Kia Carens, RIO, Sedona Recall R/2003/162: Reprogramming Of ABS Ecm, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 10 Nov 2003
- Launched
- 2,638
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2003/162
- DVSA reference
Kia recalled Carens, RIO, Sedona vehicles built between 27 November 2002 and 19 March 2003. An ABS programming error could cause reduced braking force at speeds under 40 kmh. The dealer will reprogramme ABSECM and RDM data. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
An ABS programming error could cause reduced braking force at speeds under 40 kmh.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: REPROGRAMMING OF ABS ECM Defect: An ABS programming error could cause reduced braking force at speeds under 40 kmh Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and reprogramme ABSECM and RDM data
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause reduced braking force at speeds under 40 kmh.
The Fix
The dealer will reprogramme ABSECM and RDM data. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Carens, RIO, Sedona built between 27 November 2002 and 19 March 2003 may be included. Kia estimates 2,638 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Kia, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Kia.
- Book with any franchised Kia dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2003/162. See how to get a Kia recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedona, SorentoWater or oil may enter the hydraulic electronic control unit | Urgent | R/2020/187 | |
| RIOChild locks on the rear doors may not operate | Book soon | R/2018/120 | |
| SedonaBonnet catch may fail | Book soon | R/2016/197 | |
| SedonaFront suspension arm may fail | Book soon | R/2014/012 | |
| Carens, Megentis, Optima, Sedona and 3 moreBrake lights may malfunction | Book soon | R/2013/055 |
This is one of 87 Kia recalls in DVSA’s data. The Kia recall launched before it was R/2003/156 on 20 Oct 2003, for possible loss of steering. The one launched after it was R/2004/077 on 5 Jul 2004, for possible interference between power steering hose and brake pipe. You can also see every Kia recall, all recalls launched in 2003 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/162, launched 10 November 2003. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.