2016 Kia Rio Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 38 5 fire 1 injury

“On May 29th 2021 my 2016 Kia Rio engine caught on fire after multiple attempts of letting Kia know that my engine had a possible recall/detect. I was told that my car wasn’t apart of the recall list of considered on the list of the 1.6 million or billion others who’s engines have blown up as well. I have paper work/trail of recent mechanical work/mechanics informing me with “possible recall issues as well”. Paid for an oil change May 21st, visited the mechanic and 8 days later my car was in flames at an EXXON gas station pump, literally traumatized.”
NHTSA complaint #11421680, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2025 · fire

“I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off. I get outside to the hood to open it, as there is steam coming out, and as I put my hand on the hood release, a fire erupts from the engine going over my windshield and driver window. Burning my entire car and $2500 worth of belongings to the ground.”
NHTSA complaint #11557410, 2023 · fire

Service Brakes 18 2 crash 1 fire

“I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off. I get outside to the hood to open it, as there is steam coming out, and as I put my hand on the hood release, a fire erupts from the engine going over my windshield and driver window. Burning my entire car and $2500 worth of belongings to the ground.”
NHTSA complaint #11557410, 2023 · fire

“We were doing a lot of stop and go driving in warm weather. I noticed braking seemed to be normal at first but just before the accident I press the brake and the pedal went to the floor and the vehicle wouldn’t . I hit the car in front of me. My vehicle was presumably totaled. There was lots of fluids on the floor.”
NHTSA complaint #11592853, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia RIO LX . The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the contact could not see and it was difficult to steer the wheel causing the vehicle to slide into a ditch. The contact stated the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Anti-lock Brake light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle out of the ditch to the residence and later to the dealer. There was no physical injuries, however the contact sustain emotional trauma. The police was not called. The dealer stated the Steering Angle Sensor had a dtc1259 code . The vehicle was repaired, replacing t…”
NHTSA complaint #11568073, 2024 · crash

Unknown Or Other 15 1 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“On May 29th 2021 my 2016 Kia Rio engine caught on fire after multiple attempts of letting Kia know that my engine had a possible recall/detect. I was told that my car wasn’t apart of the recall list of considered on the list of the 1.6 million or billion others who’s engines have blown up as well. I have paper work/trail of recent mechanical work/mechanics informing me with “possible recall issues as well”. Paid for an oil change May 21st, visited the mechanic and 8 days later my car was in flames at an EXXON gas station pump, literally traumatized.”
NHTSA complaint #11421680, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2025 · fire

“On June 29, 2022, I was driving on I-5 southbound when I heard a loud sort of tapping sound coming from my engine. About 30 minutes later, before I had time to get to a gas station, there was a loud "BOOM!" sound and all of a sudden, the catalytic converter light and some other dash lights started to flash and I started to lose power. I pulled over to the left shoulder of the highway and before I could even pop the hood, I noticed flames immediately licking from the underside of the hood. I grabbed my phone and pulled my rabbit in her cage from the back seat of the car and called 911. My car c…”
NHTSA complaint #11473796, 2022 · fire

Electrical System 8 3 fire

“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, 2025 · fire

“I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off. I get outside to the hood to open it, as there is steam coming out, and as I put my hand on the hood release, a fire erupts from the engine going over my windshield and driver window. Burning my entire car and $2500 worth of belongings to the ground.”
NHTSA complaint #11557410, 2023 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA RIO. A MINUTE AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER (DYER KIA, 21280 US-27, LAKE WALES, FL 33859) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,003. *LN*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11142173, 2018 · fire

Power Train 5

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, who were unable to identify the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11556929, 2023

“Ignition getting stuck in acc car can’t go anywhere can’t turn key off steering wheel won’t lock no don’t have money to put in shop arm no hasn’t been inspected no lamps no warning just started doing it has done a few times now”
NHTSA complaint #11542553, 2023

“on 08.30.22 while driving on the interstate I75 going approx. 75 mph my vehicle just lost speed and I barely made it to the side of the road. it did not shut off just had no power, this was at 63,000 miles and had to have the catalytic converter replaced. total cost $1800. fast forward to 12.10.22 same thing happened and was told once again need a new catalytic converter. also have had all maintenance done and this GDI engine burns approx. 1 quart of oil every 2 weeks. also make not that the engine light never came on with either event”
NHTSA complaint #11497216, 2022

Air Bags 4 4 crash 4 injury

“The air bags malfunction they didn’t go off and seatbelt didn’t lock on impact. Yes my safety was at risk. I keep calling them and they not do pick up the phone I get transferred back to the receptionist. The insurance company is doing their inspection the police as well. No warnings.”
NHTSA complaint #11420741, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“ON NOVEMBER 18, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM, I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I REAR ENDED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHILE MOVING AROUND 30 MPH IN THE MERGING RAMP OF HWY 57 TO HWY 210 NEAR SAN DIMAS, CA AND I FILED A POLICE REPORT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE/DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11154895, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY9:12PM, I [XXX] , HAD JUST PICKED UP A PASSENGER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT . WHERE AS I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A SIGNAL LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTHWESTERN AND MOCKINGBIRD WITH THE PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED THE NUMBER IS [XXX] THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLORE .....UPDATED 10/26/16 *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10914893, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 4

“I am filing this complaint regarding a persistent low beam headlight failure on my 2016 Kia Rio that has not been resolved after a paid repair at an authorized Kia dealership. The low beam headlights on my vehicle stopped functioning. I brought the vehicle to Car Pros Kia in [XXX] for diagnosis and repair on XXX.. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty Body Control Module (BCM) and replaced it on XXX. The dealership released the car to me with a 25-point inspection reading that all exterior lights were functional. The repair did not fix the problem — my low beams remain non-functional…”
NHTSA complaint #11742052, 2026

“I am filing a complaint regarding repeated failures of the LED tail light assemblies on my 2016 Kia Rio. This vehicle uses combination tail lights that include both standard bulbs and integrated LED brake lights. The LED portion has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. I am now experiencing failure again, requiring replacement of multiple tail light assemblies. Each assembly costs approximately $400, and my vehicle requires four total units. This results in a significant repair cost for what should be a long-lasting component. LED lighting is widely expected to last far longer…”
NHTSA complaint #11735244, 2026

“When i purchased this vehicle, I had to replace all 4 rear led tail lights. Now 2 years later I have to replace the right rear led side tail light. These led lights should not be going out this soon. Why can't Kia recall this part. This is a safety issue that i should not be replacing this soon.”
NHTSA complaint #11555836, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 4 2 fire 1 injury

“On May 29th 2021 my 2016 Kia Rio engine caught on fire after multiple attempts of letting Kia know that my engine had a possible recall/detect. I was told that my car wasn’t apart of the recall list of considered on the list of the 1.6 million or billion others who’s engines have blown up as well. I have paper work/trail of recent mechanical work/mechanics informing me with “possible recall issues as well”. Paid for an oil change May 21st, visited the mechanic and 8 days later my car was in flames at an EXXON gas station pump, literally traumatized.”
NHTSA complaint #11421680, 2021 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“On June 29, 2022, I was driving on I-5 southbound when I heard a loud sort of tapping sound coming from my engine. About 30 minutes later, before I had time to get to a gas station, there was a loud "BOOM!" sound and all of a sudden, the catalytic converter light and some other dash lights started to flash and I started to lose power. I pulled over to the left shoulder of the highway and before I could even pop the hood, I noticed flames immediately licking from the underside of the hood. I grabbed my phone and pulled my rabbit in her cage from the back seat of the car and called 911. My car c…”
NHTSA complaint #11473796, 2022 · fire

“on 08.30.22 while driving on the interstate I75 going approx. 75 mph my vehicle just lost speed and I barely made it to the side of the road. it did not shut off just had no power, this was at 63,000 miles and had to have the catalytic converter replaced. total cost $1800. fast forward to 12.10.22 same thing happened and was told once again need a new catalytic converter. also have had all maintenance done and this GDI engine burns approx. 1 quart of oil every 2 weeks. also make not that the engine light never came on with either event”
NHTSA complaint #11497216, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“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, 2025

“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 contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the catalytic converter was clogged…”
NHTSA complaint #11689368, 2025

“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 contact drove the vehicle back to another independent mechanic who checked the engine and determined that engine oil needed to…”
NHTSA complaint #11589661, 2024

Steering 3 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia RIO LX . The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the contact could not see and it was difficult to steer the wheel causing the vehicle to slide into a ditch. The contact stated the Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Anti-lock Brake light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle out of the ditch to the residence and later to the dealer. There was no physical injuries, however the contact sustain emotional trauma. The police was not called. The dealer stated the Steering Angle Sensor had a dtc1259 code . The vehicle was repaired, replacing t…”
NHTSA complaint #11568073, 2024 · crash

“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 problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes confirmed by an independent service c…”
NHTSA complaint #11601480, 2024

“THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR AT THE END OF DECEMBER 2017 (LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AGO). THE DASHBOARD WILL LIGHT UP WITH A NUMBER OF ICONS AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON (SEE PHOTO FROM DECEMBER). THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, IT WAS A BITTERLY COLD DAY AND THE ICONS POPPED UP AS I WAS DRIVING. I FELT THE STEERING BECOME TIGHT, BUT LUCKILY I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT TO SAFETY. THE ICONS WENT AWAY AFTER RUNNING THE CAR FOR A LONG TIME (I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST THE COLD WEATHER). BUT WHEN I CHECKED ON MY CAR LATER BEFORE DRIVING, THE ICONS RETURNED. I HAD TO GET THE VEHI…”
NHTSA complaint #11100709, 2018

Structure 2 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA RIO. A MINUTE AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER (DYER KIA, 21280 US-27, LAKE WALES, FL 33859) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,003. *LN*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11142173, 2018 · fire

“Trunk stopped opening off and on then stopped latching caused me not to be able to see behind me it popped open when was driving and would latch had to tie shut with a. String no don’t have money to put in shop no hasn’t been inspected no no lamps no warnings symptoms”
NHTSA complaint #11542554, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“My trunk latch wasn't working. I couldn't close my trunk. I contact Kia service and since I still have a platinum warranty with them, asked them if they could repair it free of charge. They said no. So I had to use tape to keep the trunk shut which kept getting wet from the rain while I had to wait for my kia truck latch part to arrive through mail so my husband could install it. I am not sure if this was right before they knew of the issue or not, but I feel like I deserve a refund for the part.”
NHTSA complaint #11557447, 2023

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 2 injury

“The air bags malfunction they didn’t go off and seatbelt didn’t lock on impact. Yes my safety was at risk. I keep calling them and they not do pick up the phone I get transferred back to the receptionist. The insurance company is doing their inspection the police as well. No warnings.”
NHTSA complaint #11420741, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Suspension 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT HEARD SOMETHING DRAGGING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB SIGHT INDEPENDENCE KIA (1700 S. NOLAND ROAD, INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS LIKELY CAUSED BY THE OWNER. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000. THE VIN WAS NO…”
NHTSA complaint #11035893, 2017

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, who were unable to identify the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11556929, 2023

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the interior rearview center mirror failed to remain in place after manually being positioned. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the warranty had expired after 5 years from the manufactured date. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11624943, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 1

“PROBLEMS: 1) AC STOPS WORKING AND ONLY BLOWS WARM AIR, 2) WINDSHIELD WIPERS DOES NOT WORK. BOTH FRONT AND BACK 3) FRONT LIGHTS DOES NOT WORK”
NHTSA complaint #11241895, 2018