Engine failed without warning on a trip to urgent care with our daughter. Was running normally, then started losing some acceleration and knocking loudly. Further inspection showed almost no oil in car, with no evidence of a leak. Car is parked in same spot on driveway daily and there isn’t even a drop of leaked oil. Both the lo…
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Engine failed without warning on a trip to urgent care with our daughter. Was running normally, then started losing some acceleration and knocking loudly. Further inspection showed almost no oil in car, with no evidence of a leak. Car is parked in same spot on driveway daily and there isn’t even a drop of leaked oil. Both the loss of power on the freeway and failure with no warning during an emergency left us and others at risk. Our son, a certified mechanic, has confirmed a thrown rod bearing. It failed October 6, Kia can’t even look at it until the 26th. I’m currently incurring the cost of a rental vehicle in addition to the cost of replacing the engine. No warning lights were illuminated before the failure, and none are illuminated after the failure.
NHTSA ODI #11550504
Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2023
Engine
We were driving with FIVE kids and my 2016 Sedona lost power while driving & wouldn't accelerate over 30mph. Drove home couldn't go over 30 mph even with the pedal to the floor. Got home, checked oil and it was bone dry. Check engine light NEVER came on and the oil light NEVER came on. The check engine light only came on AFTER i…
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We were driving with FIVE kids and my 2016 Sedona lost power while driving & wouldn't accelerate over 30mph. Drove home couldn't go over 30 mph even with the pedal to the floor. Got home, checked oil and it was bone dry. Check engine light NEVER came on and the oil light NEVER came on. The check engine light only came on AFTER it lost power and went into limp mode. Oil was not leaking as I park on a concrete driveway and would have seen any leaks immediately. $2,000 later at the mechanic (they replaced value covers and sensors) and the check engine light still wouldn't go off and the car continued to lose power after driving for about 20-30 minutes. I can turn the car off, wait a few minutes, turn it back on and it runs FINE for a while (20 mins. max). Also, the car runs absolutely fine until it loses power. No noises, no knocking, nothing to indicate there is an engine issue. The mechanic who couldn't fix it recommended; I take it to the dealer for a complete diagnostic workup. After a week at the Kia dealer with little to no feedback / info as to what was going on, I was finally given an estimate for $7,800 worth of repairs and told that still may not fix the issue as there could be internal engine failure because it ran out of oil. After a cursory google search, this appears to be a common problem with the Kia 3.3 GDI engines like mine. There were recalls and Kia extended the engine warranties on various other models with the same engines due to the exact same issue, but they have not extended the same benefits to Kia Sedona owners. There was even a class action lawsuit regarding this issue but again, not with the Sedona. My concern is this is a MAJOR safety issue. FIVE kids in the car on a normally busy highway (it was early so there weren't many people on the road). Had it been as busy as it normally is, we would have been rear-ended which could lead to MUCH worse on a busy highway. Please investigate this before someone is seriously hurt or killed.
NHTSA ODI #11548542
Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2023
EngineFire
The vehicle started making a rattling noise, but there were no lights on the dash at all!. My husband checked the oil and there was no oil. (It wasn't even due for an oil change yet.) Even after adding 5 quarts of oil, the engine threw a rod through the oil pan while it was being driven down the road. Then the engine caught on f…
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The vehicle started making a rattling noise, but there were no lights on the dash at all!. My husband checked the oil and there was no oil. (It wasn't even due for an oil change yet.) Even after adding 5 quarts of oil, the engine threw a rod through the oil pan while it was being driven down the road. Then the engine caught on fire. Thankfully, my husband was able to get the car to the side of the road without causing an accident or getting burned. There were chunks of metal and oil sprayed all over the road. We had to have it towed and upon an independent mechanic's inspection, found out that the engine was completely destroyed and would have to be replaced and would probably cost about $8,500 (not including the added cost of a rental vehicle while the engine is replaced.) We had just had the oil leak recall completed in May and the local Kia dealership said everything was fine. My husband attempted to call Kia directly as well as the local Kia dealership, but no resolution has been reached.
NHTSA ODI #11542880
Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2023
Engine
A few weeks ago, we were taking FIVE kids to the beach (a one-hour drive) when after about 25 minutes, the van (2016 Kia Sedona SXL with a 3.3L V6 GDI engine) would not accelerate above 35MPH. We drove it home in "limp mode" on the shoulder and going 30MPH. I took it to my regular mechanic who informed me the engine oil was co…
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A few weeks ago, we were taking FIVE kids to the beach (a one-hour drive) when after about 25 minutes, the van (2016 Kia Sedona SXL with a 3.3L V6 GDI engine) would not accelerate above 35MPH. We drove it home in "limp mode" on the shoulder and going 30MPH. I took it to my regular mechanic who informed me the engine oil was completely dry and the recommended $1900 in repairs to replace damaged valve covers and sensors. After picking it up, the check engine light came on only a few miles from the mechanic. I took it back and they recommended taking it to Kia for a complete diagnostic workup. After a week at the dealership, they gave me an estimated repair bill of just under $8,000 and stated after all that work then engine could possibly still not work due to total engine failure because it ran out of oil. I get the oil changed on a regular basis. absolutely NO warning lights came on prior to the vehicle failing to accelerate onto a busy highway. We had five kids in the car - two of which were friends of my kids. We were lucky that no one was zooming by when we tried to merge onto the highway because the engine completely lost power. It could have been a very dangerous situation. Now, after reading literally HUNDREDS of posts and complaints stating the EXACT same issue, I'm wondering why Kia has not recalled this particular model of car. They have, however, recalled the exact same engine in different models. I'm genuinely confused as to why SO many people are having the EXACT same issue and Kia is refusing to acknowledge it's an issue on their end that they should be fixing. I have a 2016 van which is otherwise in perfect condition sitting at my house needing a completely new engine. I should not be needing the engine replaced after only 108,000 miles - of which it has been regularly services. It's absolutely infuriating. The dealership basically threw up their hands and said they couldn't do anything except replace the engine for $8,500!!!!
NHTSA ODI #11541756
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2023
Engine
I was driving on 2 two lane highway and starting to go up an incline. All of a sudden the vehicle started making a low rumble type sound and even though my foot was on the accelerator, the vehicle would not continue to drive. Everything basically stopped working. I was able to pull over onto the shoulder and put the vehicle in…
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I was driving on 2 two lane highway and starting to go up an incline. All of a sudden the vehicle started making a low rumble type sound and even though my foot was on the accelerator, the vehicle would not continue to drive. Everything basically stopped working. I was able to pull over onto the shoulder and put the vehicle in park. The engine light started blinking and then several lights started coming on. I turned the vehicle off for a few minutes and the restarted. Same thing happened. The engine light came on and the vehicle would not go after I put it in drive. Same rumble as well. I was able to get it towed to a trusted independent mechanic. After checking out the vehicle, he found there was no oil. What? We get it serviced on a regular basis and wasn't due for an oil change. There was NO WARNING LIGHT to alert me that the oil was gone. This ruined our engine. Our mechanic stated Motor is bad, no compression on 2 4 6 bank of engine. There was only 126,xxx miles on this vehicle. I am beyond upset as the vehicle is still in great condition and will now have to spend almost $5,000 on a replacement engine with 100,000 plus $1,000 in labor. This is unacceptable!!!!!
NHTSA ODI #11540827
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2023
EngineFire
Engine caught fire while traveling on the highway. It was towed to the dealer. Dealer told us that engine failure and fire had been caused by oil leak, which occurred even with us bringing the car in for routine maintenance regularly and as recommended by Kia. Yes, our safety was put at risk as our engine failed and caught fi…
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Engine caught fire while traveling on the highway. It was towed to the dealer. Dealer told us that engine failure and fire had been caused by oil leak, which occurred even with us bringing the car in for routine maintenance regularly and as recommended by Kia. Yes, our safety was put at risk as our engine failed and caught fire while we were traveling at high speed on a highway. There was no warning prior to this happening, and I had just brought the car into the dealer for routine maintenance within two weeks prior to the fire. With that said, I had been bringing the car to the dealer for routine maintenance regularly and bringing to their attention that the "low oil" warning light would appear intermittently, which it should not have done as I WAS bringing the car in for regular maintenance and oil changes. They did not seem to feel that that was an issue and would replenish the oil and send us on our way.
NHTSA ODI #11536471
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2023
EngineUnknown Or OtherFire
While driving down the road, the car started sputtering and smoking. There were no warning lights on the dash, or irregular readings. My son pulled over and flames were coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon immediate inspection, there was an oil trail in the road behind the vehicle and pieces of the rod and oil pan. They said…
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While driving down the road, the car started sputtering and smoking. There were no warning lights on the dash, or irregular readings. My son pulled over and flames were coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon immediate inspection, there was an oil trail in the road behind the vehicle and pieces of the rod and oil pan. They said it looked like the engine threw a rod, damaging the oil pan, and causing the fire. We are still awaiting an independent inspection and solution from Kia, but they’re taking their time. Thankfully my son was able to exit the vehicle quickly and safely.
NHTSA ODI #11533810
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2023
Engine
My car was at a stop sign. Upon accelerating after the stop, the engine stopped working without any warning. There were no warning indicators that there was a problem prior to the car ceasing to work. Itook the car to my usual mechanic and he indicated that the engine would need to be replaced. In his assessment, at only 68,800 …
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My car was at a stop sign. Upon accelerating after the stop, the engine stopped working without any warning. There were no warning indicators that there was a problem prior to the car ceasing to work. Itook the car to my usual mechanic and he indicated that the engine would need to be replaced. In his assessment, at only 68,800 miles, the engine should not have been an issue. The car has been at a local dealership for a week now, and I am waiting to hear their assessment of this situation. The car stopped directly in the middle of an intersection, and prior to this we were on the a highway. This would have been a much more significant issue had it stopped in the middle of the highway. Additionally as there were no warning lights prior to the issue, a driver would have no indication that there is a problem.
NHTSA ODI #11533342
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineStructure
Our Kia Sedona had the cooling fan harness negative Cable melt and caused making our engine overheat. When we took our vehicle to get serviced they told us that the cooling fan harness melted and then it's a common problem with kias. They fixed the pigtail cooling fan harness but are cooling fan does not turn on anymore and they…
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Our Kia Sedona had the cooling fan harness negative Cable melt and caused making our engine overheat. When we took our vehicle to get serviced they told us that the cooling fan harness melted and then it's a common problem with kias. They fixed the pigtail cooling fan harness but are cooling fan does not turn on anymore and they said that it is now an electrical issue and this was from a Kia dealership in Dodge City Kansas. They recently did a recall on sliding doors because they weren't shutting all the way and it worked for exactly one day after the recall and now it's back to not shutting and making a really loud noise when it attempts to shut. When this happens we can't lock our doors because the doors won't lock when doors open and we have to constantly shut off our interior lights so that they don't stay on because the doors don't shut. We've notified the Kia dealership that have done our recall on it and told them that it didn't fix it but they refuse to make it right. We only have 106,000 MI I've got a new cooling fan resistor and put it in and a new pigtail harness and put it in but the cooling fan is still not turning on the low speed and the air conditioner doesn't work either. Our engine constantly smells very hot but it doesn't indicate that it's overheating. We haven't had this vehicle for very long and because of all the problems we've had with it are considering on getting another vehicle and we're considering a carnival but are afraid to because of the way Kia handles their issues.
NHTSA ODI #11528614
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2023
Engine
The engine failed. It burned through all of the oil, didn't give any warnings or light and just died.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC246.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Consequence: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
Consequence: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a child is in a child seat in the front seat, a broken ODS wiring harness will not prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent the wiring harness from breaking. If the harness is found damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC175.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
Consequence: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.
Structure:body:door
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.
Consequence: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
DP24002 · 3.3L Engine Loss Of Motive Power (lomp)
Opened Feb 27, 2024 · Closed Mar 5, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on February 20, 2024, requesting the opening of an investigation into an alleged defect of the "engine" on the following vehicle model stated by the petitioner: 2016 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V-Shaped GDI Lambda-II engine. The petitioner raised the issue of a Loss of Motive Power. On November 13, 2023, ODI opened PE23-019 to address allegations of loss of motive power, on the 3.3L V6 Lambda-II engine for 2016-2017 Kia Sorento and included the 2016 Kia Sedona as a peer vehicle. This investigation is ongoing and addresses the potential safety-related defect raised by the petitioner. In view of the open Investigation, PE23-019, ODI considers the petition moot and is closing this action. The closing of the petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to make that determination at the close of PE23-019.
2016 Kia Sedona Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year