Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 20% | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 25% | 79,000 miles |
| 2019 | 12 | 31% | 7,000 miles |
| 2018 | 22 | 45% | — |
| 2017 | 62 | 46% | 85,000 miles |
| 2016 | 150 | 51% | 88,000 miles |
| 2015 | 52 | 37% | 90,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 23% | 83,000 miles |
| 2012 | 19 | 18% | 91,000 miles |
| 2011 | 14 | 22% | 97,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% | 106,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 17% | 24,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% | 59,000 miles |
| 2007 | 16 | 10% | 79,000 miles |
| 2006 | 31 | 8% | 61,000 miles |
| 2005 | 27 | 15% | 88,000 miles |
| 2004 | 35 | 16% | 59,000 miles |
| 2003 | 34 | 17% | 58,000 miles |
| 2002 | 37 | 15% | 41,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The contact also stated that the oil level was low after checking the dipstick. The driver's side window was stuck in the down position. The contact depressed the window button, but the window failed to roll up. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that there was a leak in the trans axle boot, and the 02 sensor and trans axle boot were replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights and taillights needed to be replaced. The dealer performed an oil pressure test, which indicated that the oil level was a 1/2 quart low. …
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle in hot temperatures, the vehicle failed to start immediately. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to be started and seemed to return to normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure had become a regular occurrence during the summer months. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000.
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 70 mph up a hill, he heard an abnormal noise, and then the vehicle was seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the size of the vehicle and when exiting the vehicle felt heat exiting under the vehicle. The contact stated he saw fire located on the engine. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher he had available. The fire department filed a fire report. The contact stated an ambulance was able to attempt him and transport him to the hospital for smoke and fire extinguisher chemical in his lungs. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location by the insurance company and deemed the vehicle was a total loss. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. …
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.
Our 2018 Kia Sedona SXL caught on fire in the engine compartment while driving. IT almost killed my wife (driver) and my 4 year old son. Car had been driven only 2 blocks after picking up my son from daycare. The car started to produce black smoke incessantly from the engine compartment that made visibility almost impossible. Bystandards were waving with their arms up and trying to warn my wife and she managed to stop in a parking lot and run away with my son. Car got very hot. Despite of keeping regular maintenance, car has had a myriad of issues: electrical components going off and not working anymore (cruise control, rear view camera, navigation system), booming sound from air conditioner like an old airplane is inside the cabin..etc.There were no warning lights suggesting any problem before car caught on fire. Please help.
While returning from a road trip to the Phoenix Arizona area I was driving my family in the Kia Sedona van. We were driving on highway [redacted] going over [redacted] accelerating up hill. Without warning the car started to have high rpms and the sensor for the check oil along with the check engine light began to flash. Steering felt difficult. Safety was a concern having to try to use a dying vehicle to pull from the left lane across traffic of the busy highway on a mountain pass. I was able to pull to the right shoulder of the highway and park the van. I shut the van off and went to check the oil, the dip stick showed empty. I was trapped on the side of the highway with my wife and 5 small kids. I was uncertain that the tow truck would be able to transport my family off the highway. …
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. …
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.
NHTSA investigations
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sedona years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (150), 2017 (62), 2015 (52), 2002 (37) and 2004 (35) model years. Engine complaints make up 51% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Kia Sedona engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Kia Sedona model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Sedona engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (39 mentions), followed by the cooling system (14).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.