2012 Kia Sedona Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 17%of 108 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Kia Sedona, 17% of the 108 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Twice, the vehicle has stalled and come to a complete, unexpected stop with no warning: in october 2019 and january 2020. In both cases, the vehicle was traveling at a speed of approx. 30-40 MPH. The check engine light did not illuminate, nor did any other light. We pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. Very dangerous, but fortunately we were able to pull over safely,”
NHTSA complaint #11302504, filed 2020-01, 120,000 miles“Upon service station oil change engine warning codes p0024,p0014 showed immediatley next morning. Wix filter, mgd mgl 10082, bought by my mechanic from oriellys auto parts had no resemblance to original filter even though advertized as oem replacement. This had perforated metal shell and solid rubber top and bottom when Kia version is fan folded paper all over it damaged engine vvti, cam exhaust manifold warning since this is a oil timed engine . I did not drive it until fixed, oil switch, and pressure sending unit. 100% percent of oil had been forced out top of engine and pooled in the v6. …”
NHTSA complaint #10911076, filed 2016-10, 154,000 miles“While turning onto another street the van stalled. I put on my flashers and stopped, put the van in park and started it again. It started right up and the check engine light was on. It didn't have any power when I hit the gas, so I turned it off and started it again and it ran normal, except for the check engine light being on. On the way home it almost stalled again. This happened on a saturday. We called the dealer right away and they said to bring it in on monday. A week or so before the van did this I noticed the RPM's going up an down when I would be at a stop just idling. …”
NHTSA complaint #10505825, filed 2013-04, 5,534 miles“Oil pressure warning light came on while traveling on the highway, took it to my dealer. They are saying the oil pressure sensor is bad at only 74,000 miles. Was quoted a price of $800 not covered under the power train warranty”
NHTSA complaint #11231831, filed 2019-07, 74,000 miles“The timing chain tensioners bleed down pressure after the vehicle has set for a few hours causing chain slap at start up which over time will damage internal engine components up to and including timing issues that could cause engine failure. While there is a TSB from Kia on this known issue Kia claims it is normal to hear the chain slap against the engine walls until the tensioners build pressure over several seconds.”
NHTSA complaint #10779235, filed 2015-10, 82,000 milesRelated 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…
- 10089987Apr 24, 2015Pitstop: smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems) functionality which monitors and prevents the simultaneous activation…
- 10089788Feb 9, 2015Dealer principal memo: attention: all dealer principals - kia motors america, inc. Will be conducting a voluntary service campaign, to update the engine control unit (ecu) in…
- 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 2012 Kia Sedona
33 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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