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.
2016 Kia Sedona engine problems
150 complaints (51% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 83,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 150
- of this car's complaints
- 51%
- typical mileage
- 83,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine: oil/lubrication1
- Cooling system: radiator assembly1
- Cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
- Cooling system: fan1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Sedona engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Kia Sedona engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 79Check engine light 36Knocking 29Overheating 18Loss of power 17Oil consumption 16Stalling 16Won't start 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related 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. On November 13, 2023, ODI opened PE23-019 to address allegations of loss of motive power, on the 3.3L V6 Lambda-II engine for 2016-2017 Kia Sorento and included the 2016 Kia Sedona as a peer vehicle. This investigation is ongoing and addresses the potential safety-related defect raised by the petitioner. In view of the open Investigation, PE23-019, ODI considers the petition moot and is closing this action. The closing of the petition does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to make that determination at the close of PE23-019.
DP24002
What 2016 Kia Sedona owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Total engine failure at 120k miles, no warning signs.
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.
Engine has multiple engine miss fires. Loss of coolant into exhaust. Engine knocking.
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 worth nothing. And Kia won’t help at all.
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. The dealership quoted $10,000 for an engine replacement. Prior to this, there were no warning lights or indicators of any issues, and there have been no oil leaks. I have retained most of the records and receipts for the oil changes performed on the vehicle.
Questions about the 2016 Kia Sedona engine
Does the 2016 Kia Sedona have engine problems?
Owners have filed 150 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Kia Sedona, 51% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2016 Kia Sedona engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 83,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Kia Sedona engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Kia Sedona have bad engine?
The Kia Sedona model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (150 complaints), 2017 (62 complaints) and 2015 (53 complaints).
Other 2016 Kia Sedona problems
Electrical 46Lights 37Body 25Airbags 19Transmission 13Fuel system 10Brakes 8Seat belts 8Locks 6Steering 6Acceleration 5Seats 5Tires 2Visibility 2Driver assistance 1Wheels 1
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