2016 Kia RIO engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Nov 22, 2025NCEngine

   My car is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Upon inspection, it was determined that the issue lies with my catalytic converter. I have discovered that this problem has been reported in other Kia vehicles. The information I found suggests that the oil I am using is being bypassed by the catalytic converter, which indicates a potential issue with the Kia car’s design. Engine light won’t go off

   NHTSA complaint #11700990 · source
2. Filed Sep 29, 202550,000 miDEEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that there was no oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. An oil consumption test was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11690274 · source
3. Filed Sep 24, 2025126,000 miPAEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 2-3 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The Ford dealer where the vehicle was purchased arranged for the vehicle to be picked up at the residence. The Ford dealer informed the contact that the mechanic and the Kia dealer where the vehicle was taken could not determine the cause of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11689368 · source
4. Filed Jun 26, 2025INFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   I was driving when my Kia stalled and shut off but was still playing music and driving. So I pulled over and then my Kia caught on fire and went up in flames.

   NHTSA complaint #11669451 · source
5. Filed Mar 14, 2025CAEngineOther / Unknown

   My car is consuming a lot of oil and I have to add it on a weekly basis. The catalytic converter has already been replace once and is on the verge of having to be replaced again because of this issue. I just bought the vehicle last year. I see that there was a previous campaign with this same issue. See campaign NHTSA ID: 23V-652000. I am wondering why my vehicle was not part of it. Please advise next steps to remedy this safety issue on the 2018 KIA Rio models.

   NHTSA complaint #11648356 · source
6. Filed Jan 27, 2025OREngineOther / Unknown

   This vehicle is burning oil at an alarming rate: at least 1 quart per tank of gas, approximately 340 miles. No oil light comes on in the dash, even if the engine gets ran to dry. Kia accepts this and claims the vehicle is fine. Even with extended warranty coverage, I’m on month 8 now of trying to get this car fixed with Kia shops and now the catalytic converter is failing. Finally the car has displayed its first check engine code.

   NHTSA complaint #11638933 · source
7. Filed Dec 5, 2024FLEngine

   I got an oil change right after the car overheated and I believe the engine is blown now. I don’t understand how all this can happen after an oils change.

   NHTSA complaint #11628954 · source
8. Filed Jul 13, 2024KSEngine

   Vehicle burning through excessive amounts of oil. Check engine light came on and car was making a loud ticking noise and knock. Dealership confirmed the vehicle will need a new engine. Kia Corporate denied replacement because vehicle is out of warranty. Reported problem to Kia before warranty expired and was still denied.

   NHTSA complaint #11601816 · source
9. Filed Jul 12, 2024ILBrakesEngineSteering

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Complete engine lockup during operation at speed which caused steering and braking to be greatly hampered. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine failed on a 4-lane highway in traffic which could have easily caused a high-speed accident since the car extremely decelerated and lost power steering and braking in order to get out of traffic. Has the…

   NHTSA complaint #11601480 · source
10. Filed Jun 17, 2024CTEngineOther / Unknown

    I was parked in ghe parking lot and went into the store and came back to my car and starting then it was not getting started i tried many times even though it was like battery dead and i call my insurance company and asked for roadside assistance amd they tried using jump start evne though it was not starting so with the help of other sources i tried to rotate crankshaft manually it was stucked and not rotating so i thought it was engine sezied.

    NHTSA complaint #11594706 · source
11. Filed May 20, 2024110,000 miMOEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had an abnormal burning oil odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who checked the vehicle and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated again. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11589661 · source
12. Filed May 16, 2024115,000 miILElectrical SystemEngine

    The car would constantly stall, would need to jiggle ignition to get car to turn over. burn oil EXTREMELY. would foul spark plugs around 20k-30kmiles. , coolant would get burned and get shot out to the exhaust area, and finally the car would have smoke coming out of the engine bay after driving for a distance of 15-30 miles while also getting terrible MPG. Car on average should get 38mpg highway and 27mpg city. This car was getting about 20-22mpg highway and 16-20mpg city.

    NHTSA complaint #11589184 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology