Kia Sedona Complaints

2,536 consumer complaints on file.

#11653245April 7, 2025
ENGINE
On April 1st my vehicles engine started normally and upon leaving the neighborhood began to rough idle. Prior to this, no lights were on and the vehicle had just passed an inspection. The engine was shuddering and there was very little power and the vehicle had difficulty maintaining speed. The codes were read and came back with P0304, P0306, P0302, P0300 and P0019. The vehicle was towed to a shop because it was undrivable. The vehicle is currently in the shop and they are recommending an entire engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651208March 27, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The taillights leak, fill with water, and the bulbs short out. When this happens, the rear lights (taillights, brake lights reverse lights, turn signals) stop functioning. This occurs on a taillight for a vehicle that has never had an accident. I went to the dealer and asked them to fix this, suggesting it should be covered for free because it is a safety hazard. I mentioned that I have noticed other Kia Sedona's with the same problem of several inches of water in the taillight assembly. The service manager said, "Yeah, that happens all the time. But it isn't covered." The price to repair was several hundred dollars. I've since had to repair it three times. Here is a link to a YouTube video showing how to remove the water. The point of the video is to illustrate that this is a common problem. [XXX] Link [XXX] complaining about water in the rear light: [XXX] [XXX] This is for a Kia Forte, but showing the problem occurs across multiple Kia models. [XXX] This is for a Kia K5 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650085March 24, 2025
ENGINE
The engine will not start. It has been diagnosed as an engine failure. It is available for inspection. The engine stopped working as my family was in the car, putting us at risk. Why it happened is unknown, but the internet is full of people with the same year/make/model with the engine going out at a very low mileage. Mine is 117,000. There was absolutely no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine breaking down. This is a serious problem and safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648820March 17, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failed with no warning lights. Oil completely gone with no signs of leaks. Coolant reservoir empty with no signs of where it went. No warning lights of any kind illuminated. Dealer claims rod bearing failure and cannot explain where the oil or coolant went. Engine shows exact issues as the other Kia 3.3 4 cylinder that have known faults that are causing fires and accidents. The Kia 3.3 V6 has the same issues and can cause serious accidents. Kia claims they are offering the same remedy as the 3.3 4 cylinder but they are not.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645215February 27, 2025
ENGINE
Using lots of oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645216February 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My right side turn signal keeps getting water inside and not working
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643830February 20, 2025
ENGINE
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 was able to pull to the right shoulder of the highway and park the van. I shut the van off and went to check the oil, the dip stick showed empty. I was trapped on the side of the highway with my wife and 5 small kids. I was uncertain that the tow truck would be able to transport my family off the highway. I was not willing walk my family along the highway so I called the local police dispatch for possible aid. The tow truck was able to get us off the highway to a place we could order a Lyft. The van was towed to a mechanic shop. The van was inspected by a mechanic shop. The shop confirmed that the engine had seized and would have to be completely replaced. We had been on this road trip for the past couple with no issues prior to this event. After being told our engine had seized we started to do some research on the internet and found this is a common issue with Kia and there is a current class action lawsuit. We intend to file a claim, but are uncertain if we qualify based on the dates of the suit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643821February 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING, AIR BAGS
Intermittent air bag light come and goes Window fluid leaking Power steering leaking Bad reception AM radio (Lots static)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643028February 16, 2025
ENGINE
My engine just stopped working while I was driving. No warning signs just stopped working. It had to replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643043February 16, 2025
ENGINE
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 had gone away immediately after having oil. That was on [XXX]. A little over 3 weeks later on [XXX], my husband and kids were heading home on the interstate and the car completely shut off and died without a single light on the dashboard. No ding warning sound, check engine light, oil light, nothing. After such a scary experience the only common fix that made sense was maybe an alternator issue so we towed it home. The next day we had a licensed mobile mechanic come out to diagnosis the situation. After trying a new battery he did not think it was the alternator. He manually tried to start it by cranking the crankshaft and he sadly informed up that it was seized up around the piston and it would need a completely new engine. A new engine that not only was discontinued but also for a vehicle that only has 107k miles. Unacceptable as there are many many others out there experiencing this with their KIA engine that also have the 3.3L V6 Lambda II GDI. I’m hoping the the safety of consumers and their families that NHTSA looks seriously into this engine manufacturered in Geangmyeong, Korea INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642728February 14, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
All maintenance performed at same manufacturer authorized dealership. My engine is currently full of sludge due the oil pressure switch under the recall not operating correctly before and after repair The was reported to dealer in October 2023 who engaged the manufacturer who authorized the repairs in May 2024 when vehicle would not hold oil at all.Car has not maintained oil level since repair .It has been in dealers since October 2024 seeking assistance from the manufacturer Recall MC-10210267-0001
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641589February 9, 2025
ENGINE
The engine failed while driving on the interstate. Believed to have been catastrophic failure. Sudden loss of power and maneuverability could have led to a collision. Vehicle was towed to owner's residence. Prior to the failure a rapid knocking sound was heard from the engine. No warning lights were indicated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641245February 7, 2025
ENGINE
Our 2016 Kia Sedona was recently diagnosed with engine failure. Here's a summary: 1. The car's engine issues have twice put my family in danger: (1) on [XXX] with my [XXX] wife and 5 children when the car went into limp mode and could not accelerate on a steep road by a major forest in NJ (could have rolled back down a hill and crashed into other cars), and (2) on [XXX] with my [XXX] wife and 2 children when it again encountered an inability to accelerate. In situation (1) we towed it to our local Kia dealership and were told the issue was repaired (worn out spark plugs and low oil), but we had the same issue again 3 months later in December. In situation (2) my wife brought it to that same dealership. After multiple incorrect diagnoses - low oil and dead battery - they finally said we need a new engine. I spoke to Customer Care and, in spite of countless calls and follow-ups, did not receive a timely response and was eventually told that I would have to pay for this out of pocket. 2. We towed our car - at our expense - on 1/29/25 to another dealership in the hopes of better service. They came to the same conclusion: the engine has failed and we need a new one. Still, we have not received adequate answers on why the engine has failed and an appropriate solution to allow us to get our car back, which leads to the final point: 3. We've taken stellar care of this car since we bought it new. For 9 years, we have taken our van ONLY and exclusively to authorized Kia dealerships for service, for all needs great and small. We've spent $7,256 on service at these dealerships, taking all recommendations from service advisors to ensure our car is well-maintained. The car's issues have been misdiagnosed and put the lives of my [XXX]wife and several children in danger. Even after dealing with these dealerships and sending a letter to Kia Consumer Affairs, there has been no proper solution. Please assist us in remedying this matter promptly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641296February 7, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A few months ago we became aware that our Sedona was burning through coolant and oil very quickly. We began to monitor closely and were adding coolant and oil frequently. We did not see any oil leaking on the engine or driveway. We brought the car into the Cherry Hill Kia service center to get checked. We were aware of a recall involving coolant and oil and thought this could be related. I told the mechanic we were checking the coolant and oil every week because it would run low and the check engine light would come on. We would add both oil and coolant and the check engine light would go out soon after. The Kia mechanic told us we needed new radiator hoses and an alternator. I pressed the mechanic because I did not understand how that would affect the oil consumption. We paid for the diagnostic and oil change and took our car to another mechanic and they replaced the entire radiator and alternator. This was in October, 24. In January of 25 we were driving on a 45 mph road with no shoulder when the lights on the dashboard lit up and we began to lose power. The vehicle stopped and we could not even get the hazard lights to function. My children were in the car. The police had to be called to stop traffic so we could safely push the car off the road until it could be towed. The vehicle is currently at Burlington Kia and we have been informed we need a whole new engine. We have always been diligent about maintaining our cars. I have no doubt that this is the result of poor engineering and design and puts families like ours in danger. Please help us and by holding Kia accountable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639812January 31, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639259January 29, 2025
ENGINE
ON OUR 2016 KIA SEDONA AT 121K MILES WE HAD A FAULTY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACED FREE UNDER WARRENTY AT THE SAME TIME WE HAD ALL OF THE VALVE COVER GASKETS REPLACED AND THEY ADDED 5 QUARTS OF OIL. ON FRIDAY AT 130K MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VAN STARTED KNOCKING AND THE MOTOR SEIZED UP ON THE HIGHWAY. WE TOWED IT TO PHIL SMITH KIA IN LIGHTHOUSE POINT ,FL THEY PERFORM THE WORK ON THE OIL PRSSSURE SENSOR AT 121K MILES AND DO ALL OF THE WORK ON THE VAN. THEY SAID THE MOTOR IS SEIZED AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRENTY BECAUSE WHEN THEY DID THE WORK AT 121K MILES AND THEY ADDED THE 5 COURTS OF OIL WE DIDNT REQUEST A NEW OIL FILTER. AND NOW THEY ARE CLAMING A LACK OF A PROPER OIL CHANGE CAUSE THE MOTOR TO SEIZE.. THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON PRIOR TO THE MOTOR SEIZING . I WAS STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY FOR 2 HOURS WHEN THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SHOWED UP HE CHECK THE DIPSTICK AND THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VAN
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638209January 24, 2025
ENGINE
All of a sudden my vehicle has started consuming large amounts of oil. My wife was driving with my two small children when a check engine light went on and she pulled over and there was no oil left in the engine! i am unsure of the scale of the problem or if any significant damage has occurred. I worry that the car is at 149k that I will go over the 150k and be out of luck for a recall claim. I know that this was a complaint with other kia engines, but the 3.3 GDI Lambda seems to have the same issue. Please take care of it!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637399January 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow down, the vehicle independently accelerated before the driver was able to regain control of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brake, Hydraulic); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636571January 17, 2025
ENGINE
In 2021 we purchased the van and within hours the motor blew. The car dealer had the motor rebuilt and it has been good until recently. It seems the head gasket is blown as it’s using coolant and blowing white smoke. It’s also burning oil. This should not happen every couple years
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635354January 10, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low Head Lights do not work. High beams and fog lights work. This seams to be a KIA problem across makes and models. Why has a recall not been issued?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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