Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Sedona - part 1

My husband and I originally bought our white 2017 kia Sedona lx on 9/12/18 from hertz automotive sales. Since that time we had had no engine issues. We maintained our brakes, and standard upkeeps on the car. Eight years in and still our car had given us no issues. Our most recent oil change was on 9/13/25 and it was inspected during that oil change and no issues were noted. The car had since that time been driven as expected to school for kids and work for myself and activities on the weekend for family time. There was no weird smells, discolored smoke from the tail piper or anything. The car was running fine. At no time were any warning signals on, flashing or intermittently coming on and off. Then on Thursday, 1/22/26 evening I stopped by the gas station to get gas before turning into my neighborhood for home. Upon leaving the gas station, I noticed and felt the engine seemed off and vibrating with soft tremor like shaking and as I pressed on the gas for power it was soft power, and at that moment only did I see the check engine light on solid (not flashing). I called my husband and a few mins later we made it home, he came out to check the car, and saw now that the engine light was flashing over and over. We read up on what this meant and new we had a problem. We dropped the car off on Saturday to the mechanic and on Monday, 1/26/26 a diagnostic was made and was given the bad news that the engine had complete failure. $18,000 bill to fix all the issues. But here is a short synopsis: multiple codes found in ecm metal found in oil, oil is also 1 or more quarts low p0300 (random misfire), p0302 (cyl #2 misfire), p0304, (cyl#4 misfire) p0306. (cyl#6 misfire) p0175, (bank 2 rich) p0018 (crank - cam correlation) engine has internal failure, failing piston rings allowing oil in combustion chamber, causing misfire, rich condition and engine shaking this was a shock and we had to sell it for nothing to a salvage company.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

My family and I were all driving in the car. We were at a stoplight, and fully stopped as it was a red light. All of a sudden, we heard a weird noise, and all of the dash lights on our car appeared, and then the car fully turned off. We could not get the car back on, and it would not start. Prior to this, it was driving totally fine, and we had no lights on our dashboard indicating something was wrong. Just stopped out of nowhere. If we were on the freeway, and our car just immediately turned off, we could have been in a major, life-threatening accident. After 2-3 times of trying to restart the car, we were able to turn it on, and at least get it into neutral so we could move it off the side of the road. We were able to get it towed to a kia dealership in which they diagnosed it as engine failure and said we would need to replace the whole engine. This car is around 10 years old and has less than 130,000 miles. It has been meticulously maintained according to kia standards, and there should be no reason that a well maintained car should need a new engine at this point. We had frequent oil changes, and even had an oil leak that we had to repair just a couple months ago.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

My 2019 kia Sedona showed the exact same symptoms for the oil pressure switch recall red oil light on the dash and a leaking oil pressure switch. 2010 to 2018 Sedona why was the 2019 model not added to the list.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

March 2024 just before hitting 100,000 miles I started having oil consumption issues. Current milage is 137,300 about 10,000 miles ago my check engine light came on. I took it to an auto parts store and it was reading bank 1 O2 sensor. I took it for an oil change and never scheduled for the sensor replacement due to life events. I took it in for another service about 5,000 miles ago. At around 2,000 miles after the service the motor started stalling and sounded horrible. I took it to the dealership and it was 4. 5 quarts low on oil. Took it back at 1,200 miles after top off and it was 2. 5 quarts low. Started the new motor process which wasn't covered on the extended warranty due to manufactur defect. It cost me 500. 00. Before the new motor was in my van started getting me stranded places. Motor wouldn't turn over at all. Got it started went to auto parts store and it was reading 4 bad sensors in bank 1 and 2 (O2 and air intake on the motor). Finally got it to kia for the new motor told them about they sensors they were supposed to check/replace them when they put the new crate motor in. Picked my van up 3 days ago. I asked when they called if the engine light was off. They called me back several hours later and said yes. Picked it up at 5 pm 3 days ago. By 8am the next morning the engine light was back on. It's scheduled for 9am Monday. The van has now gotten me stranded 2 times in 3 days. Auto parts store ran the computer and the same 4 sensors are still showing bad. Sensors are in bank 1 and 2. The report on the old motor showed cylinder 1 and 2 oil fouling on the spark plugs (replaced at 100,000 miles by dealer) and excessive oil leakage in cylinder 1 and 2 into the crank case due to carbon stuck piston rings. I was told before the motor replacement that the kia cares warranty may not cover these sensors. Even though the sensors are going out because they are gunked up with 7 quarts of oil their motor used and they didn't go out until the issue started.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

2016 kia Sedona sx-l (VIN: kndme5c15g6141481) equipped with 3. 3l lambda ii gdi engine. This is the second engine failure — first engine failed due to head bolt studs separating from the block, second (mechanic sourced) engine began heavy smoking and nearly caught fire due to possible oil starvation/rod bearing failure. Vehicle is parked and unsafe to operate. Temperature gauge at time of incident was going towards above average operating temperature. This is the exact defect covered under multiple NHTSA investigations into lambda 3. 3l engine seizing/fire hazard (including pe23-019 for similar kia sorento models with the same engine, and defect petition dp24-002 specifically for 2016 kia Sedona). Kia has extended the warranty on these engines to 15 years/150,000 miles for bearing damage in some cases, but no full recall exists yet. Requesting immediate investigation and inclusion in an engine fire recall similar to those for theta engines.

With a 140000 miles and the timing chain and component already failing my mechanic told it could die anytime soon local or on the highway.

Excessive oil consumption.

Check engine light came on all of a sudden. Smell of exhaust/gas coming from car. Took car to the dealership to get the cause of the check engine light coming on. Dealership said it came back 02 sensor bank 2 and exhaust gasket to header.

The Sedona just stopped in traffic with out warning with my kids in the van. No type or warning lights came on. I had recently got an oil change and tune up. I almost caused an accident. It was extremely scary. I am thankful no one was hurt. I had to pay for a tow and come to find out the engine is locked . The machine started it had very low oil. Which makes no sense since it hadn’t even been 7 days since my oil was changed .

I was driving down the highway and the engine light came on. The car suddenly wouldn't accelerate or go above 1500 rpm. There was also a rattle noise. I limped home and checked the oil. It was bone dry. I get regular oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. The car burned oil way too fast and gave no warnings that the oil was low and there was no leaking. I'm unsure of the extent of the damage. I'm adding oil and taking it to a mechanic for inspection. I fear I may need a new engine.

Engine randomly began burning oil at an incredible rate (I checked it approximately 500 miles ago and it within appropriate levels) and resulted in damaging the engine. No “low oil pressure” light was activated, and upon starting the vehicle one day it developed a terrible cylinder knock. I checked the oil dipstick, and was completely dry, there was absolutely no oil on the check stick. I also checked and confirmed that there was no leak that caused the oil to drain.

Oil consumption high and engine needs to be replaced after 75k miles.

While driving under normal conditions and normal operation, the engine lost power, began using excessive fuel, the inside of the vehicle smelled like fuel and white smoke began pouring out of the exhaust.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

Van completely locked up on me. Oil dipstick no oil, seems this is an issue and a kia problem. Seems I need a new engine. Regular oil changes with no issues prior to this happening to me.

Complete engine failure while driving with 4 passengers along freeway. Engine began to have a knocking noise, with no warning lights. Engine failed a few miles down the road, and started a small fire in the engine bay. Vehicle is currently under inspection at the dealership. Mileage at the time of incident was about 98,200.

Oil control valve failed and oil leaking.

Engine overheating and check engine light went on. Vehicle would not start after shutting down.

Engine with around 107k miles has had regular maintenance done to it. Went out one morning to start my van and there was a knocking noise coming from under the hood. We then had it towed to an engine/transmission repair shop to have it looked at and was told that we needed a new/used engine and the price was thru the roof. This is a very trusted shop so took there advice. To have the engine replaced is going to cost more than what the vehicle is worth. This is a known issue with some kia engines as they with no signs of failure prior to the noise. We had not one warning light on the dash, it just went poof.

I was driving in normal operating conditions, with no traffic when suddenly the engine seized. After contacting a towing company to get my vehicle home, I started checking for anything I could find and noticed that it had zero oil and no visual signs of a leak anywhere. There were never any warning lights or sounds until it abruptly stopped. I have not had it looked at by anyone other than myself and a neighbor whom is a mechanic.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and drove forward about the length of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact and the occupants were stranded for an hour. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the starter and informed the contact that the piston or tie rod was fractured. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 222,627.

My 2016 Sedona’s engine is not operational. At this moment it is sitting at the dealership after having a diagnostic completed in which I was informed that it will cost me $21,000+ to replace my engine. I am shocked to be informed of this! I love my car! it is our family car full of precious memories! there were no warnings that something was wrong with my engine. Not a single one came on - believe me I would have taken a picture of it to inform the mechanic for it to be serviced. I have had it serviced repeatedly for oil changes; more oil changes than what should be done for the age and milage according to the manual. It is not due to my lack of competence and poor maintenance. I've done my part. Now to find out that I can't drive it. Now to find out that I don't have anything reliable to get my children to school, is unacceptable! this is a major issue that should be covered by kia, not out of my own pocket. The engine and its ability to function properly is your responsibility as a company. Engine problems with this model have been noted by others, and resolved. Please resolve this issue as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you.

The engine started knocking while I was on [xxx] between mile marker [xxx] and [xxx]. This area is under construction with no shoulders to access and pull over. A shutdown in this situation would surely cause a multi-car accident. There were no warning lamps. Car was towed to ancira kia in san antonio. Here is the ro# [xxx] for reference. Also case number from kia [xxx]. As there is no current recall kia refused to take responsibility. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

Engine failed…driving down the road with five small children and without warning all the lights came on and started smoking, leaking fuel, power doors failed, steering, acceleration and more. We had to have the car towed to a shop. A when looking into what’s happening apparently many others are having to spend thousands to fix this issue and I’m afraid that’s where we are. An investigation needs to be opened as this is clearly an ongoing issue for many families.

I was driving and my engine seized and my car is now undrivable. I immediately looked up recalls and see that there were several recalls and recalls surrounding the engine as well. I am told I now need a brand new engine and was referred to file a report as the issue experienced should not have been happening.

Engine stared clattering at the end of a 2 hour drive home. Engine died entering a round about 1-1/2 miles from home. It restarted and limped to my home. Arranged to have it towed to mechanic shop. They informed me there is issues with rod bearings and that kia has a class action suite but kia is telling me that my VIN is not involved.

The contact owned a 2017 kia Sedona. The contact stated that after parking in his driveway, there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact is handicapped and was assisted by his wife to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle later caught on fire, and flames were visible in the front passenger side that spread to the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated before or after the failure. The contact stated that the front of the house was damaged, as well as the garage siding, along with an older truck parked in the driveway. The fire was extinguished by the fire department with water, and a police officer was on scene and tried to extinguish the rear with an extinguisher, but was unsuccessful. There was a fire report filed. The vehicle was towed a week after the fire to the insurance tow lot. The vehicle was deemed destroyed by the insurance company. No injuries were sustained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Was traveling along interstate 95 when the engine failed without any warning signs!.

While driving on the interstate, about an hour into the trip, there was a banging/tinging sound coming from the front of the van. Immediately the van was pulled off the road to assess the situation as there were no warning messages or lights that came on to alert of any problem. Immediately before hearing the noise, the van had a major loss of power going up a slight incline on the interstate. The van threw a rod and had I not noticed the sound and pulled over, this could have been potentially a deadly situation had I kept driving and the engine completely seized up in the middle of the interstate.

Engine replacement kia had it for 8 months got it back and engine blew up again. . Now they want service records on the first when it is the second motor. Trying to get away from replacing the motor.

Engine failure.

Engine failed. Hole in bottom engine housing approx. 2x2”.

Van was well cared for. Engine failure occurred while on interstate, causing immediate high-pitched squealing. Problem with 2015 models seems to be known to kia, and they told us we'd have to replace the engine entirely. No warnings, messages, or symptoms prior to or following failure. Still turns on but afraid to hurt engine further while driving with the terrible noise. We are crushed that such a good vehicle, having been well taken care of and serviced, should have such a distinct, unavoidable, and irreversible loss. Grateful that we were able to pull over, despite the numerous cars surrounding us, and to be safely towed. Won't trust kia the same way in the future.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the thermostat gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked head gasket. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty because the mileage was over the limit. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000. The VIN was unavailable.

There was a fire under my minivan as my husband was driving it, creating smoke and flames. He lost power to the van and had to coast to the right side of the highway where he came to a stop with the flames occurring. This is the family vehicle and I have small children. We had no warning lights or any indication that there would be a fire in my vehicle as the van had been running smoothly, and I had kept up with all recommended maintenance (see carfax report). On July 31st, I was told by kia America that there was a fire in the engine compartment and that it was inconclusive and they could not determine what started the fire. On August 15th, my father and husband went to castrucci kia (where the car was) and were shown that there were holes in the engine block, and the service representative brandon stated that the engine failure had probably thrown some of the rods causing the holes in the lower engine block sparking a fire when the leaking oil hit the catalytic converter. My insurance was involved, but I was not able to obtain a settlement from them, but I kept up on all maintenance and adherence to kia guidelines and my engine unexpectedly failed and caught on fire. I was told I would need a new engine at an approximate cost ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 dollars. I believe that my 2018 kia Sedona's 3. 3 l gasoline direct injection engine was manufactured defectively resulting in catastrophic engine failure, apparently puncturing the engine block, causing engine oil to leak and ignite a fire. Our attempts to address this critical issue with kia have been met with significant resistance and delays. It appears that kia refuses to take responsibility. There has been an escalating number of safety complaints and instances directly linked to the 3. 3 l kia v6 lambda ii engine. I appreciate your assistance in resolving this issue with kia America and the local kia service center where my vehicle is located.

Timing chain failure/cam shaft failure/bank 2 failure/drastic loss of engine oil. Got home before engine seized, could have crashed if engine failed on freeway. Codes confirmed techs suspicion. No warning lights or notifications appeared on dashboard.