I brought my vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership to complete a mandatory safety recall on the high-pressure fuel pump. The dealership returned the vehicle to me and provided official service paperwork stating that the recall was fully completed. However, the recall work was not performed, and I was permitted to drive away in an unsafe, unrepaired vehicle. Upon discovering the error and returning to the shop, the dealership admitted they had mistakenly replaced the low-pressure fuel pump instead, while falsely logging it under the high-pressure fuel pump recall campaign. They also tried stating the reason it was still driving the way it was because the spark plugs needed replaced. They wanted over 1000$ for spark plugs so I said I’ll take it to another shop to have those repairs done cheaper and when I did the new shop I took it to stated the high pressure fuel pump is needing replaced and I shouldn’t drive it anymore. It was running around 4000 psi just idling. They had it towed to my house for me until I could get it back into Kia and speak to them. This whole time my car smelled like it was burning, it kept stalling and i was having difficulty driving at high speeds and even getting it to go. I was given the run around multiple times at the shop and i was there for four hours just to get my car back in and looked at.
Kia Sedona fuel pump problems
14 of the 2,417 owner complaints about the Kia Sedona describe fuel pump failure, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 14
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical mileage
- 60,735
By model year
- 20202
- 20192
- 20173
- 20111
- 20091
- 20071
- 20041
- 20023
Often reported together
Stalling 4Knocking 2Check engine light 2Steering lock-up 1Overheating 1Loss of power 1Headlights 1Fuel smell 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0018 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the heat and A/C control knobs had melted twice, and the contact had purchased and personally replaced the entire control panel. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the low-pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors were replaced on separate occasions. However, the failure recurred while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, after the repair, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds. Additionally, the contact stated that the abnormally strong fuel odor had worsened. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved, and the contact was advised to pick up the vehicle. The contact expressed safety concerns that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
137,000 Miles, regular oil changes every 4,000 miles,even adding 2 quarts during the 4,000 miles it would still come up short by 1 quart. Started throwing p0018 timing code,high pressure fuel pump on front blew off the valve cover,Im assuming due to jumping out of timing,as the high pressure pump sits ontop of one of the Camshaft rollers. Engine started knocking and is now useless.
Without warning lights coming on my engine started knocking on May 15, 2025. Turns out the bearing between the top of the motor and the bottom of the motor is stripped. 5 months before this happened they replaced the 2 fuel pumps, cvvt, cam shaft sensor and assembly, timing chain and spark plugs. Again I had no warning about that work that the dealership said I needed. Now I need a new motor and they won’t do anything for me except charge over $10,000.
The last week of February I took my 2020 Kia Sedona at 67,500 miles into Kia Ferguson in Tulsa, OK to have them replace my High Pressure Fuel Pump which was covered under an extended warranty. When I received my van back, the battery was dead and the AC wasn't working nor the control knob.(it was stuck) I had to replace my battery, and that Friday Kia said they would take a look at it. When I went to pick up my van, they told me it was going to cost $1500 to fix, and that I was responsible. I called Kia consumer Affairs, and discussed this with them as well. To no avail, I am being held responsible. I took my van somewhere else however was quoted higher. I asked if after they fix it was there a possibility it still might not work and that it could be something else, and the gentleman said yes. I don't want to put all of this money to fix a problem, Kia may have inadvertently disconnected something that really just needed to be reconnected. This is a safety issue for me and my children, as I get weak when I am overheated, and it gets entirely too hot in Oklahoma during the summers. I didn't have any prior issues with my AC prior to them replacing my high pressure fuel pump.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start and was experiencing rough driving with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact of the head gasket, head gasket bolts, fuel pump, and fuel injector failures. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, the passenger’s side electronic sliding door failed to properly latch due to a faulty electrical locking mechanism. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in an undisclosed Extend Warranty Coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
I received a letter from Kia America, Inc. extending the warranty on the high pressure fuel pump on my 2020 Kia Sedona. They claim that the fuel control valve plunger may wear unevenly and over time become stuck in the open position. They state different things can happen including stalling. My research found that it can cause stalling at high speeds or in heavy traffic and it may cause a loss of control over the vehicle. ARE THEY TRYING TO AVOID A RECALL. I am [XXX] and this sounds real dangerous. Does a serious accident have to happen before a recall is ordered? i have attached a copy of the letter below. [XXX] cell [XXX] email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
First, the fuel pump was acting up was told the relay was going bad replaced the relay, Than we have "ESC" and ABS light come one for a bout a week took it to get the code read and they said all four wheel sensors (abs) were not transmitting signals ans that my steering angle sensor was bad which I dont think it is equipped with one now today as of 1/6/2024 ESC, ABS and BRAKE all light up and solid at the same time and tI lost my brakes. no we had no inspections we had warning lights the ESC ABS & BRAKE with a warning alarm
Takata recall..my van stalls out no matter where..stopped at idle it randomly shuts off..driving average speed in town 45mph it randomly shuts off..on the hwy. Speeds average from 55 to 70 MPH it randomly shuts off ..in heavy traffic this is very dangerous..I have replaced the following.. Fuel pump fuel filter fuel pump relays throttle position sensor mass air flow sensor crank shaft position sensor oxygen sensor fuel coil packs spark plugs intake gaskets injectors air filter just like the hundreds of people on the forumebay about kia sedona..I've put $1000's in the van with no solution to the dangerous issues..the only thing left to change is the internal wiring..this problem is way to common for kia not to have a recall on it..its a huge safety hazard and needs to have something done about it..not just for me but for everyone that has a kia sedona..its obviously a short in the wiring and is a manufacturer flaw for so many people to have the same issue..btw my van only has 100.000 miles on it I've seen some as low as 30.000 with this same issue..no excuses for this..any kind of electronic short out has potential for fire not to mention the hazards of the van randomly stopping in town at intersection on the interstate .
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 kia sedona. The contact stated that the headlights and tail lights failed to illuminate. The dealer stated that the relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. In addition, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and would not accelerate. The contact also stated that the brakes failed to respond and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. On another occasion, smoke appeared under the hood when the vehicle was started. The dealer stated that the electrical harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC188.
Recall number 20V101000 · Recall details
Questions about the Kia Sedona fuel pump
Which Kia Sedona years have fuel pump failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (3 complaints), 2017 (3 complaints) and 2019 (2 complaints).
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