2017 Kia Sedona: engine failure

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · NY

on 8/6/26 my wife was driving home when the Sedona Van began emitting white smoke and started making a whining noise. Little did we know the head bolts had pulled out of the engine causing the head gasket to blow and coolant to leak and total engine failure. Safety risk was engine could have seized in the middle of my wife driving home which could have caused a sudden crash. Vehicle was taken to dealership which confirmed total engine failure due to the well-documented engine failures of the 3.3L V6 Lamda - II engines. Dealership stated my VIN # was NOT included in the extended warranty that the federal safety agency mandated KIA provide due to this well-documented problem. I was told the extended warranty covered vehicles through 2016 model years, my Sedona is a 2017. Therefore, there was NOTHING they could do. However, this is the SAME issue that has been documented over and over with this engine. But because mine is a 2017 I am being told it is not covered for the total engine replacement by KIA. I was told to call the KIA customer care line which I did. They confirmed my vehicle is NOT covered, but agreed it is the same engine issue that has been seen in the 2013-2016. I was told that I could file a Goodwill case that will be escalated to KIA corporate to see if there is anything they can do to help me. I am now waiting for them to get back to me. I was quoted $13,206 for the engine replacement and likely may need radiator replaced too so probably closer to $15,000 when all done. I am told this is purely mechanical failure and a manufacturer defect. I am waiting for KIA's response but want to file this complaint to see what help is available if they come back and deny covering my engine replacement. simply because it is a 2017. This vehicle has been great so far, has 157,000 well cared for miles until this issue erupted without warning. Dealership said have not seen this on a 2017 Sedona, but it happened, my van is currently dead and will there be more 2017's w/ this issu

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Engine · TX

There was an unusual amount of oil "slug" created by the engine which caused the engine to be inoperable. Therefore, we had to replace the engine.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Engine · GA

Vehicle Information: 2017 Kia Sedona VIN: [XXX] Engine: 3.3L GDI Mileage at failure: 186,000 miles Complaint: I am filing this complaint regarding sudden engine failure in my 2017 Kia Sedona equipped with the 3.3L GDI engine. The vehicle had approximately 186,000 miles at the time of failure and had just undergone a routine oil change prior to the incident. While driving on the highway, a warning light illuminated on the dashboard. Shortly after the warning light appeared, the engine began making a loud knocking sound. The knocking rapidly worsened, indicating internal engine damage. The failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion at highway speed, creating a serious safety risk due to potential loss of power and reduced ability to accelerate or maneuver safely. The vehicle was diagnosed as requiring a full engine replacement. The estimated cost provided was $5,758.05 for the engine, plus an additional $1,800 core charge, not including labor costs. This represents a substantial financial burden. It is my understanding that Kia has prior knowledge of widespread issues involving GDI engines, including premature internal bearing failure and engine seizure in multiple models. Despite this knowledge, the 2017 Kia Sedona with the 3.3L GDI engine has not been adequately addressed. Sudden engine failure at highway speeds poses a significant safety hazard and increases the risk of collision. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate the 3.3L GDI engine used in the 2017 Kia Sedona for potential manufacturing defects related to premature engine failure and internal component damage. Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Transmission · VT

My 2017 Kia Sedona has has regular oil changes about every 3000 miles. I was not due for an oil change quite yet and a ticking noise coming from the engine started to occur. I made an appointment at the Kia dealership right away. Just a few days before my appointment there was no warning light for the oil or engine until the engine failed, went limp and I lost power steering control, the brakes went stiff and all of the lights came on at once. It was very scary for me and my two children to lose that control of the vehicle. It can be inspected at Berlin City Kia where it currently sits and is in need of a replacement engine. After much research I have seen that this is a known issue for Kia engines and for some reason the 2017 Sedona is not included in any extended warranty's. Please investigate this. I did ask Kia for help in covering the replacement engine but was denied by the woman who I spoke to on the phone. I still put in a claim online anyway. It has been inspected by Berlin City Kia and they said there was "significant rod knocking". They are quoting me $9880 to replace the engine. After regular oil changes for the time that I have owned this vehicle and especially after I has the oil pressure sensor leak addressed as well over the last few years, it should not have died prematurely as it did. I am worried that the oil leaking so badly at that time may have pooled in the back of the engine which could have led to the rods wearing which in turn led to them knocking in the future. What else could cause this to happen? And so many other customers have complained about this exact issue. Please investigate this.

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · Engine · TX

On [XXX], while driving my 2017 Kia Sedona on a road trip through Killeen, Texas, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise without any prior warning, leading to catastrophic engine failure and complete loss of motive power. The vehicle became inoperable and was towed to University Kia in Waco, Texas. The day prior, on [XXX], the vehicle underwent a thorough pre-trip inspection and full synthetic oil change at Sun Auto Tire & Service (5117 Golden Triangle Blvd., Keller, TX 76244), confirming it was roadworthy with no issues detected initially, though oil was found leaking afterward (maintenance records attached). University Kia confirmed the catastrophic engine failure, likely related to the 3.3L Lambda engine's known oil pressure switch (OPS) defects, as the OPS had been previously replaced under warranty. Kia Motors America (Case [XXX]) denied liability unless I pay $3,000 for a teardown inspection to prove the failure was due to the OPS, despite the vehicle's eligibility under the WTY026 extended warranty (15 years/150,000 miles). This failure aligns with similar complaints and the federal safety agency investigations into 3.3L Lambda engine issues, such as oil starvation and sudden seizures. Due to the failure, we missed a prepaid hotel stay in San Antonio, incurred additional hotel stay charges as our trip had to be extended, and incurred costs for a rental vehicle to complete the trip. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Engine · WA

I was driving and my engine seized and my car is now undrivable. I immediately looked up recalls and see that there were several recalls and recalls surrounding the engine as well. I am told I now need a brand new engine and was referred to file a report as the issue experienced should not have been happening.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Engine · GA

Engine stared clattering at the end of a 2 hour drive home. Engine died entering a round about 1-1/2 miles from home. It restarted and limped to my home. Arranged to have it towed to mechanic shop. They informed me there is issues with rod bearings and that Kia has a class action suite but Kia is telling me that my vin is not involved.

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Engine · OH

I own a 2017 Kia Sedona with approximately 120,000. It has the 3.3L V6 engine. While driving, the vehicle lost power and would not run. The lights and the dashboard would come on, but it would not turn over to start. I took it to a mechanic, and they confirmed that the engine had seized up and would have to be replaced costing $11,000. I then had it towed to the dealership that I purchased the vehicle. They also confirmed that the engine had seized up and would have to be replaced at a significant cost. I had no warning that anything was wrong with my vehicle as the check engine light did not come on. I did hear a slight knocking the day before this happened. My husband checked the oil and added a quart of oil, which was unusual since we had not seen any oil on our driveway. I did have a warranty, but it lapsed due to being over the mileage cap by 2,000 miles.

Filed Dec 3, 2024 · Engine · PA

The Engine failed at 63,758 miles. Lancaster KIA in Lancaster, PA indicated the engine has metal shavings everywhere.

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NY

Engine seized. Purchased car on 9-16-24. One 9-17-24 I went to Valvoline and purchased a full synthetic oil change. Within 2000 miles driven since oil change mechanic advised that there was no oil and no leaks. Valvoline assisted my mechanic in the investigation and claimed the Sedona had a oil consumption issues. Manufacturing issues. Car shut off while driving. No light illuminated prior to the shut off and even with no oil there is no check engine light or oil pressure warning.

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Engine, Locks · 85,012 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact noticed a green puddle underneath the vehicle with the low coolant message displayed. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that either the head gasket or the entire engine needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to the dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that leak was caused by stripped bolts inside the engine which caused coolant to leak. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The engine was replaced by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranties associated with the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the driver’s side sliding door intermittently failed to close as needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an estimate for the repair was provided; however, the dealer could not guarantee that the repair would fix the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,012.

Filed Oct 21, 2024 · Engine · CA

My engine seized. When I took it to my mechanic they stated it was due to low compression and that Kia engines were known for this issue. He suggested I take it to a Kia dealer to have them replace the engine. I took it and I was denied the replacement. I did some research and found that this issue was in fact very popular among Kia owners. Some expressing their engines actually ignited. I also found there was a class-action lawsuit against Kia for this exact issue. I noticed all Kia models were included in the suit except for the Sedona. During my research I found a mass of Sedona owners who had the same compression issues. It baffles me why my car wasn't included when it has the exact isdues as the other models made by the same manufacturer. I would like to file a complaint in hopes that other Sedona owners have done the same, and we can bring light to this issue, and possibly a solution.