TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT (WTY026 REVISION 2) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY026) on some 2014-2018MY vehicles listed in the table below, for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in the eligible vehicles listed below from 10 years/100,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Kia Sedona engine problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Kia Sedona have filed 39 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 90,000 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
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Sedona | 13 |
| 2012 Sedona | 13 |
| 2014 Sedona | 5 |
| 2015 Sedona (this page) | 39 |
| 2016 Sedona | 125 |
| 2017 Sedona | 50 |
| 2018 Sedona | 17 |
| 2019 Sedona | 6 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 39 engine complaints filed for the 2015 Kia Sedona, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 39 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Kia Sedona in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 - REVISION 7) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 REVISION 6) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,00
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, whichever comes f
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY: INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY039) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket area and, if necessary, replace the engine sub assembly on 2014-2015 MY Sorento, 2014-2017 MY Cadenza, and 2015-2016 MY Sedona vehicles, equipped with 3.3L GDI engines. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the cylinder head gasket will be extended from 5 years / 60,000 miles to 15 years / 180,000 miles, w
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Sedona's 3.3L engine is failing catastrophically across a wide mileage span, typically without dashboard warning. Owners describe coolant levels rising above max without fluid added, head bolts stripping and allowing coolant to mix with oil, which accelerates engine degradation. Others report sudden rod knock—loud banging followed by seized engines, holes punched through the block, and metal fragments in the oil. Several owners mention oil starvation despite recent changes and no visible leaks; one found caramelized sludge inside despite claimed maintenance. Engine fires have occurred. In most cases, no check engine light illuminated until catastrophic damage was underway. Stalls happen at highway speeds and low-speed city driving alike, eliminating power steering and braking. Kia denies warranty claims citing mileage overage (powertrain coverage drops to 5 years/60,000 miles for second owners) or missing maintenance receipts—despite the warranty manual stating failure cannot be denied solely for lack of records. One owner's son received free replacement for the identical failure on an Optima under recall/warranty. Dealers confirm these engines have been discontinued and used replacements command premium prices due to widespread failures affecting both Kia and Hyundai platforms.
Same Kia Sedona engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure
Coolant mixes with oil due to stripped head bolts or blown head gaskets, leading to oil degradation, overheating, and catastrophic engine failure.
When: Between 82,000 and 182,000 miles; one case reported at 90,000 miles with improperly torqued fasteners.
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant level rising above max without fluid added; Overheating (temperature gauge in red zone); Smoke from engine bay; Extreme heat from engine; White smoke from exhaust; Loss of power; Burning smell
Codes mentioned: P0014
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement costs reported at $8,148 to $10,000+ with ancillary repairs reaching $12,000. Head bolts stripped, requiring full engine replacement. Independent mechanic noted improperly torqued head bolts requiring re-threading.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies coverage citing mileage over warranty limit (5 years/60,000 miles for second owners). One case mentioned 150,000-mile head gasket coverage that dealership did not pursue. No TSBs or recalls mentioned by manufacturers.
Rod Knock and Bearing Failure
Connecting rods fail, often with no warning, punching holes through the engine block. Bearing debris and metal fragments found in oil.
When: Between 50,000 and 130,000 miles; most incidents occur in the 90,000–130,000 mile range.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging or clunking noise from engine; Metal-on-metal grinding sound; High-pitched squealing; Loss of power while driving; Loss of power steering; Engine stalls; Hole visible in engine block with oil leaking; Metallic and bearing debris in oil
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement costs $7,000 to $13,623 depending on parts availability. Used engines quoted at high premiums due to shortage from widespread failures. One case mentioned short block option at $17,000 (parts and labor).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies coverage outside warranty period. Dealers confirm no recall applies. Multiple owners note these engines have been discontinued and used replacements are in high demand due to widespread failures.
Oil Starvation / Oil Consumption
Engine burns or loses oil at abnormal rates without active leaks detected. Oil sludge accumulation reported despite claimed maintenance.
When: Occurs between oil changes or despite recent oil changes (within 1,000 miles of service). Reported at 107,000 to 149,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking after oil depletion; Check engine light; Oil pressure light flashing; No visible leaks despite low oil; Engine unable to start or turn over after oil depletion; Caramelized/sludged oil found inside engine
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuild cost $9,640 in one case. Sims Auto found oil 'caramelized' inside despite claimed regular changes. Dealer quoted $8,300 engine replacement with $4,000 upfront labor cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia warranty denied claiming lack of maintenance (sludge accumulation). One owner's son received free engine replacement under warranty/recall for identical issue on Kia Optima. Kia's 2015 warranty manual states coverage will not be denied solely for lack of maintenance records, but failures from lack of required maintenance are excluded.
Sudden Engine Stall / Seizure Without Warning
Engine seizes or stalls abruptly during normal driving with no diagnostic warning lights preceding failure.
When: Ranges from 25 mph city driving to 70 mph highway; occurs at mileages from 90,000 to 145,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly; No check engine light before stall; No knocking or noise before failure; Engine will not crank or restart; Loss of power steering and assisted braking; Engine refuses to turn over after stall
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement costs $8,000–$8,400. Towing required in all cases. One second-owner case denied under 5/60,000 warranty despite 50,000 miles; Kia cited incomplete maintenance records.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies goodwill coverage citing maintenance records or mileage overage. Case filed but no support offered. No recall listed.
Engine Fire
Engine catches fire during normal driving, with fire originating near ground wire connection in one documented case.
When: One case reported after pulling into parking lot; vehicle condition suggests fire risk with any engine overheating event.
Symptoms owners cite: Cabin fills with smoke; Fire visible in engine bay near ground wire; Dash lights flickering erratically; Loss of electrical power (doors unable to open, no restart)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner extinguished fire manually. No repair cost reported but vehicle rendered undrivable. Owner noted other Kia engine recalls exist for fire risk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealer stated no recall applies to this vehicle despite similar failures under other recalls.
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Engine failed at 93k miles. Engine burnt off all oil, even though it had engine oil changed 1,000 miles ago. Sensors did not activate to display error engine codes on the dash. Verified by independent mechanic. Kia Dealership said it was owners failure for not keeping oil in engine. Refused to replace engine. Powertrain is not under warranty as second owner.
Diving down the highway and the engine stalled out of nowhere.
My car a kia sedona, 2015, 85000 miles, was inspected by Matthews Kia on 10/7. It was RECOMMENDED that I have spark plugs and coils replaced. I was NOT told of the consequences or the urgency of this repair if I declined this repair. The check engine light was not on and it was running fine! THEY LET ME DRIVE IT HOME WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. I went to bring it to a mechanic on 11/8 to have a second…
Rod failure, was told there was fuel mixing with the oil and caused the oil to break down and cause complete engine failure while driving down the highway with my kids. Kia will not do anything about it. How can this be right. I know a lot of people with the same issues.
On 9/4/18, while driving on the parkway I noticed my car was sluggish & making a noise upon acceleration. I thought it was my muffler because I didnt have any warning lights illuminated on my dashboard to indicate a major problem. As I exited the parkway, my car stalled & I coasted to the side of the road. I was able to start it a couple more times before it died for good. I had the car towed to…
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…
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Kia sedona. The contact stated that the driver noticed an abnormal ticking noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to orlando Kia west (3407 w colonial dr, orlando, fl 32808) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Had engine trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Kia Sedona?
It's a meaningful issue. 39 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 82,000 and 124,943 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 82,000; a quarter make it past 124,943. 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/2015/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.