PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Kia Sedona engine problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Kia Sedona have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 97,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Sedona | 8 |
| 2008 Sedona | 8 |
| 2009 Sedona | 6 |
| 2011 Sedona (this page) | 13 |
| 2012 Sedona | 13 |
| 2014 Sedona | 5 |
| 2015 Sedona | 39 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 13 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Kia Sedona, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November 29, 2014, some Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through November 29, 2014, some Rondo (UN) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through July 30, 2010, and some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through June 17, 2014. The subject vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of twenty-eight (28) salt belt states may experience a leak detection warning of the eva
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC135) - DEAR KIA OWNER, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN / WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM REGARDING THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER IN YOUR VEHICLE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION TO INSPECT AND/OR REPLACE THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER ASSEMBLY ON SOME OPTIMA (TF) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 THROUGH NOVEMBER 29, 2014, SOME OPTIMA HYBRID (TF HEV) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2011 THROUGH NOVEMBER 29, 2014, SOME RONDO (UN) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM APRIL 1, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010, AND SOME SEDONA (VQ) VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM APRIL 1, 2009 THROUGH JUNE 17, 2014. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONE OF TWENTY-EIGHT (28) SALT BELT STATES MAY EXPERIENCE A LEAK DETECTION WARNING OF THE EVA
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC135) - ATTENTION: ALL DEALER PRINCIPALS, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN / WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM TO INSPECT THE EVAPORATIVE CANISTER. KIA HAS DETERMINED THAT THE FOLLOWING KIA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, MAY EXHIBIT AN EVAPORATIVE CANISTER LEAK DUE TO PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2011 Sedona engines describe recurring failures across multiple failure modes. The most serious complaints involve engine seizure or catastrophic internal failure around 100k to 109k miles, preceded by loud knocking from rod bearing wear. One engine failed within 24 hours of the first knock detection; another seized while the vehicle was turning into a parking lot.
Oil system issues are widespread. The oil pressure sending unit leaks oil rapidly on multiple vehicles starting at 65k miles, requiring intake manifold removal and roughly $500 in labor and parts. One owner reported the oil light coming on while idling and needing unit replacement. Another's main oil seal failed, causing the engine to seize while driving and spilling oil on the road.
Undiagnosed stalling appears at low mileage (11k–17k miles) with check engine lights. Dealers ran diagnostics showing throttle actuator codes (P2638, P2106) in one case and repaired it, but the problem recurred. Two other owners got no diagnosis despite visiting multiple dealers. At 200k miles, one vehicle required complete engine replacement after stalling at 60 mph with smoke pouring from the engine.
Ancillary issues include excessive cold-start noise despite manufacturer-recommended oil changes, erratic acceleration and stalling on grades, and a strong gasoline smell that owners describe as overwhelming and nauseating. Several owners note these problems are common among 2011 Sedana owners they've encountered online.
Same Kia Sedona engine reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stall and loss of power with check engine light
Vehicle stalls or decelerates unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds, with check engine light illuminating. Multiple owners report inability to diagnose or reproduce the issue at dealers, though two cases yielded diagnostic codes.
When: 11,100 to 65,000 miles; one case at 200,000 miles with complete failure
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling while driving 60-65 mph; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle deceleration; Smoke from engine noted in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle actuator repaired in one case (P0638); engine replacement required at 200,000 miles; most cases undiagnosed at dealers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 20V101000 (fuel system) notified in one case; manufacturer stated they would contact dealer in another case; no assistance offered in multiple cases
Oil pressure sending unit leak
Oil pressure sending unit/oil sensor switch develops leaks, causing oil to leak faster than it can be added. Oil warning light illuminates. Requires intake manifold removal for replacement.
When: As early as 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil warning light illumination; Oil leaking from front of vehicle; Rapid oil loss
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure sending unit replacement; 3-hour labor job requiring intake manifold removal; parts cost $30-60; estimated total repair $500
Rod bearing failure and catastrophic engine failure
Engine develops internal bearing wear leading to knocking sounds and rapid catastrophic failure, sometimes within 24-48 hours of initial knock detection. Two owners report complete engine seizure while driving.
When: 101,000 to 109,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking sound from engine; Complete engine failure; All dashboard warning lights illuminating; Engine seizing while driving; Engine smoking
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics diagnosed worn rod bearings; engine replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner notes Kia issued recall for similar issue on Sorento model
Excessive engine noise on cold start
Engine compartment produces excessive noise on cold start or after vehicle sits for several hours. Oil pressure switch fails repeatedly despite regular oil changes and maintenance per manufacturer specifications.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive noise on cold start; Noise after hours of sitting; Oil pressure switch failures
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure switch replaced twice; dealer performed final replacement
Strong gasoline odor throughout cabin
Overwhelming gasoline smell fills entire vehicle interior, making it difficult to drive and causing nausea and headaches. Owner reports this is widespread among 2011 Sedona owners.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Strong gasoline odor in cabin; Smell present when idling or driving; Nausea and headaches from odor
Repairs/costs cited: Owner attributed to fuel bar; no repair documented
Erratic acceleration and stalling on grades
Vehicle exhibits inconsistent acceleration behavior—slow to accelerate from stops at times, then faster than normal acceleration at other times. Vehicle stalls when stopping on uphill or downhill grades.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Slow acceleration from stops; Erratic acceleration; Stalling when stopping on grades
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair performed; dealers stated vehicle operating normally
Oil seal failure and engine seizure
Main oil seal under engine fails, causing oil to spill and engine to seize while vehicle is in motion. Engine loses oil pressure and stops operating.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle smoking while driving; Complete loss of power; Oil spilling
Repairs/costs cited: Main oil seal failure
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 Kia sedona lx. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to accelerate from a stop and other times it accelerated faster than normal. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to two authorized dealer who stated that the vehicle was operating as it should. Updated 3/14/11 *cn the consumer also stated the vehicle would stall when stopping on an…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Kia sedona. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated while driving 65 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was advised to monitor the situation because they could not diagnose a failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another authorized dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The contact…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Kia sedona. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled the vehicle over and restarted it and the vehicle functioned properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that a code read p2106 limited home mode and p0638 throttle actuator.…
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…
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.
Had engine trouble with your 2011 Kia Sedona?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 Kia Sedona?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 65,000 and 109,500 miles, with the median around 97,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 109,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Kia/Sedona.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.