RoadVitals

2016 Kia Sedona Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Nov 26, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 291 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Kia Sedona submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 12 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming powertrain

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 26, 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. 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 ID
11701714
Incident
Nov 23, 2025
Mileage
110,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 14, 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 ID
11693488
Incident
Jul 17, 2025
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 7, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11679107
Incident
Jul 24, 2025
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 18, 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 ID
11667762
Incident
Jul 17, 2024
BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 9, 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 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 ID
11653732
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
Mileage
130,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 23, 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. 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 ID
11632142
Incident
Jul 8, 2024
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 24, 2024

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

NHTSA ID
11621741
Incident
Oct 2, 2024
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 17, 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 ID
11594935
Incident
Jun 6, 2024
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jun 12, 2024
Fire reported

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 ID
11594052
Incident
Apr 23, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 12, 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. 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 ID
11576951
Incident
Feb 7, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 24, 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. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the shift lever assembly needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V612000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D). The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ID
11518651
Incident
Mar 1, 2023
Mileage
20,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 12, 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. CRUISE CONTROL WAS OPERATIVE LATER IN THE DAY AFTER ENGINE STOP AND RESTART. TOOK VEHICLE NEXT DAY TO DEALER. DEALER SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
10925601
Incident
Nov 11, 2016
Mileage
25,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .