KIA RIO Engine Problems
Owners have filed 237 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the KIA RIO across 22 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (53). The words owners use most often: “oil consumption” (9% of reports).
- 237engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 37%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.
- Oil consumption: mentioned in 21 of 237 complaints (9%)
- Catalytic converter: mentioned in 17 of 237 complaints (7%)
- Fire department: mentioned in 17 of 237 complaints (7%)
- Engine compartment: mentioned in 16 of 237 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 103 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 237 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 46 a fire, 7 an injury.
KIA RIO engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 RIO | 3 | 25% | 100,900 |
| 2022 RIO | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2021 RIO | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2020 RIO | 5 | 19% | 300 |
| 2019 RIO | 6 | 27% | — |
| 2018 RIO | 15 | 54% | 102,316 |
| 2017 RIO | 11 | 35% | 105,500 |
| 2016 RIO | 38 | 49% | 60,000 |
| 2015 RIO | 23 | 44% | 80,000 |
| 2014 RIO | 24 | 46% | 70,000 |
| 2013 RIO | 53 | 35% | 70,000 |
| 2012 RIO | 24 | 44% | 97,033 |
| 2011 RIO | 7 | 29% | 89,130 |
| 2010 RIO | 4 | 15% | 88,000 |
| 2009 RIO | 7 | 18% | 71,000 |
| 2008 RIO | 3 | 7% | 66,500 |
| 2007 RIO | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2006 RIO | 2 | 3% | 79,652 |
| 2005 RIO | 5 | 14% | 65,125 |
| 2003 RIO | 1 | 1% | 58,000 |
| 2002 RIO | 1 | 1% | 100,000 |
| 2001 RIO | 1 | 0% | 129,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists engine 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.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Rio, which currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I first became aware of these problems at approximately 120,000 miles. The vehicle has excessive oil consumption despite being consistently and properly maintained. I have been meticulous…
The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then that mechanic said that it needed to go…
The engine of my Kia Rio 2017 is the system that is failing it is sudden with no warning and has been diagnosed by Kia themselves stating that the engine will seize. My safety is put at risk because the car may seize while in traffic causing difficulty steering and breaking. This problem was first…
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption defect acknowledged in Kia TSB ENG222. Repeated catalytic converter failures indicate potential overheating risk similar to 2019 Gamma engine recall for fire hazard. Engine burning oil creates risk of critically low oil levels leading to engine failure/stalling…
As my car was driving my vehicle encountered sudden changes and my engine light went on. As the vehicle stopped driving on its own there was smoke coming from the hood and a fire stared shortly after underneath the car.
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA RIOs have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 237 owner complaints about engine 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?
No recall currently lists engine for this vehicle.
What do owners say about engine problems on the KIA RIO?
The most frequent phrase is “oil consumption”, in 21 of 237 complaints, followed by “catalytic converter” (17).
Other KIA RIO problems
See all KIA RIO problems.