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

The vehicle radiator exploded while driving on the freeway. Towed to mechanic radiator replaced and housing. Problem persosted. With a simple pressure test the coolant in the reservoir began to boil immediately meaning there's a cracked engine block.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

On 8/6/26 my wife was driving home when the Sedona van began emitting white smoke and started making a whining noise. Little did we know the head bolts had pulled out of the engine causing the head gasket to blow and coolant to leak and total engine failure. Safety risk was engine could have seized in the middle of my wife driving home which could have caused a sudden crash. Vehicle was taken to dealership which confirmed total engine failure due to the well-documented engine failures of the 3. 3l v6 lamda - ii engines. Dealership stated my VIN # was not included in the extended warranty that the NHTSA mandated kia provide due to this well-documented problem. I was told the extended warranty covered vehicles through 2016 model years, my Sedona is a 2017. Therefore, there was nothing they could do. However, this is the same issue that has been documented over and over with this engine. But because mine is a 2017 I am being told it is not covered for the total engine replacement by kia. I was told to call the kia customer care line which I did. They confirmed my vehicle is not covered, but agreed it is the same engine issue that has been seen in the 2013-2016. I was told that I could file a goodwill case that will be escalated to kia corporate to see if there is anything they can do to help me. I am now waiting for them to get back to me. I was quoted $13,206 for the engine replacement and likely may need radiator replaced too so probably closer to $15,000 when all done. I am told this is purely mechanical failure and a manufacturer defect. I am waiting for kia's response but want to file this complaint to see what help is available if they come back and deny covering my engine replacement. Simply because it is a 2017. This vehicle has been great so far, has 157,000 well cared for miles until this issue erupted without warning. Dealership said have not seen this on a 2017 Sedona, but it happened, my van is currently dead and will there be more 2017's w/ this issu.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

The check engine light illuminated with diagnostic code p0018 (crankshaft/camshaft position correlation, bank 2), first recorded on a scan xxx. The vehicle was taken to a franchised kia dealership in [xxx] on xxx at 88,719 miles. The dealer performed an engine teardown and provided a written diagnosis on xxx: metal debris on the exhaust camshaft position sensor, damaged camshaft phasers, a sheared camshaft pin, and metal contamination throughout the engine. The dealer states the engine requires either a major timing-system repair or complete engine replacement. This failure mode can cause sudden loss of motive power while driving. There was no crash, no injury, and no fire. The engine remains disassembled at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The problem was confirmed by a franchised kia dealer in writing. Nhtsa previously examined loss of motive power in this 3. 3l v6 engine family in pe23-019, which named 2015-2021 kia Sedona vehicles with 3. 3l engines as peer vehicles. Warning prior to failure: check engine light only. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

2018 kia Sedona lx stalled while my wife was driving on the highway. No warning lights were on until the vehicle lost all power. Luckily my wife was able to pull the car safely to the side. The vehicle only has 36960 miles. Brought vehicle to the dealer and they said engine was seized. That kia would not attempt a repair unless I gave copies of oil/oil filters from oil changes that I performed. I did not have these so kia is not honoring the warranty. I changed the oil every year regardless of the miles. Did not miss. The oil is clean as I just changed the oil a couple months ago. Someone could have been killed. We got that van for our disabled adult son. Thankfully he wasn’t in the vehicle. We’ve been ripped off but at least my family is safe.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

Was driving down the road with zero issues known, no check engine light, and only 114k miles. There was a sudden noise that was quiet so I turned down the radio, and then within 2 seconds or so a loud bang occurred, followed by a lot of smoke. I looked in the side mirrors and noted flames coming from underneath the van. Pulled over and got my family out.

The contact owns a 2007 kia Sedona. The contact stated that while his son was in the driveway about to drive off, the vehicle started smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic). The contact would replace the parts. The contact stated that the manufacturer was delaying the repair and the buyback process. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The manufacturer offered a buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

See all problems of the 2007 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Sedona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine head bolts had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer who diagnosed that the ignition coil had failed. The ignition coil and spark plug seals were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

Our 2015 kia Sedona VIN [xxx] developed can bus fault codes u0001 u0100 u0101 rendering it completely undrivable following an incomplete warranty extension repair under wty019 by kia of des moines on [xxx] ro# [xxx]. The power sliding doors have been a persistent safety concern. The incomplete warranty extension repair left the sliding door not closing properly creating a safety hazard. The vehicle subsequently developed can bus communication faults making it completely undrivable. After 28 days at kia of des moines from may 4 to June 1 2026 under ro# [xxx] the can bus fault was never diagnosed or addressed. The power sliding door still does not function after two warranty extension repairs. Upon retrieval June 1 2026 the vehicle continues to exhibit active can bus warnings bds warning lights flickering humming sound and rough driving. We believe the sliding door safety issues and can bus failure are directly connected and represent a safety concern for other 2015-2017 kia Sedona owners. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the contact the oil light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated independently. The contact mention he pulled over to the right side of the road, exited the vehicle and when he lifted the hood of the vehicle, he noticed flames coming from the engine. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention. There was no police report filed. The fire department did not show at the scene to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle is currently still at the scene. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,658.

Oil was changed and within a month was completely dried with no visible leak and without any warning or lights the engine shut off while driving and seized turner kia performed a thorough diagnostic and determined that will cost $13,508. 90 to replace the engine.

Engine has multiple engine miss fires. Loss of coolant into exhaust. Engine knocking.

137,000 miles, regular oil changes every 4,000 miles,even adding 2 quarts during the 4,000 miles it would still come up short by 1 quart. Started throwing p0018 timing code,high pressure fuel pump on front blew off the valve cover,im assuming due to jumping out of timing,as the high pressure pump sits ontop of one of the camshaft rollers. Engine started knocking and is now useless.

Engine failure due to rod and bearing failure.

Engine failure due to loud knocking as a result if high oil consumption. No warning lights ever. Needs replacement. Regular maintenance records available. Original owner with only 63900 miles in less than 10 years. Vehicle supposed to be under powertrain warranty (10 years/ 100000 miles). Kia and dealership keep denying warranty claim despite providing all records to prove regular maintenance.

I am the original owner of a 2016 kia Sedona, purchased new from the demontrond kia dealership in houston, texas, in August 2016. The vehicle currently has 63,400 miles and has been maintained according to standard schedules. Two weeks ago, I noticed a slight knocking sound and took the car to the dealership for an inspection. I was informed that there is sludge buildup in the engine and was told the repair would not be covered under warranty due to alleged owner neglect. The dealership quoted $10,000 for an engine replacement. Prior to this, there were no warning lights or indicators of any issues, and there have been no oil leaks. I have retained most of the records and receipts for the oil changes performed on the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sedona. The contact stated that the engine was damaged while being repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 20v101000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that while the dealer was replacing the fuel rail as per the recall remedy, pressure built up, causing a valve cover leak, which damaged the oil pressure sensor. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket and the oil pressure sensor, but the head gaskets were damaged. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced but refused to replace the engine free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

Oil leak caused engine to fail.

My vehicle would not start, after jumping and idling for a few moments, all dash lights started flashing and vehicle wouldnt go into gear. I shut it off as it started making a hum and smelled like something wasnt right. A mobile mechanic who came to my rescue after breaking down did a diagnostic of my engine. I was told I had low to no oil. I asked how was this possible as I had only driven around 2,000 miles since my recent oil change at the kia dealer ( wesley chapel, FL). He said the tech may not have put recommended oil amount or the engine is consuming the oil. I told him I would contact the dealer regarding this matter. Long story, short I broke down to needing a new battery and alternator. I don't know if this was the exact cause of the latter 2 needing to be repaired. However, since speaking to others this is common with some models. I even had 1 individual state there were recalls and engines were being replaced as the engine could potentially lock up or fail. I am not finding a recall. Is this an issue that has been reported and I am missing something. Also, there was a recall on the sliding doors at 1 point. I am still having issues with the drivers side yet tge dealerships want to charge me a diagnostic fee. How do I go about seeing if this is an ongoing issue.

The contact owned a 2008 kia Sedona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at a friend’s residence, the contact exited the vehicle and took the baby she was caring for inside the residence of the friend. Upon returning outside, the contact became aware that the vehicle was on fire and the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The fire marshall informed the contact that the fire had started in the engine compartment. Additionally, a fire report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The fire caused damage to the friend residence. The contact stated that the fire melted the aluminum siding on the house. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was covered under a liability insurance policy. The vehicle was a total loss. The homeowners insurance fire inspector tagged the vehicle and requested that the vehicle remain on the premises. The vehicle was still located at the residence, as per the fire inspector. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 315,465.

See all problems of the 2008 Kia Motor Sedona 🔎.

Vehicle information: 2017 kia Sedona VIN: [xxx] engine: 3. 3l gdi mileage at failure: 186,000 miles complaint: I am filing this complaint regarding sudden engine failure in my 2017 kia Sedona equipped with the 3. 3l gdi engine. The vehicle had approximately 186,000 miles at the time of failure and had just undergone a routine oil change prior to the incident. While driving on the highway, a warning light illuminated on the dashboard. Shortly after the warning light appeared, the engine began making a loud knocking sound. The knocking rapidly worsened, indicating internal engine damage. The failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion at highway speed, creating a serious safety risk due to potential loss of power and reduced ability to accelerate or maneuver safely. The vehicle was diagnosed as requiring a full engine replacement. The estimated cost provided was $5,758. 05 for the engine, plus an additional $1,800 core charge, not including labor costs. This represents a substantial financial burden. It is my understanding that kia has prior knowledge of widespread issues involving gdi engines, including premature internal bearing failure and engine seizure in multiple models. Despite this knowledge, the 2017 kia Sedona with the 3. 3l gdi engine has not been adequately addressed. Sudden engine failure at highway speeds poses a significant safety hazard and increases the risk of collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the 3. 3l gdi engine used in the 2017 kia Sedona for potential manufacturing defects related to premature engine failure and internal component damage. Thanks, [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle is a 2018 kia Sedona with approximately 122,000 miles that experienced a catastrophic engine failure resulting in complete engine seizure. The failure has been identified by an independent mechanic as a rod bearing issue. The engine remains intact and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle is currently not operational and the battery has been disconnected. This vehicle is a family vehicle that regularly transports our four children. At the time of the incident, our [xxx] child was in the vehicle with us. The failure created a serious safety risk. While traveling on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning, creating a hazardous situation in active traffic and increasing the risk of a collision. The presence of a young child in the vehicle further heightened the severity of the safety risk. The issue was preceded by a light tapping noise that began approximately 10 miles prior to the failure. Within about one minute before total failure, a loud squealing noise occurred, followed immediately by complete engine shutdown and loss of power. There were no meaningful warnings that would indicate imminent catastrophic failure in time to safely prevent the incident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent repair facility, which diagnosed the engine as seized due to internal failure consistent with rod bearing damage. A kia dealership and kia America have both been contacted and declined responsibility for repair. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, with routine oil changes performed as expected. The most recent oil change was completed approximately 2,000 miles prior to the failure. Insurance has confirmed this incident is not covered, as it is a mechanical failure and not the result of an accident or external damage. The vehicle has not been physically inspected by the manufacturer. Police were not involved. This type of failure is consistent with widely reported engine defects across kia vehicles I information redacted pursuant to the freedom of infor.

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.

Since the day a bought the car I have had to constantly deal with oil leaks and burning up oil. We had to check the vehicle every Sunday for oil replacement. The vehicle on one day just stopped in the middle of the street. It had a complete engine failure. I had to pay thousands of dollars. I contacted kia with out help. They claim my vehicle was not part of their class action settlement of engine failure. And I can’t sell the car because all mechanics know the engine is trash and the vehicle is worth nothing. And kia won’t help at all.

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.

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.

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.

Engine started knocking loosing power just like our 4cylinder gdi engine. These engines are also not safe to be operating.

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 experienced mass, sudden oil consumption with no warning of any sort, resulting in significant engine damage. Oil had been changed apx 800 miles prior to incident, and vehicle showed no signs of leaks or oil consumption following the oil change. No oil leaks or wetness were found around oil filter or drain plug. Vehicle drove perfectly fine one day, and when started to leave a store it began horrendously knocking, despite operating as normal on the drive to the store. Dipstick was completely dry. No engine warning light was triggered, no low oil warning, etc. I contacted kia America directly, as I had found examples of this same issue reported online and hoped for some cooperation, and was given a generic response to haul it to the nearest kia dealership for diagnosis and repair, out of my own pocket.

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.