2016 Kia Sedona engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

145 owners have reported engine problems with the 2016 Kia Sedona, 59% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 88,500 mi.

Engine complaints
145
Crashes
0
Fires
11
Injuries
3
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
88,500 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine143
Engine and engine cooling2
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan1
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly1
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication1

Engine complaints across Kia Sedona years

2200572006520073200842011820125201447201514520166020172120181120195202012021
Engine complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k860k–100k7100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 8, 2026OHEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11769783 · source
  2. Filed Sep 24, 2026WVEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11766747 · source
  3. Filed Aug 20, 2026155,326 miMI1 injuredEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11758359 · source
  4. Filed Jul 15, 2026MIEngine
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11750702 · source
  5. Filed Jun 25, 2026TXEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11746357 · source
  6. Filed Apr 26, 2026PAEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11733864 · source
  7. Filed Apr 13, 2026TXEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11730877 · source
  8. Filed Apr 3, 2026TXEngine
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11729090 · source
  9. Filed Mar 25, 2026GAEngine
    Engine started knocking loosing power just like our 4cylinder GDI engine. These engines are also not safe to be operating
    NHTSA complaint #11727091 · source
  10. Filed Feb 12, 2026ILEngine
    I was driving my car, all of a sudden there was a loud knocking sound. The car suddenly wouldn’t accelerate. I was in the middle of a busy intersection with kids! I am 95 pounds, I can’t push the van! After being hit. I managed to get it moved with help. My van only had 108,000 miles on it! Took it to a mechanic, said needed an engine as there was no oil in it. How is that possible? We just changed it a month prior. It’s out of warranty by 8000 miles so Kia will not do…
    NHTSA complaint #11717582 · source
  11. Filed Feb 11, 2026TXEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11717253 · source
  12. Filed Dec 29, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Kia service dealer diagnosed high oil consumption on my car with heavy sounds. They recommend to replace whole engine but it's out of warranty. It has only 106k miles on it. I am afraid the car is posing safety issue as well and it has less miles on it. I filed complain with kia consumer corporate a case has been generated on their system [XXX] but no one had contacted me yet. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
    NHTSA complaint #11707644 · source

Other 2016 Kia Sedona problem areas

Back to all 2016 Kia Sedona problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology