NHTSA Complaint #11532888 — 2015 KIA SEDONA

While driving my 2015 Kia Sedona LX under normal operating conditions, The vehicle started to drive abnormal with a slight fluctuation of RPMs without any warning lights or other symptoms. I was close to my house and turned off vehicle for 2 hours after getting home. The vehicle was turned on and began making a banging noise from the engine. The vehicle was driven a few miles to a local mechanic who listened to the engine and told me the motor was going to need replaced and the mechanic did not recommend driving this vehicle due to a risk of fire. The mechanic stated that many Kia engines have been experiencing this catastrophic failure and I should have it towed to a Kia dealership to have it looked at. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership and after listening to the engine for a few seconds the Kia representative told me the engine would need to be replaced. I asked him why there was no warning lamps on the dashboard and he did not know why but stated it had experienced catastrophic engine failure. He told me the engine would need to be removed to properly assess the point of failure. He informed me that this specific engine/model is not under a recall and I would be responsible for repairs. He told me that these engines were discontinued and my only option would be to replace with a used engine. The representative quoted me the parts/labor would cost 13623. He stated the price was so high due to the used car market and high demand for these engines. This vehicle has had proper maintenance performed and is available for inspection. This vehicle could have put my children, family, other drivers, and myself at risk of severe injury or even death if this catastrophic engine failure happened on a highway at a high rate of speed without any warning. I have contacted Kia Customer affairs and the representative I spoke with confirmed that this vehicle is not under any extended warranty/recall and they would need to see a proper diagnosis from a Kia dealership.