2003 Kia Sedona: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Kia Sedona?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Kia Sedona than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Wheel bearings5.1× usual
  Kia Sedona

  19.2% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Suspension arm3.8× usual
  Kia Sedona

  11.7% All 2003 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
  Kia Sedona

  15.1% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2003 Kia Sedona MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Kia Sedona MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  47% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  46% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  40% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  26% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Kia Sedona

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2003 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2003 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?