2016 KIA RIO Complaints and Recall Information
The 2016 KIA RIO has 7 complaints and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report excessive oil consumption and related catalytic converter failures. Several describe engine stalling followed by the vehicle catching fire.
Common Issues
- Excessive oil consumption. Owners report burning at least 1 quart of oil per 340 miles and needing to add oil weekly. The oil light often fails to activate despite low oil levels.
- Catalytic converter failure. Due to high oil consumption, catalytic converters have failed or needed replacement multiple times on the same vehicle.
- Engine stalling and fire. Complaints describe the engine shutting off unexpectedly while driving, followed by the vehicle catching fire after being pulled over.
There are 4 recalls related to safety defects impacting trunk latch mechanism and hydraulic control units affecting braking and fire risk. These recalls address structural and electrical defects with repair programs underway.
Recalls
- Trunk latch defect. Recall 23V594000 affects 319,436 vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack preventing internal trunk release which risks trapping occupants. Dealers will replace the latch base free of charge. Owner letters mailed October 19, 2023.
- Hydraulic control unit fire risk. Recall 23V652000 covers 1,730,192 vehicles including certain 2012-2017 RIOs. An electrical short in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit can cause engine compartment fires while driving or parked. Owners are advised to park outside until repairs are done. Dealers replace the unit fuse at no cost. Notifications issued between November 2023 and June 2024.
Owners facing repeated repairs, critical safety defects, or unresolved recall issues may review their rights under state lemon laws. Consulting with a qualified attorney is advisable to understand potential remedies available.
2016 KIA RIO Summary
2016
Model Year
7
Total Complaints
2
Total Recalls
2049628
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2016 KIA RIO
1730192 vehicles affected
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2016 KIA RIO
319436 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Complaints
2016 KIA RIO
ID: 2103684UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
2016 KIA RIO
ID: 2103683ENGINE
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.
2016 KIA RIO
ID: 2103682ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
2016 KIA RIO
ID: 2073538UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
2016 KIA RIO
ID: 2073537ENGINE
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.
2016 KIA RIO
ID: 2059720UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
2016 KIA RIO
ID: 2059719ENGINE
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.