2011 Kia Sedona Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 17%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Kia Sedona, 17% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 101,000 miles the engine blew up. As I was driving I heard a loud knocking sound and all the lights on the dashboard illuminated. I immediately pulled over. I had our van towed to the nearest Kia dealership where I was told, 3 days later, that our engine blew up. I came across a recent recall for the same issue from Kia with the sorento.”
NHTSA complaint #10971191, filed 2017-04, 101,000 miles“The oil light came on while I was idling. I had it looked at and was told that the oil sending unit/ oil sensor switch was leaking oil. The oil leaks out faster than you can put it in. It's a 3 book hour job to replace. The part cost is between $30-$60. They need to take the intake off to get to the bad part. I'm sure it will be about a $500 fix. I'm not the only one experiencing this problem. If you google search this vehicle you will find that many other vans are having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10759004, filed 2015-08, 68,000 miles“Excessive noise coming from the engine compartment, most notably on cold start or starting a few hours apart. The oil changed in accordance with the manufacturers recommendation, never the less the oil pressure switch blew twice and was changed with dealer part each time. The last time it was changed by the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11351031, filed 2020-08, 1 miles“At 109k miles, the engine started making a knocking sound. The mechanic diagnosed a worn out rod bearing, and stated the engine would likely fail in the near future. Complete engine failure happened within 24 hours of diagnosis, approximately 48 hours after knocking sounds were first detected. Engine failed while vehicle was in motion, while turning into a parking lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11173657, filed 2019-02, 109,500 miles“I have a 2011 Kia Sedona . When I go and crank this van I get the smell of gasoline so strong throughout my van. You cannot stand to drive it. It doesn't matter if your sitting still or driving. The smell is over whelming and makes you sick to your stomach and causes a headache from from the smell. I was told it was the fuel bar. I have read of plenty others having this same issue. This needs to be a recall if that many people are having issues also. This is my family vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11131869, filed 2018-09Related service bulletins
- 10090972Sep 19, 2016Owner notification letter (sc135) - dear kia owner, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program regarding the…
- 10090970Sep 15, 2016Dealer parts & service manager memo (sc135) - attention: all dealer parts and service managers, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign /…
- 10090969Sep 15, 2016Dealer principal memo (sc135) - attention: all dealer principals, kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program to…
- 10090943Sep 15, 2016Tsb: voluntary emissions service campaign: evaporative canister inspection and/or replacement (sc135) - this bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the…
- 10060133Aug 1, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10053737Nov 27, 2013Kia: information regarding vehicles experiencing malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminating with electronic control module (ecm) system which needs to have software upgraded…
- 10052608Jun 1, 2013Kia: some vehicles may experience an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. The etc actuator may need to be replaced.
- 10044560May 1, 2012Kia: due to design of drain holes in valley of lambda v6 engines, a misdiagnose of a possible oil leak source in rear main seal or oil pan, when actual leaks coming from engine…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 20% |
| 2020 | 5 | 25% |
| 2019 | 12 | 31% |
| 2018 | 22 | 45% |
| 2017 | 60 | 45% |
| 2016 | 148 | 50% |
| 2015 | 51 | 36% |
| 2014 | 9 | 23% |
| 2012 | 18 | 17% |
| 2011 | 11 | 17% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 6% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 10 | 6% |
| 2006 | 16 | 4% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2011 Kia Sedona
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Sedona
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology