KIA RIO Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA RIO across 15 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (52). The words owners use most often: “timing belt” (12% of reports).
- 158engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 46%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Timing belt: mentioned in 19 of 158 complaints (12%)
- Engine check: mentioned in 8 of 158 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 90 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 158 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 12 a fire.
KIA RIO engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 RIO | 1 | 4% | 110,000 |
| 2016 RIO | 3 | 4% | 110,000 |
| 2015 RIO | 4 | 8% | 79,553 |
| 2013 RIO | 3 | 2% | 2,700 |
| 2012 RIO | 1 | 2% | 180,000 |
| 2009 RIO | 1 | 3% | 32,000 |
| 2008 RIO | 2 | 4% | 69,200 |
| 2007 RIO | 2 | 4% | 44,800 |
| 2006 RIO | 6 | 8% | 36,000 |
| 2005 RIO | 12 | 32% | 45,000 |
| 2004 RIO | 12 | 32% | 53,015 |
| 2003 RIO | 19 | 26% | 9,631 |
| 2002 RIO | 39 | 30% | 78,780 |
| 2001 RIO | 52 | 23% | 49,145 |
| 2000 RIO | 1 | 33% | 19,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists engine and engine cooling for the KIA RIO. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 85 MPH, the engine emitted abnormal noise with no warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to exit the highway and enter a gas station parking lot, and upon exiting the vehicle, it was apparent that…
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while the friend was driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to lose automotive power, and smoke was seen coming from under the hood. The vehicle was parked and the friend exited the vehicle and discovered flames coming from…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA RIOs have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 158 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the KIA RIO. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA RIO engine and engine cooling?
No recall currently lists engine and engine cooling for this vehicle.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA RIO?
The most frequent phrase is “timing belt”, in 19 of 158 complaints, followed by “engine check” (8).
Other KIA RIO problems
- Air Bags problems (272)
- Engine problems (237)
- Electrical System problems (152)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (126)
See all KIA RIO problems.