Problems · by component
2016 Kia Sedona engine problems
148 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Sedona cite engine, 50% of all 297 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
148
50% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
11
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“In January 2026, I brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership specifically complaining that it was "burning oil." The dealership documented this exact complaint on the invoice, but only repaired external leaks. They failed to perform an oil consumption test, failed to diagnose the internal burning issue, and failed to warn me of any ongoing risk. Approximately four months later, while 400 miles from home en route to vacation and with no warning lights appearing, the engine suffered catastrophic oil starvation and seized. Forced to pay out of pocket for towing, emergency logistics, and an immediate replacement vehicle to continue the trip. An out-of-pocket engine teardown confirmed the internal failure, and my extended warranty denied coverage due to the low oil condition.”
“While driving my van I had stopped to put car in reverse to park and as I was putting van back into drive to finish parking the engine quit, I was unable to restart the vehicle, just a click sound. All the lights doors everything electric worked, still purchased a new battery in case that was the issue. There were no service engine lights, oil lights or any other warning signal on the dash. My brother assisted me and checked my oil which was depleted and gummy on the tip. I reached out to a mechanic to see about an engine replacement and after telling him the issue stated I should check with Kia because there has been some issues noted with that particular engine, I have reached out to my local Kia dealership Dutch Miller in barboursville WV, however there is no answer and I’ve left two voicemails and still have heard nothing back from them. From my research for engines it stated there was issue with the oil leaking into the coolant without any indications or lights warning due to head bolts loosening over time which was a manufactured part issue, I saw also there was a campaign concerning this and wanted to include my problems with your agency.”
“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.”
“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 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.”
“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.”
Showing 6 of 148 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.