2015 Kia Sedona: problems, recalls and reliability

“Van was well cared for. Engine failure occurred while on interstate, causing immediate high-pitched squealing. Problem with 2015 models seems to be known to Kia, and they told us we'd have to replace the engine entirely. No warnings, messages, or symptoms prior to or following failure. Still turns on but afraid to hurt engine further while driving with the terrible noise. We are crushed that such a good vehicle, having been well taken care of and serviced, should have such a distinct, unavoidable, and irreversible loss. Grateful that we were able to pull over, despite the numerous cars surrounding us, and to be safely towed. Won't trust Kia the same way in the future.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2025

“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the thermostat gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cracked head gasket. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty because the mileage was over the limit. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2025

“Engine blew a rod without warning or service light indication. The vehicle is available for inspection. My two children and I were put at risk due to the nature of the engine failure and being able to safely navigate the vehicle off of the highway. The vehicle was inspected by the mechanic of the shop that towed the vehicle. No warning lamps or symptoms of the engine failure until it happened. Low oil was suspected but made no sense since the oil had just been changed a month prior and no leaks detected.”Owner report · Engine · May 2025

“All of a sudden my vehicle has started consuming large amounts of oil. My wife was driving with my two small children when a check engine light went on and she pulled over and there was no oil left in the engine! i am unsure of the scale of the problem or if any significant damage has occurred. I worry that the car is at 149k that I will go over the 150k and be out of luck for a recall claim. I know that this was a complaint with other kia engines, but the 3.3 GDI Lambda seems to have the same issue. Please take care of it!”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2025

“In 2021 we purchased the van and within hours the motor blew. The car dealer had the motor rebuilt and it has been good until recently. It seems the head gasket is blown as it's using coolant and blowing white smoke. It's also burning oil. This should not happen every couple years”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2025

“Driving at approx. 45 mph the engine locked up and failed causing the van to die and not be able to restart. There was no warnings, lights etc before failure. Luckily the road was empty to be able to navigate to the side of the road to avoid a dangerous situation. Should it have been a busy highway it would have put everyone at risk with a disabled vehicle not being able to move at speed. Kia Dealership investigated the failure and although there was lower oil and coolant level the manifold gasket test failed to meet the requirements for a Kia failure and remedy was a $9000 new engine.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2024

“Low Head Lights do not work. High beams and fog lights work. This seams to be a KIA problem across makes and models. Why has a recall not been issued?”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2024