported). One technician advised against using cigarette lighter to avoid triggering fault.
Recall SC186 Parts Unavailability and Dealer Compliance Issues
Recall SC186 (NHTSA 20V088, Electrical System/Service Brakes/Hydraulic) issued but replacement parts unavailable for extended period. Dealers claim parts on order; manufacturer confirms interim notification status. One dealer falsely marked recall complete without performing repair, blocking other dealers from servicing vehicle. Owners waiting months without resolution.
When: Recall issued January 2021 and 2022; parts not available through August 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received but repair cannot be performed; Manufacturer states parts not yet available; interim status; Dealer reports parts on order indefinitely; Dealer marks recall as complete without performing work; Once marked complete, other dealerships cannot perform repair
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed in narratives due to parts shortage. Interim recall status extends recall timeline.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC186 / NHTSA Campaign 20V088000 issued. Manufacturer confirms parts not available and interim status. Kia promised case follow-up but delayed response; one case went unaddressed for over one month.
Windshield Washer Motor Failure
Windshield washer fluid dispenser motor stops working without warning. Functional one day, inoperative the next. Single narrative mention but notable component failure.
When: Last 6 months of ownership timeline (narrative #6)
Symptoms owners cite: Washer button pressed; no fluid dispersed; Motor no longer responds to activation
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner documented issue but repair action not stated.
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without driver input. Brakes required to stop. Power doors stop working simultaneously, suggesting electrical fault affecting throttle control and door electronics.
When: At 17,000–18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration at highway speed (55 mph); Vehicle does not stop until brakes forcefully applied; Cruise control not activated; Power doors stop working at same time
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired per narrative.
Check Engine Light and Brake Pulsation
Check engine light illuminates while driving. Followed by brake pulsation/failure and collision. Brake system related to electrical fault per recall 20V088. Vehicle could not stop despite depressing brake pedal.
When: 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminates at various speeds; Brakes pulsate when depressed; Vehicle fails to stop despite brake application; Vehicle collides with another car at ~30 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Initially misdiagnosed by dealer as requiring battery, airbag sensor, and catalytic converter replacement. Radiator center diagnosed relay fault and replaced it. SMOG test showed only one catalytic converter needed replacement (not four as dealer claimed).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V088000 issued (electrical system and service brakes). Parts unavailable; dealer could not fulfill recall repair.
Traction Control Erratic Activation
Traction control system activates unexpectedly during normal driving. Occurs concurrently with sliding door unlock failures and ignition priming issue.
When: 108,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control activates without cause
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; cause not diagnosed.
Ignition Premature Engine Crank
Engine attempts to start before ignition key is turned. Occurs with sliding door unlock failures and traction control activation, suggesting junction box/electrical control module fault.
When: 108,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks/attempts to start after key inserted in ignition but before key is turned
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; cause not diagnosed.
Trailer Wiring Harness Electrical Fire
Dealer-installed trailer wiring harness adapter causes electrical fire in rear light assembly. Fuse blown; shortly after, fire ignites in driver's side rear light. Foam bumper padding melted.
When: Shortly after fuse replacement (dealer installation)
Symptoms owners cite: Fire in driver's side rear light assembly; Trailer harness adapter melted; Multiple wires fused/damaged; Foam bumper padding ignited
Repairs/costs cited: Owner removed fuse and light assembly, extinguished fire manually. No body damage reported.
Park Brake Shift Lock Electrical Failure
Shifter stuck in park. ESC light on. Brake lights not working. Related to brake switch electrical fault covered under recall but no open recall on VIN.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not move out of park; ESC warning light on; Brake lights not functioning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refused to repair under warranty or recall despite identical issue to recall cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for brake switch electrical fault but not applied to this VIN per dealership; refused free repair.
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Intermittent no start no crank issue. The research I've done shows it is a faulty junction box due to antitheft system not working correctly.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia sedona. While driving, the sliding doors erroneously unlocked and opened. The failure occurred on both the driver and passenger sides. Also, while operating the vehicle, the traction control system would erroneously activate. After inserting the key into the ignition switch, the vehicle would attempt to start before the ignition key was turned. The cause of the…
This Mini-van has manual sliding doors. Since newly bought, the sliding doors have been difficult to open and close. One problem corrected under warranty eliminated the warning ding when under speed indicating a sliding door was ajar. Another corrected problem was the loose door handles caused in part b the amount of force passengers had to use to open the sliding door when not locked, like it…
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…
The vehicle periodically won't start. This is a safety issue because should the vehicle stall while driving or pulling into traffic and vehicle won't restart immediately, it could cause a crash. It is not a starter, battery or other related issue as far as our mechanic can determine. There have been numerous reports on line by sedona owners as it is apparently an inherent problem with the…
I have a 2008 Kia sedona van and have been having problems just recently with the head light bulbs burning out. I have had to replace the driver front head light bulb twice in the last 4 months. After just replacing the last bulb just a little over a month ago, my driver side brake tail light bulb is now out. Is there something wrong with a connection in the wiring with these bulbs? I have notice…
Had electrical trouble with your 2008 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 2008 Kia Sedona?
It's a meaningful issue. 37 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 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 50,000 and 127,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 127,000. 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/2008/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.