2016 Kia Sedona · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

89owner reports
108,000median miles
$7,800median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 15, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

147 of the 293 complaints on this car are about the engine. 89 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 Sedona.

Tick what matches of 89 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (86 reports) and the timing chain (5 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sedona

DP24-002opened Feb 27, 2024

Engine · model years 2016

3.3l engine loss of motive power (lomp). Closed mar 5, 2024.

NHTSA summary

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 NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to make that determination at the close of PE23-019.

What owners paid

23 of the 89 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $10,000.

$2,000$7,800$10,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 73,000 and 130,000 miles, from the 36 reports that gave a mileage.

121

622

823

3424

2925

1126

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 89 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.