2018 Kia Sedona engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 2, 2026HIEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11754333 · source
2. Filed Mar 27, 2026PAEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11727513 · source
3. Filed Oct 15, 2025LAEngine

   While driving under normal conditions and normal operation, the engine lost power, began using excessive fuel, the inside of the vehicle smelled like fuel and white smoke began pouring out of the exhaust.

   NHTSA complaint #11693717 · source
4. Filed Sep 14, 2025OHFireEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   There was a fire under my minivan as my husband was driving it, creating smoke and flames. He lost power to the van and had to coast to the right side of the highway where he came to a stop with the flames occurring. This is the family vehicle and I have small children. We had no warning lights or any indication that there would be a fire in my vehicle as the van had been running smoothly, and I had kept up with all recommended maintenance (see Carfax report). On July 31st,…

   NHTSA complaint #11687226 · source
5. Filed Aug 11, 2025NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Engine failed…driving down the road with five small children and without warning all the lights came on and started smoking, leaking fuel, power doors failed, steering, acceleration and more. We had to have the car towed to a shop. A when looking into what’s happening apparently many others are having to spend thousands to fix this issue and I’m afraid that’s where we are. An investigation needs to be opened as this is clearly an ongoing issue for many families

   NHTSA complaint #11679912 · source
6. Filed Jul 21, 2025OHEngine

   While driving on the interstate, about an hour into the trip, there was a banging/tinging sound coming from the front of the van. Immediately the van was pulled off the road to assess the situation as there were NO WARNING MESSAGES OR LIGHTS that came on to alert of any problem. Immediately before hearing the noise, the van had a major loss of power going up a slight incline on the interstate. The van threw a rod and had I not noticed the sound and pulled over, this could…

   NHTSA complaint #11675165 · source
7. Filed Apr 30, 2025OKEngine

   ENGINE - blown head gasket, cracked block. Vehicle is at dealership service center in for repairs.vehicle has been inspected by the warranty company. No engine light or warnings or messages came up on the car. Approximately 64000.00 miles smelling antifreeze. Took it in to have it checked for leaks no apparent leaks. Took in at approximately 72000.00 miles now has a blown head gasket and cracked block. The safety of a breakdown is obvious.

   NHTSA complaint #11657885 · source
8. Filed Feb 20, 2025UTEngine

   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 [XXX] going over [XXX] 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…

   NHTSA complaint #11643830 · source
9. Filed Feb 16, 2025INEngine

   We have a 2018 KIA Sedona SXL that started to have a knock the beginning of the year. We noticed it was dry on oil even though we faithfully get our oil serviced. I took it in for an oil change right away and they were also surprised as I have always went there for my oil services. They informed me that my Kia engine is notorious for burning through oil and maybe just try coming in more frequently than what KIA recommends so we figured that was the answer, as the knock sound…

   NHTSA complaint #11643043 · source
10. Filed Dec 16, 2024GAEngine

    Head gasket blew and caused coolant to leak into the engine. We broke down on the side of the interstate. Our vehicle sat at the dealer for 5 months awaiting a new engine to be put in. No warnings beforehand.

    NHTSA complaint #11630950 · source
11. Filed Nov 27, 2024PAEngine

    Engine in my 2018 Kia has failed. This should be covered under warranty as van only has 90k miles on it but because I am the second owner they are telling me it is not covered. Several other 2018 Kia’s have already been recalled for engine failure. My car was burning oil. This is a manufacturing issue and I am very stressed about paying to get it fixed out of pocket.

    NHTSA complaint #11627705 · source
12. Filed Nov 6, 2024NCEngine

    Engine failed. Replacement is required. Currently at dealership where auto was purchased. Dropped off 30 JUL '24. Waitng for replacement.

    NHTSA complaint #11623832 · source

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