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2017 Kia Sedona Engine Problems

45 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

45
Complaints
2
Fires
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

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

Owner Complaints (45)

criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine suddenly failed while driving on the highway after a routine oil change. You heard a loud knocking sound that rapidly worsened, indicating internal engine damage, creating a safety risk at highway speeds. Your vehicle was diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement, with an estimated cost of over $7,500 plus labor. The fix will require a full engine replacement or engine rebuild.

NHTSA #: 11721656
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your engine experienced sudden internal failure after years of reliable operation. You noticed vibration, soft power delivery, and a solid check engine light while driving, which then started flashing—signs of serious engine trouble. A diagnostic revealed metal particles in the oil, low oil levels, and multiple misfire codes indicating that your piston rings failed, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. Fixing this internal engine failure requires a complete engine overhaul or replacement.

NHTSA #: 11716567
criticalENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your engine developed a loud knocking noise from under the hood at 107K miles, despite regular maintenance and no warning lights. A repair shop diagnosed engine failure and recommended a complete engine replacement at a cost exceeding your vehicle's value. The repair will involve removing and replacing the entire engine assembly.

NHTSA #: 11710621
criticalENGINE
FireFiled: Dec 2025

Your 2017 Kia Sedona caught fire without warning while parked in your driveway, with white smoke appearing first from the front of the vehicle before flames spread across the front and rear. The fire caused damage to your home, garage, and another vehicle parked nearby, and required the fire department to extinguish it. The vehicle was a total loss at 106,000 miles with no warning lights appearing before the fire started.

NHTSA #: 11707879
criticalENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

While driving your 2017 Kia Sedona, the engine suddenly made a loud knocking noise and failed completely, leaving you stranded. A recent oil change and inspection hadn't revealed any problems, but oil was found leaking afterward. The dealer believes the failure was caused by a defective oil pressure switch, a known issue with the 3.3L engine, though Kia is refusing to cover the repair under warranty without paying $3,000 for a teardown inspection. Resolving this will likely require either engine repair or replacement, or pursuing a warranty claim dispute.

NHTSA #: 11685326
criticalENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

Your engine suddenly seized while you were driving, making your car completely undrivable. You discovered that your vehicle had multiple engine-related recalls that may not have been completed. You've been told you need a complete engine replacement, which suggests a serious internal engine failure that shouldn't occur under normal conditions. This will likely require a full engine replacement or rebuild by a certified technician.

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NHTSA #: 11678952
criticalENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

Your engine started making a loud clattering noise at the end of a long drive and then shut off while you were entering a roundabout. The engine restarted and you were able to limp home, but a mechanic found that your rod bearings are failing. Kia has a class action lawsuit related to this issue, but the company is saying your vehicle's VIN is not covered. Fixing this will require engine repairs or replacement of the rod bearings.

NHTSA #: 11678706
criticalENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

Your engine started making a knocking sound without any warning lights appearing. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as a stripped bearing between the top and bottom of your engine. This happened five months after the dealership performed major work including fuel pump, timing chain, and spark plug replacements. Fixing this will likely require a complete engine replacement, which is a costly repair.

NHTSA #: 11675598
criticalENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

You heard a loud knocking sound coming from your engine in late May, which became severe enough that you didn't feel safe driving the car. When you took it to the dealership, they found a failed lower rod bearing with metal debris in the oil—both signs of serious engine damage. The dealership determined this should be covered under an engine recall, but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in the recall notice, leaving you responsible for an expensive engine replacement.

NHTSA #: 11664626
criticalENGINE
Filed: Apr 2025

Your engine suddenly failed while driving on a highway with no warning lights, forcing your husband to safely pull over. The mechanic found metal shavings in your oil filter, and while the dealer said a faulty oil pressure switch wouldn't cause an engine failure, another mechanic disagreed. Diagnosing the root cause and repairing or replacing the engine will require a full mechanical inspection and likely engine replacement or major internal repairs.

NHTSA #: 11655621
highENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your engine is consuming more oil than normal between service intervals. You may need to top up your oil more frequently than expected, or you might notice the oil level dropping noticeably on the dipstick. This could indicate internal engine wear or a leak that needs inspection. A mechanic will likely need to perform a compression test and inspect for oil leaks to determine the root cause.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11705212
highENGINE
Filed: Oct 2025

Your engine's oil control valve has failed, causing oil to leak. This can lead to low oil levels if not addressed, which may damage your engine over time. The repair will likely involve replacing the failed oil control valve and resealing any leak points.

NHTSA #: 11694305
highENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

Your car is consuming oil much faster than normal, requiring you to top up the oil level nearly every week. An auto repair shop has confirmed this excessive oil consumption is actually occurring.

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NHTSA #: 11687085
highENGINE
Filed: May 2025

Your engine's catalytic converter system has failed. This component helps reduce harmful emissions from your exhaust. You'll likely notice reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, or warning lights on your dashboard. The catalytic converter will need to be replaced or repaired by a mechanic.

NHTSA #: 11662481
highENGINE
Filed: Feb 2025

Your engine is consuming more oil than normal between oil changes. You may need to check your oil level more frequently and top it off as needed. This could indicate worn engine components or internal leaks that may need inspection and repair.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11645215
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11639812
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Filed: Dec 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11630586
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

The Engine failed at 63,758 miles. Lancaster KIA in Lancaster, PA indicated the engine has metal shavings everywhere.

NHTSA #: 11628499
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2024

Motor has been consuming oil.all oil and maintence was done to this vehicle.on Monday the 18of November 2024 while driving too work the motor blew up putting oil everywhere.almost cause a major accident it had too be tow back to my house.

NHTSA #: 11626877
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact noticed a green puddle underneath the vehicle with the low coolant message displayed. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that either the head gasket or the entire engine needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to the dealer for further assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that leak was caused by stripped bolts inside the engine which caused coolant to leak. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The engine was replaced by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranties associated with the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the driver’s side sliding door intermittently failed to close as needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an estimate for the repair was provided; however, the dealer could not guarantee that the repair would fix the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,012.

NHTSA #: 11623997
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

My engine seized. When I took it to my mechanic they stated it was due to low compression and that Kia engines were known for this issue. He suggested I take it to a Kia dealer to have them replace the engine. I took it and I was denied the replacement. I did some research and found that this issue was in fact very popular among Kia owners. Some expressing their engines actually ignited. I also found there was a class-action lawsuit against Kia for this exact issue. I noticed all Kia models were included in the suit except for the Sedona. During my research I found a mass of Sedona owners who had the same compression issues. It baffles me why my car wasn't included when it has the exact isdues as the other models made by the same manufacturer. I would like to file a complaint in hopes that other Sedona owners have done the same, and we can bring light to this issue, and possibly a solution.

NHTSA #: 11621137
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

Engine had sudden unexplained loss of oil followed shortly after by Engine failure due to broken rod

NHTSA #: 11619666
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

my engine blew while driving on the highway April 2023. my connecting rod snapped. no check engine light or oil warning light ever came on prior to this happening. I had maintained oil changes every 2000 miles since purchase. oil levels were within normal range when this incident occurred. the car showed no symptoms of this happening prior to it happening. Kia has engine recalls but my vehicle was not listed in this recall.

NHTSA #: 11618764
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2024

We bought this van in September of 2023. No known issues… we’ve kept up on regular oil changes etc. Over a month ago a slight tap started happening when vehicle started up, took it three places and all 3 said we needed a new engine. We just hit 100k…. Within two days of those opinions, engine seized while I was driving. No injuries but a car this new with no known issues this is not ok. Zero lights came on the dashboard. No check engine light, nothing. It’s been in a shop for over a month while we wait for a new engine to come in. Would never ever buy another Kia. Dealership and two local places both told us they do not know what happened or why this happened.

NHTSA #: 11610893
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the connecting rod punctured the engine causing an engine oil leak. As a result of the failure, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA #: 11607600
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact also stated that there was smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA #: 11607299
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2024

July 5, 2024 Engine started to make a noise, had inspected at a local repair shop July 9, 2024, they diagnosed it as "crack in the front valve cover due to what seems to be something internal to engine coming apart. This vehicle is going to need a new engine." No warning lights were on, no service needed lights. yes, available currently for inspection as long as I don't trade it off. safety could have been at risk if it seized up while on interstate Insurance said it wasn't covered and have not warranty insurance no symptoms, no warning lights, nothing. Driving home on Friday the 5th when 5 miles from home it felt like it was loosing power and didn't want to accelerate. then I noticed the noise. Still no lights on dash

NHTSA #: 11601278
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2024

The engine seized suddenly and put my family in danger. There are recalls on other kia engines and it is clearly an issue but KIA is not taking responsibility for it and has told us we must pay 13K for a new engine or they will give us $500 to "take it off our hands" --- this is wrong. We have kept the vehicle well-maintained and have all the records to prove this. It has just over 100,000 miles on it and we still owe money on it. KIA is putting families in danger but not acknowledging that there is a possibility of engine failure in the Sedona van. There have likely been deaths and injury as a result of this and yet, nothing is being done! Please hold KIA accountable and insist they do a nationwide recall for all engines that are affected by this defect.

NHTSA #: 11597447
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2024

My engine made a knocking noise and stopped working while I was driving down the road, without any warning. Then it would not start / work. It was towed to a Kia dealership, and I have been told I need a new engine, at the cost of $10, 750. The van has 135,000 miles on it. This van has the 3.3-liter V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Lambda Engine. The repair report from Kia states that it "needs a long block due to engine has bottom end noise and is seize up".

NHTSA #: 11591780
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2024

I was driving my 2017 Sedona and without any indication or check engine light, the motor started to make a loud knock and it ultimately seized up. Leaving me stranded. I have the oil changed per guidelines. There was no warning, no indication that the engine was going to spontaneously seize up. I was on a busy highway and was barely able to get to shoulder. I started to research this issue and found that this is a well known defect in the 3.3L lambda 2. Why isn’t something being done about this? Completely unsafe!

NHTSA #: 11586997
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2024

Engine crankshaft failure suddenly

NHTSA #: 11585939
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and shuddered before stalling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

NHTSA #: 11579461
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2024

Blown engine approx 104,0000. Metal shavings in oil.

NHTSA #: 11570292
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2023

While my husband was driving the engine failed. The oil pan was filled with metal. The fuel injectors were not pumping oil

NHTSA #: 11562085
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2023

Engine light came on solid and dealer says it needs to be replaced for $11,000. Not under warranty and no recalls, but KIA has replaced at no charge in other situations for cars older and with higher mileage.

NHTSA #: 11561531
mediumENGINE
FireFiled: Nov 2023

While driving on the highway, the engine stopped working; smoke, metal fragments and oil came out of the front of the car leading to zero visibility. We were extremely lucky that we were able to quickly navigate out of traffic, stop the car on the side of the highway and get all kids out safely. The police and fire department came immediately to help. We had the vehicle towed and examined. The car had an internal engine break down. The connecting rod and the engine block were torn off and the oil pan was heavily damaged. It is deformed to the outside. The vehicle needs a new engine.

NHTSA #: 11556486
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2023

My 2017 Kia Sedona LX engine is faulty, and the head gasket has blown. My car has less than 100,000 miles (95,560). I have gone online and learned that many Kia Sedona owners have reported faulty engine complaints regarding Kia Sedona. I’m asking that an investigation be conducted.

NHTSA #: 11527550
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2023

Kia Sedona 2017 with 134,682 miles. Feb 6, 2023. Sudden engine failure during rush hour traffic resulting in a very hazardous situation. No warnings were given prior to failure. All service and recall stuff done by Kia dealer. Kia diagnosis, engine frozen and needs new engine. Failure of warning systems and failure causing an inoperable condition placed driver at grave risk and needs prompt attention.

NHTSA #: 11518211
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2022

the engine failed do to lack of oil, no oil light lite. No warning that the engine used up all the oil

NHTSA #: 11494008
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2022

Upon starting the vehicle, a loud sound originated from under the hood, but would not become noticeable after driving it. No indicator light would come on. Two or three days after that began, the sound suddenly became quite loud while driving it, which prompted my husband to pull over. Thankfully we were exiting the interstate anyway. He checked under the hood and wasn’t able to locate a loose belt, which is what it sounded like. He restarted the vehicle and the loud noise continued, so we pulled into a parking lot to call a tow truck. Still, no indicator light came on to let us know anything was wrong. Our mechanic determined there was a rod bearing failure in the engine. Upon further research of this issue, Hyundai and Kia have issued many recalls for this same issue in other engines, but have not done so for Sedonas. One main hazard with this particular failure is the risk of fire.

NHTSA #: 11478821
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2022

Vehicle automatically turn off power/engine while driving/moving. Able to turn on on next day. Mechanics cannot find issue and cannot fix.

NHTSA #: 11476136
mediumENGINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2022

Vehicle's engine seized while driving on the road. My mechanic I towed it to afterwards said that there was no oil in the engine. Engine was within KIA's recommended 7500 mile range between oil changes. No sign of oil leaking, and no warning lights came on before the incident to indicate there was a problem

NHTSA #: 11472234
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2022

I was driving my 2017 Sedona and it started making knocking noises and quit running. I then started it back up and it quit again and never restarted. No other lights came on and there was no warning, the car just stalled. I had it towed in and the mechanic stated that the engine has failed. I believe there were recalls on Kias engines and I feel like my Sedona should be covered because the engine has failed just like the Kias that have had extended warranties.

NHTSA #: 11451067
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2021

Engine turned off unexpectedly while driving. It has happened twice since owning the car (bought September 2021). Both instances occurred while I was slowing down into a turn. The first, I was slowing into a turn lane at a stop sign. The second, I was slowing into a turn through a green light. I was able, in both instances, to shift to neutral and restart while still moving. When the engine shuts off, the red engine light turns on, power steering is gone, but electrical stays on

NHTSA #: 11440479
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2020

THE VAN STARTED TO MAKE A RATTLING NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD 09/30/2020. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE NEXT DAY 10/01/2020. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE AVAILABLE TIME SLOTS AND IT WAS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. THEN THE VAN SEEMED TO BE SLIPPING(NOT CATCHING GEARS) 10/04/2020. THAT EVENING 10/04/2020 AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY 70MPH THE VAN SHUT OFF (AS I WAS DRIVING) I MANAGED TO TRY AND STEER THE VAN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VAN, BUT NOTHING(NOT EVEN MY FLASHERS WERE WORKING. I SAT FOR 10 MINS THEN TRIED AGAIN TO START THE VAN. IT WORKED, HOWEVER THERE WAS NOW A WORSE NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ANOTHER 3 MILES BEFORE IT SHUT OFF AGAIN, MID MOTION 58 MPH. AGAIN I WAITED, AFTER 23 MINS I WAS ABLE TO START THE VAN AND TRY TO GET CLOSER TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS WHEN THE VAN BLEW UP!!!! AS I WAS DRIVING AGAIN, SHUT OFF MID MOTION.THIS TIME HOWEVER, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND OUR VAN IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY ARE STATING WE'VE NEVER DONE MAINTENANCE TO OUR VAN. WE HAVE PROOF OF OIL CHANGES FROM JULY 2020 AND JANUARY 2020, SEPTEMBER OF 2019 AND JANUARY OF 2019. THEY ARE SAYING THE MOTOR NEED TO BE COMPLETELY REDONE AND THAT WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE 100,000 POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. OUR VAN ONLY HAS 68,000 SOMETHING MILES AND IT'S A LEASED VEHICLE

NHTSA #: 11363375

Other 2017 Kia Sedona Issues