2016 Kia Sedona · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 91owner reports
- 108,000median miles
- $7,800median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
149 of the 296 complaints on this car are about the engine. 91 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 Sedona.
Narrower sheets: Engine knocking or ticking (26 reports)
Tick what matches of 91 reports
Engine failure on other Sedona years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (88 reports) and the timing chain (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sedona
3.3l engine loss of motive power (lomp). Closed mar 5, 2024.
What owners paid
23 of the 91 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 73,000 and 121,000 miles, from the 37 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 5 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Kia Sedona that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 REVISION 7) - This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY ...
ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 REVISION 6) This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and ...
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN (WTY039) This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and ...
ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY: INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and ...
1 more on the 2016 Kia Sedona page.
What owners wrote
“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.”
Filed Jun 25, 2026 · 63,900 miles
“While driving the vehicle started making a rattling sound and the engine started to fail. There were no engine lights or warning signs. The vehicle only had around 78,000 miles on it and had regular maintenance. Total engine replacement was recommended. Repair costs totaled more than the vehicleâs value. I feel it was unsafe for this to happen while driving with no warning signs of failure.”
Filed Jun 16, 2025 · 78,000 miles
“Thursday, October 31, 2024, the engine blew on our Sedona. Approximately 164,000 miles on the engine. We maintained regular maintenance on the engine and oil changes. Left us stranded on a main highway. State Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer protected us until county sheriff could respond. The engine light warning was on.”
Filed Nov 3, 2024 · 164,000 miles
“Engine is completely shot. I make all oil changes on time and the engine failed. It was burning oil. Only 111k miles.”
Filed Oct 21, 2024 · 111,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 91 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 38 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 34 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 30 reports
- Sliding door won't open, close or latch 28 reports