Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor RIO - part 1

2018 kia Rio – severe oil consumption leading to low compression (30 psi on cylinder 2) and engine failure. Dealership installed incorrect non-oem spark plugs prior to failure. Kia denies warranty coverage although this matches known engine defects in other kia models.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

My 2018 kia Rio s (VIN [xxx] ) suffered sudden engine failure at approximately 84 000 miles. I pulled over immediately when the oil light came on, but the engine began rattling and was later diagnosed by the dealer as a bearing/seizure failure requiring full engine replacement (estimate ? $15 865). This vehicle uses the 1. 6 l gamma ii gdi engine, which is the same engine family already included in kia’s “engine litigation ii” settlement and ksds (knock sensor detection system) program for forte, soul, and other models. However, kia claims the 2018 Rio is not covered by the extended warranty even though the failure mode is identical (rod-bearing wear and oil starvation). I never received any recall or settlement notice. The lack of notification and exclusion of the Rio model leave owners unprotected against a known safety-related defect that can cause stalling or fire. I request NHTSA investigate inclusion of 2018 kia Rio vehicles in the existing gamma engine recall/settlement. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

The entire car failed. Caught on fire from the console and passenger seat while driving on 1-15 . 8. 15. 2025 . Car filled wit black moke and fire. L was driving blind. Brakes failed, power failed, burning the entire time. I somehow got out of burning vehicle and ran about 100 yards and watched the car explode!! had car tuned up at findlay Honda whede it was bought, 4 months ago, and they said it was fine. . . Fire and police both told me I should not be here. Since, my life is in shambles. No car, no id for a motnh, no license for 3 weeks. I bought car in 2023--- car was recalled in 2020. But was it and if it was, why did this exact problem occur? someone must be responsible. On anxiety pillxs.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

I’ve been hearing this rattle noise mostly when I crank the vehicle. I took it to go get checked out and they heard it when I first brought it in for them to check. But when they got it to the back for mechanic to listen for it, of course it didn’t do it. They kept my car a whole day to try n find the issue/hear the noise and was unsuccessful. I’ve been told that it could possibly have something to do with the car timing or something with the engine. My car only has 34000 miles on it and it’s making this noise. They won’t approve me to trade it in or anything to help fix the problem or get me in something better.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Rio. The contact had notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The recall repair was performed; however, while starting the vehicle the check engine, abs, and oil warning lights and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. While attempting to turn the steering wheel, there was a lot of resistance in the steering wheel and while pressing the brake pedal the brake pedal went to the floorboard and lost power brakes functionality. The contact checked the brake fluid level, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer. The contact was informed that there repair had not worked, and resetting the fuse had failed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 114,928.

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.

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 and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

I tried to get the parts fixed from the recall. However, when I tried to get it serviced I was adviced that the parts would take a few weeks to arrive. With an appending move to helena, mt from lambertville, mi they informed me that they would not be able to fix the recall issues. There is no kia dealership within a reasonable distance from my current location. I am having issues with the dealership towing the Rio without charging me the amount of $1300. The engine had completely stopped. I towed the car from michigan to montana with a uhaul because of the recall issues.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

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.

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 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.

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 engine had begun to catch on fire. The location of the fire was the front engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by bystanders using fire extinguishers. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. No injuries were reported. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed as the vehicle was reported a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder #1 misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,316.

When my car is running it makes a knocking noise from engine I have taken it th the dealer they heard it but said they can figure out where it's coming from. The engine runs hotter than normal. The rods I think are the cause.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

The engine started to lose power, and the check engine light illuminated. The power drop was most noticable when accelerating from a stop. At times, randomly, the engine rpms would dip down to 200-300 at idle and would almost stall. Upon further investigation, the engine has been excessively consuming oil. I brought the vehicle to a local mechanic shop to get a detailed diagnosis, they informed me the catalytic converter was clogged and constricting exhaust flow. The engine has developed a ticking/knock. The catalytic converter, and an O2 sensor was replaced with that visit. The ticking/knock persists.

Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.

Unknown was clearing my car of snow and had the defroster on when I smelled a burning smell coming from I assume the engine.

The gdi 1. 6l engines are manufactured with a flaw that affects piston rings and makes oil consumption go up which in turn can make the engine run dry and damage the engine, which if you're in a bad location could be dangerous. My car has been dealing with the issue and I searched yet found no recalls for the engine. 2. It can put me and others at risk, if my car breaks and I'm driving in a snowy or hot area, or breaks when driving up hill or down hill. 3. Look all over the internet gdi 1. 6 oil consumption issue. 4. Yes, repair shop. 5. Plenty of times barely drove 200 miles and I get the red lamp for no oil/low oil level.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

I got an oil change right after the car overheated and I believe the engine is blown now. I don’t understand how all this can happen after an oils change.

My car is consuming oil.

The oil light flashed in the car once after an oil change, so I took the car back the very next day to the mechanic and he said there was no oil in the car at the time. He filled the car back up with oil, and by the end of the week, the car needed oil again, but no light indicated the car was low on oil. Months went by with constant oil changes and the car needing oil, so the mechanic told me to take the car to the dealership because he couldn't find a leak. Took the car to the dealership, they couldn't find a leak either. Took the car back to the main mechanic who said the car was consuming too much oil and that a new engine was needed. Spoke to the corporate office for the car company and was told that I needed to get all these tests did before I could be eligible for a new engine. I scheduled the tests, but before I could even make it to the dealership for the tests, the car gave out because there was no oil again and this time the car started burning. I called corporate again and was told that since I'm not the original owner of the car I would be denied for a new engine and that I wouldn't be offered a loaner car. I was told it was best for me to get another car, which is what I did, and now I'm stuck paying for two cars because I couldn't trade this one in because of the engine problem, even though the car is drivable. This car has put me in a lot of safety risks because there have been times when I was on the side of the road in the early morning hours because the car had no oil and was burning. The car wouldn't go over a certain speed limit when the oil was low and/or empty, so I was put at risk as well due to other drivers going the speed limit.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

Recall sc223 brake master cylinder. Rough metal edges can pinatrate seals causing leaks poor braking functionality. Nhtsa capaign id# 21v936000. Nov. 30th. 2021, 87 vehicles effected. Clay cooley kia refused to honor the recall and fix the problem with my vehicle on 10/25/2024. Recall on the catalytic converters. Recall sc176 , carbon monoxide poisoning due to exhaust systems malfunctioning and exhaust coming through the ac system. When I took my 2020 Rio s to vanguard kia arlington texas. Vanguard kia refused to honor the recall because my vehicle had over 80,000 miles and that's why vanguard kia service advisors wouldn't replace the catalytic converters. Or vanguard kia would have replaced them! even though it was a safety issue. My wife and I recently was admitted to parkland hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning levels of tests taken at the hospital blood gas tests were above level 9 for carbon monoxide poisoning. My level was 13. So now we're having to drive our 2020 Rio s with the windows down and the ac vents closed. To keep from getting carbon monoxide poisoning again!! please help us get these 2 safety recall issues fixed. We cannot afford it out of pocket. Kia should honor their recalls. Vehicle owners.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

The contact owned a 2015 kia Rio. The contact stated that while the friend was driving approximately 70 mph the vehicle suddenly began to loose 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 the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away to a nearby towing facility. A fire and police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure and fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 118,000.

My son and I were driving home from work on ih-35 and I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. Then within seconds, flames appeared moving quickly towards the windshield. I attempted to move to the shoulder and after doing so, I was unable to stop since the brakes were no longer working. I had to use the parking brake when it slowed down and then once stopped, my son and I jumped out of the vehicle and within 3-5 seconds, the entire car was overcome with fire which then exploded.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

Engine making noise and smelling like it’s burning. Towed to mechanic said oil was not there despite recent oil change and said sparks of metal was on oil dipstick. Now being told needs new engine after recall oiece completed and the car has less than 110k miles. Kia will not honor an engine replacement.

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.

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 center which told me it was either a cylinder rod or a lower engine bearing failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no, the manufacture kia has a recall on other models in this year range but not the Rio. The other models have a similar engine failure caused by a faulty cylinder rod bearing. The Rio has never been added to this recall list, but it should be because it looks like the engine issues are also on this model in the same time frame. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, they only came on when the engine failed. Then every warning light appeared.

Vehicle has just over 110,000 miles and the vehicle burns oil like crazy. Piston rings typically last 150,000 miles. Started running low on old 5,000 miles ago. I’ve looked online and found more incidences like mine and are happening around the same mileage. This can cause major engine damage if left untreated. I feel it’s worth an investigation to save people from future issues like this. Vehicles should last well over 100,000 miles without major engine repair like piston rings. Unfortunately I have no documentation to prove this I have no money to take it to the shop but I’ve changed the oil about 4 times in the past 3 months. It sounds like maintenance needs to be carried out but I can assure you that something this major should not be happening at 110,000 miles. Thank you for your time.

The contact owns a 2023 kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle restarted; however, the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The following day the contact was able to start the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer found no failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,900.

Slowed down on highway as there was a backup from an exit, then accelerated again and car would not accelerate correctly. Engine light came on and then turned off as I exited off the highway. I turned the car off once safely parked. Burning smell was noted. Car would not start and was towed to auto shop where it was checked and deemed as an internal engine failure.

Vehicle burning through excessive amounts of oil. Check engine light came on and car was making a loud ticking noise and knock. Dealership confirmed the vehicle will need a new engine. Kia corporate denied replacement because vehicle is out of warranty. Reported problem to kia before warranty expired and was still denied.

The engine has very bad loss of oil pressure it consumption of a lot oil the engine knock very bad that engine has decreased its power the engine oil light always on so I stop driving the car and car blows white smoke from the engine my mechanic told he did not want to work on the car because of the engine but I can get a invoice he quoted me 3,000 dollars for a new engine I have not even had this car for long could not even drive it around or get my child to school.

See all problems of the 2007 Kia Motor RIO 🔎.

I was parked in ghe parking lot and went into the store and came back to my car and starting then it was not getting started I tried many times even though it was like battery dead and I call my insurance company and asked for roadside assistance amd they tried using jump start evne though it was not starting so with the help of other sources I tried to rotate crankshaft manually it was stucked and not rotating so I thought it was engine sezied.

My 2018 kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is no reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other kia dealerships in the area (mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.