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 ↗2017 Kia Sedona engine problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Kia Sedona have filed 50 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 117,000 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
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Sedona | 5 |
| 2015 Sedona | 39 |
| 2016 Sedona | 125 |
| 2017 Sedona (this page) | 50 |
| 2018 Sedona | 17 |
| 2019 Sedona | 6 |
| 2020 Sedona | 3 |
3fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 50 engine complaints filed for the 2017 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
Engine accounts for 38% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 50 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.
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: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - 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 on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equipped with the Oil Life Management System (OLMS) feature not included in table on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT - 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 first put into service. This warranty extension i
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT - 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 first put into service. This warranty extension is to address the Oil Pressure Switch leaking condition at no cost to the customers during this extended warranty period.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in 2015-2018 MY Sedona vehicles equipped with 3.3L GDI Engine from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report catastrophic engine failures in 2017 Kia Sedonas—particularly those with the 3.3L GDI or Lambda engine—often without any warning lights. The most common signature is a loud knocking or clattering sound followed by seizure, loss of power, or complete shutdown. Metal shavings or fragments in the oil indicate bearing failure or internal component breakdown; one owner at 63,758 miles found the oil pan filled with metal.
Failures cluster around rod bearing collapse (connecting rods puncturing the block), piston ring wear allowing oil into the combustion chamber, and oil starvation from pressure switch defects or rapid oil consumption. Several owners report needing to add oil weekly despite no visible leaks and no low-oil warning illuminating. Mileage ranges from 50,000 to 186,000 miles, with failures most common between 85,000 and 140,000.
Owners describe being stranded at highway speeds, loss of power steering during shutdown, smoke or flames in one case, and repeated denial from Kia for warranty or recall coverage—despite some vehicles having prior oil pressure switch replacements under extended warranty. One owner cites a class-action lawsuit against Kia for engine seizure in other models, yet the Sedona remains excluded. Dealership diagnostic repairs (timing chain, fuel pump, CVVT work) sometimes precede sudden failure within months.
Same Kia Sedona engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Rod Bearing Failure / Connecting Rod Damage
Lower rod bearing failure, connecting rod snapping or puncturing the engine block, leading to seizure and complete engine failure. Owners report sudden loud knocking sounds, often at highway speeds, with metal fragments and shavings in oil.
When: Typically 85,000–180,000+ miles; one failure as low as 63,758 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or clattering from engine; Metal shavings or fragments in oil; Engine seizure; Loss of power while driving; Engine shutdown without restart capability
Codes mentioned: P0300 (Random misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 misfire), P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire), P0306 (Cylinder 6 misfire), P0175 (Bank 2 rich)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Owners cite costs of $5,758–$18,000+ for engine and labor. No parts repair reported; engine swap only solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies warranty coverage on most claims; some owners mention extended warranty (WTY026) eligibility that Kia disputes. One owner cited class-action lawsuit against Kia for engine seizure issues in other models, but Sedona reportedly excluded.
Piston Ring Failure / Internal Engine Deterioration
Failing piston rings allow oil into the combustion chamber, causing misfires, rich running conditions, and internal engine damage. Owners report tremors, soft power delivery, and check engine lights.
When: Occurs after routine oil changes; timeline varies widely (some within 2,000 miles of last service)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine vibrating or shaking; Soft power when accelerating; Check engine light (solid or flashing); Rich running condition; Oil low despite recent service
Codes mentioned: P0300 (Random misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 misfire), P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire), P0306 (Cylinder 6 misfire), P0175 (Bank 2 rich), P0018 (Crankshaft/camshaft correlation)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement. Owners report $18,000+ bills. Oil analysis shows metal contamination.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported. Kia denies coverage; one owner had to sell vehicle to salvage.
Oil Pressure Switch (OPS) Defect / Oil Starvation
Oil pressure switch failure or oil starvation leads to inadequate lubrication, causing catastrophic engine failure. One owner mentions prior OPS replacement under warranty before seizure occurred.
When: Can occur after prior OPS warranty repair; mileage varies
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking from engine; Sudden engine seizure; No warning lights prior to failure; Loss of motive power at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported Kia demanded $3,000 teardown fee to prove OPS defect caused failure. Full engine replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies liability unless owner pays $3,000 diagnostic teardown. Extended warranty (WTY026, 15 years/150,000 miles) allegedly available but disputed by Kia. Owner mentioned complaint case number filed with Kia.
Head Gasket / Coolant Leak / Stripped Engine Bolts
Head gasket failure or stripped bolts inside engine cause coolant leaks. One owner also reported blown head gasket at under 100,000 miles.
When: 85,012 miles; 95,560 miles; 50,000 miles reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Green or coolant puddle under vehicle; Low coolant warning message; Engine overheating; Rough idle; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in cases cited. One owner also mentioned fuel pump and fuel injector failures at 50,000 miles alongside head gasket issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies recalls or warranty coverage. Dealer repair performed in one case; no cost specified for others.
Excessive Oil Consumption / Oil Starvation
Engine consumes oil rapidly, depleting oil level between changes or even within 2,000 miles of service. No warning light illuminates to alert driver. Some engines found with little to no oil at time of failure.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; failures occur at 63,758–186,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping between services (owners report needing to add quart every week or within 2,000 miles); No low oil warning light; Engine seizure after oil depletion; No visible leaks reported
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Owners report $10,000–$18,000+ costs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls; Kia declines warranty coverage. One owner questioned whether dealer failed to fill oil at recent service, or if engine inherently consumes oil.
Timing Chain / Camshaft / CVVT Failure
Timing chain wear, camshaft issues, or CVVT malfunction cause engine knock and loss of timing correlation. One owner reported dealership replaced timing chain, fuel pumps, CVVT, camshaft sensor, and spark plugs, then engine knocked and failed shortly after.
When: Up to 137,000 miles; repairs sometimes precede final failure
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock; P0018 timing code (crankshaft/camshaft correlation); Jumping out of timing (inferred from high-pressure fuel pump dislodging); Check engine light; Engine seizure
Codes mentioned: P0018 (Crankshaft/camshaft correlation)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership performed timing chain replacement, fuel pump replacement (x2), CVVT replacement, camshaft sensor replacement, and spark plug service. Despite repairs, engine failed within months. Full engine replacement ultimately needed ($10,000+).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned. Kia warranty denied on final engine failure.
Engine Fire
One vehicle caught fire at rest in driveway without warning. White smoke from front, flames spread from front passenger side to rear. Fire extinguished by fire department.
When: 106,000 miles; occurred while parked in driveway
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from front of vehicle; Fire visible in front passenger area; Flames spreading to rear; No warning lights prior
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed destroyed by insurance. Front of house, garage siding, and older truck parked in driveway sustained fire damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no response or recall issued.
Unexplained Engine Shutdown While Driving
Engine stalls or dies while vehicle is in motion without prior warning. Can restart but may fail again. Loss of power steering; electrical systems remain active.
When: At various speeds (45–70 mph); one owner reports two incidents within 6 months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power; Engine shuts off mid-drive; Check engine light may illuminate after shutdown; Power steering lost during shutdown; Difficult or impossible to restart in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs vary; some vehicles eventually require full engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response reported in narratives. Dealership mechanics unable to diagnose root cause in some cases.
Synthesized from 50 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that after parking in his driveway, there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact is handicapped and was assisted by his wife to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle later caught on fire, and flames were visible in the front passenger side that spread to the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated before…
While my husband was driving the engine failed. The oil pan was filled with metal. The fuel injectors were not pumping oil
Engine light came on solid and dealer says it needs to be replaced for $11,000. Not under warranty and no recalls, but KIA has replaced at no charge in other situations for cars older and with higher mileage.
Excessive oil consumption
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start and was experiencing rough driving with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact of the head gasket, head gasket bolts, fuel pump, and fuel injector failures. The vehicle was not yet repaired.…
The Engine failed at 63,758 miles. Lancaster KIA in Lancaster, PA indicated the engine has metal shavings everywhere.
Motor has been consuming oil.all oil and maintence was done to this vehicle.on Monday the 18of November 2024 while driving too work the motor blew up putting oil everywhere.almost cause a major accident it had too be tow back to my house.
While driving on the highway, the engine stopped working; smoke, metal fragments and oil came out of the front of the car leading to zero visibility. We were extremely lucky that we were able to quickly navigate out of traffic, stop the car on the side of the highway and get all kids out safely. The police and fire department came immediately to help. We had the vehicle towed and examined. The…
the engine failed do to lack of oil, no oil light lite. No warning that the engine used up all the oil
Engine turned off unexpectedly while driving. It has happened twice since owning the car (bought September 2021). Both instances occurred while I was slowing down into a turn. The first, I was slowing into a turn lane at a stop sign. The second, I was slowing into a turn through a green light. I was able, in both instances, to shift to neutral and restart while still moving. When the engine shuts…
Had engine trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Kia Sedona?
It's a meaningful issue. 50 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 85,012 and 137,000 miles, with the median around 117,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 85,012; a quarter make it past 137,000. 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/2017/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.