Electrical System Problems of Kia Motor RIO - part 1

Car started smoking while drive, lucky I was already pulling in my driveway.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

On July 17, 2025, shortly before 4am, my son's 2013 kia Rio caught fire, while sitting in the driveway turned off, and was totally destroyed. The car was parked in the driveway at his house and there were not any warning signs before it happened. On June 10, 2024 we had the hecu fuse replaced through a recall that could cause a fire. After we had it "fixed" we had no idea that it could still catch on fire! my son could have been in the car when this happened or other structures could have caught on fire! the fire department was called to put the fire out and the car was inspected by kia and by our insurance company. Kia does not care that we had the part replaced and that the car still caught on fire. They have stated that they will not do one thing about it. They didn't offer a rental car, removal of the burned car or any money to replace the car. I do not know how they get away with this especially when the fire inspector for kia told me that they knew that changing the fuse wasn't a "fix" but it would hopefully short the fuse before a fire would start! so they knew it was still possible! kia should not be allowed to manufacture cars!! as of the past week, kia will not even return my phone calls.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

I came out of a store last week and there was smoke inside my car and when I opened the door there was a hole down by the door frame on the passenger side that it burned all the way through to the frame of the car and now my lights are flashing on and off and sometimes a passenger headlight works sometimes the driver had light works but it's either one or the other it's doing all kinds of crazy stuff with the lights now I'm thinking it has to be in the electrical fire because it got hot enough to melt all the way through the plastic part of the bottom of my door I do have pictures.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

I went into a rural king store to shop when I came back out my car was completely filled with smoke. I opened the front passengerdoor and the smoke hit me in the face it was so thick and green it was just it took my breath. It took me 10 minutes to locate what had happened and down on the door frame of the passenger side of the front seat where the wiring is there was a whole melted all the way through that panel and you could see the wiring was exposed so I assume that the wiring had caught on fire. I'm not sure about this it has been looked at and it is at jeff wilder Toyota in clarksville indiana. They want me to pay $1,000 deductible for this but I feel like if it was a wiring issue key is should be responsible. I am going through a flood right now in my home and now I have to deal with that and I don't think I'm even responsible for the payment I think he is at the cover it.

Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.

No parts available to fix hydraulic electronic control unit hecu. Been told this since December 2023. Received another letter dated 4/10/3024. The remedy is now available. Being told again there are no parts. Went by another car insurance company. Being told I cannot get a quote because of repair problems with recalls.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

Dealer has failed to remedy recall 23v652 in a reasonable amount of time. Received the original recall notice dated April 10, 2024. Immediately scheduled an appointment with the dealer. Dealer fixed another outstanding recall but said they didn't have the part for the 23v652 recall. Contacted the dealer several times since and they say they don't have the part to fix the recall and will get back when they do. Contacted kia and explained the situation. They said they'd get back. Never heard from them. This is a recall for a fire hazard. It was dated April 10, 2024. It is now September 10, 2024.

The hecu fuse recall has been over six months with no remedy. I called NHTSA two weeks ago and was told by a representative that the manufacturers (both kia and Hyundai) stated that the remedy would be posted, and available at the dealerships by the end of last month (March). I would like to escalate my complaint. This is a serious safety concern, and on top of that my vehicle is now more likely to be stolen since it must be kept outside (kia boys). I'm a fairly patient person, but this has really gotten me sideways. If you could let me know how I can formally file a complaint I would appreciate it.

I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue. I looked under the hood tonight and found a bunch of pieces that are not bolted down and the battery is completely unsecured and can move around freely. It’s horribly unsafe because the battery being loose can affect the entire car and the parts that aren’t bolted in place are causing major issues with the ac and other systems.

See all problems of the 2004 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

When I started my car, during the warm-up process, it dropped revs and turned off. After several tries, it turned on. While driving, when the vehicle was stopped, it began to jerk slightly. The safety risk is that the car, while I am driving, could turn off and cause an accident, in which people could be at risk, including me. I wouldn't want this to escalate because the dealer doesn't take action on the matter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to evaluate the condition, they say that the technicians did not find anything, that the car did not emit any codes. And therefore they couldn't do anything. Note that I bought that car completely new, 0 miles, in March of last year. And in January the problem started. It is also worth noting that the car had to have a rack&pinion change in less than a year, due to a noise it made when the guide turned. All maintenance has been done with the official auto grupo kia dealership on kennedy, in puerto rico. I fear my safety and that of others behind the wheel, if the major fault in my car is not fixed.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

Driver door lock has stopped responding to the key fob and the door no longer unlocks with the key. The key works, but only unlocks the other doors, even when used on the driver side. The driver side lock also does not respond to the inside buttons for unlocking the door. All three other doors work, but not the driver side. Dealer was unable to fix.

I stayed on top of oil changes and engine continued to burn an excessive amount of oil in between oil changes. No leak was found after having 3 different inspections. I was told this is a common problem with kia engines from multiple kia owners, mechanics, and oil change technicians. Despite this, I made sure I always had oil in it and kept up with the changes. Suddenly, while driving on the interstate, the engine completely failed. I had it towed to a mechanic where it was determined internal engine failure if some sort. My car only had 83,000 miles on it when this happened. Due to me being the second owner, ( I bought the cat at 14,000 miles) I was unable to receive the 100,000 miles power train warranty. I called my local kia dealership to see if there was anything they could do and was told “engines fail all the time” and that there is nothing they can do. Replacing the engine is more than the car is worth. For the engine to fail out of nowhere with no warning (this was the first time any sort of light came on my dash) after spending time and money on upkeep, is unacceptable. It is also completely unsafe. After some researching, I see that this is a very common issue with kia engines and kia failed to notify me about obsessive oil consumption and the their faulty motors. Over $400 dollars in mechanic fees and over $300 in towing fees to determine all of this and I am out of a car. Getting a new engine or even fixing whatever internal component it is would be way more than what my car is worth with it running.

My car had been broken into and was attempted to be stolen on December 22, 2022. A few months ago, a neighbor left a note on my car stating that someone was looking through the windows suspiciously. Today, December 12, 2023, my car was stolen from a paid for parking garage at my apartment complex with no cameras. The issue should have been resolved considering my boyfriend and CO-owner of the vehicle went to the kia dealership on November 28, 2023 to have the "anti-theft software update" installed. Apparently, this doesn't work as my car was stolen even with the "alert" sticker on the window.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

Kia is failing to repair a fuse recall in a timely manner. I was told I am just out of luck they aren't fixing.

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.

Hydraulic electronic control unit hecu fire risk kia recall sent a letter they would repair, never called so I have called many times, keep repeating no repair part, an excuse.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

Fire under the hood. It's available for inspection. I opened the hood after seeing smoke and the fire blew up but I wasn't hurt. The fire department put the fire out and wrote report. I called my insurance company and got a claim for it. They said it's most likely going to be a total loss after they examine it every where. I took it to kia for servicing on September 11,2023 and I told them I had a little whining noise but they didn't say it was anything that could be fatal. Did this car have a recall for anything?.

Engine O2 sensors failing caused car to go into limp mode when attempting to enter a very busy hi way. Key was stuck in the driver's side door. Could not unlock it. Had to call a locksmith. This left me on foot away from home. Key stuck in the ignition. Would not go into park or start. Car has to be towed home.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Rio. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for diagnostic testing; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

My kia had be under an unresolved recall that can cause a fire, not only putting myself and my family, but other drivers at risk. I have a toddler who rides with me and would be extremely hard to get out of a car seat if the car caught on fire, as such I have reduced driving with them to ensure safety, but this is an issue that cannot continue and I should not have to put myself and others at risk. I cannot afford to buy a new car and should not be forced to due to a manufacturing issue.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

Center console display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affected creating safety concern.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

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.

Bought the vehicle beginning of March. Thought it was the battery because it wouldn't hold a charge. Coded battery. Replaced. Twice. Electrical power steering started to code. That wasn't the issue. Car started to stall while on the highway or in traffic and cut out. Scary when there's semis behind you and you were just going 65 mph in a 70 and I had just got on the highway from the on ramp and was trying to get to speed when it cut out. The crank shaft position sensor coded then so had it replaced and its still rough on acceleration and shifting and it's an automatic transmission.

My vehicle consumes oil according to my midas repair shop. I was unaware that when I brought it in for regular servicing, the engine was almost empty of oil according to the mechanic. It had been rattling upon acceleration and lacking power set on eco, but I ignored it. Now, I have to check and add 1/2 to 1 quart of oil every 7-10 days as the dipstick shows oil is low and also very dark. There is also an engine warning light on most of the time but it comes up as from the catalytic converter which I doubt. The electrical system also flashes on the dash where the a/c settings and circulation fan are on ocassion but is corrected when the temp guage is adjusted 1 click toward the warmer setting. I was notified of the lack of oil on my visit to midas for an oli change back in April 2023. The mileage was 110,000 then. Everyone I know who has/had a kia has had this problem and 3 have lost their engines as a result. Kia has lost my confidence because nothing was advised to owners until I found out of this common and costly issue just by chance. I wont buy another kia now.

This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said it was the main wiring harness at first and replaced that but then the second time said that the new harness was out again and needed replaced a second time because of a fuse that was causing too much power therefor blowing the wiring harness again? now I am having engine and electrical issues months later. I had what appeared to be a need for a tune up. Which was done. It has continued to throw wrong codes and lights come and go on the dash all the time. I’ve gotten several tests done and I always get a code stating misfiring even when there is no light on the dash. The check engine light will come on for 2 weeks then randomly go off for 2 weeks. No matter what it will throw a code as misfiring in the 1&3 cylinders. Spark plugs, coils, air filter. Everything has been replaced yet the light still comes and goes and it continues to throw the code. Car has been seen by the dealership multiple times.

Engine went out 8 months after there always been electrical issue has caused problems where it wnt accelerate causing a wreck the break light had shorts they didnt even have the radio n I went to a car lot dealership . This car left me in bad situations im just surprised its not recall I barely drive it it paid off after so many years n really only reason I have it cuz I put too much in n it n now it aint worth nuthin because of the issues that gave me.

See all problems of the 2009 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Rio. The contact stated the vehicle was parked at her residence, when entering inside the cab, she noticed the gear shaft was melted. The contact stated she did not visibly see fire. The police did come to her residence and informed the cause of the fire was an electronic failure but they do not file any fire reports. The contact did not contact the fire department. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to local dealer and were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed back to her residence. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Right now, the interior lights do not work. I have already replaced the windshield wiper system because they stopped working. I just found out through searching for new insurance that there are 7 recalls on my vehicle (this would explain the "brakes sounds" and "no light in the interior". I have had no confirmation that these repairs have been conducted: 1. Fuel system, gasoline (recall: 3/31/2021) 24gi 20v648000 2. Service brakes, hydraulic part #072-9831 (recall: 09/23/2020) 3. Electrical system (recall: 08/22/2017) 4. Equipment: 49 cfr, part 567) (recall: 05/31/2017) 5. Equipment: "tire section and rims" (fmvss) #110 (recall: 03/02/2017) 6. Equipment: fmvss #110 (recall: 03/02/2017) 7. Engine and engine cooling "engine may seize" (recall: 03/02/17).

On 04/07/22, I took my vehicle into covina valley kia to replace a fuel line that had melted being constructed too close to the engine. About a month before the line, I noticed smoke was coming from under the hood. Other parts were too close to the gdi engine and were melting, and/or burning. For instance, the ignition coil/engine wire(s) cluster plastic holder which is mounted on the engine, was melting, breaking, and burning. Also the foam from the engine cover had caught fire. My car had also been throwing a knock sensor code p0326 every year. Replace it each time. Then the last time I fixed it, I got another p0326 that changed into fuel too rich code p2192. I inquired to kia management about the 2015 service bulletin: sb-10089747-5448 concerning the constant codes. But manager said that a ecu upgrade may not help and to come down just to clear the codes to see if that helped. The car has been maintained, oil/filter changes 3,000 miles and I am the second owner. But these problems occurred without warning. Bad manufacturing, had to also replace the fuel pressure regulator valve, fuel feed pipe, and all four injectors due to melted plastic making it into the delivery rail from the melted fuel line which is plastic. Will attached my service bill and main receipts for parts bought to rectify this problem.

Marker lights on the right side won't work both went off line and licence light same side is out same time and bulbs ,fuse replaced and still not working the kia service will not fix in kia of manharttan in kansas andi have 68,000 miles and they didn't offer a basic warrantty to be long when online for my my car and suppose to be under warranty for 110;00.

It's very high insurance. . I paid twice the amount of the car in insurance and registration kelly bluebook said car is worth 5000. 00 brand new. . . I paid 6995. 00 plus taxes there's a recall on my vehicle and it has 147,000 miles and I haven't even drove anywhere but from palace station to decatur.

The air bag warning light is on. The dealership states this means the air bag will not deploy in an accident. Kia has extended the warranty for the clock spring but the dealership refuses to fix because it has not been recalled. This is placing me and my family in danger of being seriously injured or killed if in an accident.

I was driving to take my daughter to work and I notice my car was smoking under the hood and I heard a popping sound and I started to pull over and once I did I realize my car was on fire up under the hood. I have a 2014 kia Rio.

I recently purchased my vehicle and immediately noticed what seems to be oil coming from the engine, pooling on top of the block but also leaking onto the ground after being parked for an hour or so. The walls around the engine, mainly on the left side or passenger side were saturated with presumably the same fluid. Under the car is also saturated from what I am guessing to be a leak, perhaps the same leak from atop the engine block. I've had the car repaired and paid for a system fault diagnostic, and in both cases haven't received any helpful info as to what it is, the cause or where the leak is coming from, or how to treat it. I very recently had the oil changed and the invoice showed a comment stating that my car appears to be leaking oil. There was no further commentary. I fear that my kia Rio may be dangerous to drive for reasons such as a fire hazard or breakdown from overheating possibly resulting in leaving me on the side of a highway, stranded. Also the a/c and heater do not operate as they should. The panel controls are out of whack and neither a/c or heat perform in sync with the commands. A mechanic has said this appears to be due to electrical issues, possibly with the main computer, though the systems fault diagnostics was performed after the mechanic informed me of this, and seeing that I was charged for that service I can only assume that the main computer is doing what it is meant to do, relaying the info to the tech's computer. I just don't know if I have a good car that needs a lot of work or if I'm driving a deathtrap. No recalls for this vehicle but I see a lot of kia's vehicles being recalled. And I believe they no longer make the kia Rio. Just at a loss as to what is happening and what to do about it. Times are tough financially or I would definitely have more proper detailed info to give, that or have a good running car. . .

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.