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2016 Kia Sedona

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sedona years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Sedona are substantially higher than the model-year median of 120.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

100 reports with mileage · 195 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 146 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports14 fire reports9 injury reports

Power Train complaints

13 reports
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110,000 miles · Nov 26, 2025
Power Train

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. The contact used force to lock the gear shift lever in Park(P),…

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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. The contact used force to lock the gear shift lever in Park(P), and the vehicle came to a complete stop after several attempts. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a faulty automatic transmission shift lever. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11701714

Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2025
EnginePower Train

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 ODI #11693488

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2025
EnginePower Train

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

NHTSA ODI #11679107

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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 ODI #11667762

130,000 miles · Apr 9, 2025
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had experienced the vehicle rolling while attempting to park the vehicle. On another occasion, while the contact…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had experienced the vehicle rolling while attempting to park the vehicle. On another occasion, while the contact was attempting to park the vehicle on an incline, the contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle started to roll away. The contact believed that the vehicle should have been included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #11653732

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2024
EnginePower Train

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. At the time of another oil change at 99631 miles I was told there were a large number of me…

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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. At the time of another oil change at 99631 miles I was told there were a large number of metal shavings found in the oil, and my Check Engine light was illuminated with a message about faulty camshaft timing. After bringing to Kia dealership at that time. They first assessed that the camshafts needed to be replaced. After working for some time they eventually determined that the entire engine needed to be replaced (3.3 Liter GDI_DOHC). The engine was replaced and the car was given back to me. After 2 days of driving the car would not start up again and I had it towed back to the dealership. They needed to replace one of the already-repaired parts (CVVT ASSY / CAMSHAFT ASSY-INTAKE). These engine issues could have occurred at a more problematic time in the middle of a busy highway and could have resulted in damage / harm to human life.

NHTSA ODI #11632142

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2024
EnginePower Train

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

NHTSA ODI #11621741

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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 seco…

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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 ODI #11594935

Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2024
Power TrainSteeringFire

While parking, the power steering hose melted and power steering liquid leaked, causing the engine room and the bottom of the engine room to catch fire. There was danger to the driver and cars parked nearby. The problem was confirmed and repaired at a auto repair shop. Firefighters responded and the insurance company inspected t…

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While parking, the power steering hose melted and power steering liquid leaked, causing the engine room and the bottom of the engine room to catch fire. There was danger to the driver and cars parked nearby. The problem was confirmed and repaired at a auto repair shop. Firefighters responded and the insurance company inspected the vehicle. Before the error occurred, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of a problem.

NHTSA ODI #11594052

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2024
Power Train

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. While travellin…

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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. While travelling with my family of five (including three children), we noticed an intermittent smell inside the cabin of the car while the air-conditioning was turned on, which days later we realized were engine coolant fumes. There was no warning light or indication of head gasket failure with coolant leakage. We were all exposed to these engine fumes inside the cabin, which contain ethylene glycol, that likely caused two children to feel nauseous and an adult with diagnosed asthma felt headaches and shortness of breath. According to the CDC, breathing ethylene glycol vapors may irritate eyes and lungs (source: [XXX] ). Kia acknowledges that a coolant smell may be experienced in the 2016-2017 Kia Sorento’s vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V6 engine [XXX], which is the same engine that is equipped in the 2016 Kia Sedona. We confirmed the 2016 Kia Sedona experienced a head gasket failure from an authorized Kia dealership and repair shop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11576951

Official recalls

4

22V612000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Aug 10, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Remedy: 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.

21V725000 · Electrical System:software; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Sep 17, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.

Consequence: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.

Consequence: A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 12, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC217.

19V109000 · Electrical System:wiring

Feb 19, 2019

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles equipped with manually-adjusted front passenger seats. Over time, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) wiring harness located underneath the front passenger seat may break from the seat being occupied.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a child is in a child seat in the front seat, a broken ODS wiring harness will not prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the child.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the wire harness clip to prevent the wiring harness from breaking. If the harness is found damaged, the front passenger seat cushion will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC175.

18V338000 · Electrical System:software; Structure:body:door

May 23, 2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.

Consequence: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.

Structure:body:door

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Kia Sedona vehicles equipped with a power sliding door (PSD). The PSD may not auto-reverse when its closing is obstructed.

Consequence: If the door closes on an occupant, there is an increased risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PSD module software, free of charge. The recall began on June 18, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC164.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP24002 · 3.3L Engine Loss Of Motive Power (lomp)

Opened Feb 27, 2024 · Closed Mar 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

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.