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2016 Kia Sedona Transmission Problems

11 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

11
Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes
Mar 2024Dec 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Transmission Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #22V612000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC246.

Owner Complaints (11)

criticalPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2024

On June 6th 2024 My 2016 Kia Sedona experienced sudden power loss accompanied by thick smoke out of the exhaust and a loud ticking while on a busy main intersection. Kia's Gross negligence to recall its known troubled engines is causing needless highway incidents. From stolen cars, engine failures and now fires, this is the second Kia I have had fail.

NHTSA #: 11594935
criticalPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Nov 2016

Driving at 70 MPH with cruise control on, experienced loud "bump" on smooth highway surface with sudden and total loss of engine speed. Put vehicle in neutral and was able to restart engine. Cruise control was not working at that time.

NHTSA #: 10925601
highPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

My 2016 Kia Sedona developed a loud engine knocking / idling noise around 90000 miles. Had at least one oil change at a non-Kia shop around that time and was given vague warning about Kia engines as to why I was hearing the louder idling.

NHTSA #: 11632142
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, and the gear shift lever was moved to Park(P) but failed to lock in place. The contact stated that the vehicle started to roll backwards.

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NHTSA #: 11701714
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2024

2016 Kia Sedona 3.3L V6 Engine overheating due to head gasket failure and coolant leakage, which subsequently caused noxious fumes to enter the cabin of the car which is a health risk especially for people who suffer from asthma, chronic diseases, or other high-risk populations such as pregnant women or children.

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NHTSA #: 11576951
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that on various occasions, the gear shift lever seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated.

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NHTSA #: 11518651
mediumPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: Oct 2021

On September 28, 2021 we found out the hard way that our minivan's gear shift could be moved from the parked position to reverse, neutral and forward without having the car turned on and without needing to have a foot pressed on the break.

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NHTSA #: 11436724
lowPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2025

Engine replacement KIA had it for 8 months got it back and engine blew up again.. now they want service records on the first when it is the second motor. Trying to get away from replacing the motor.

NHTSA #: 11693488
lowPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

Was traveling along Interstate 95 when the engine failed without any warning signs!

NHTSA #: 11679107
lowPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2025

There was a sudden loss of power while in the middle of the highway. Further inspection resulted in low oil and metal flakes in the oil filter. At the time of initial loss of power there was absolutely zero warning or indication of any issues at all.

NHTSA #: 11667762
lowPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

I continued to loose engine oil at a rapid speed. Oil loss was excessive for the amount of driving.

NHTSA #: 11621741

Other 2016 Kia Sedona Issues