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2016 Kia Sedona engine problems

148 owner reports1 crashes11 fires3 injuries

This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.

What owners report

  • “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 …”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 10/08/2026

  • “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 …”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 09/24/2026

  • “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 · filed 08/20/2026

  • “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 complet…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 07/15/2026

  • “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 · filed 06/25/2026

  • “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 · filed 04/26/2026

  • “Engine has multiple engine miss fires. Loss of coolant into exhaust. Engine knocking.”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 04/20/2026

  • “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 trash and the vehicle is…”

    NHTSA complaint · filed 04/13/2026

Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.

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How common are 2016 Kia Sedona engine problems?
148 owners reported engine issues to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Sedona, 1 involving a crash and 11 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Is there a recall for 2016 Kia Sedona engine problems?
No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.

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