What 77 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Rio

I am filing this complaint regarding a persistent low beam headlight failure on my 2016 Kia Rio that has not been resolved after a paid repair at an authorized Kia dealership. The low beam headlights on my vehicle stopped functioning. I brought the vehicle to Car Pros Kia in [XXX] for diagnosis and repair on XXX.. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty Body Control Module (BCM) and replaced it on XXX. The dealership released the car to me with a 25-point inspection reading that all exterior lights were functional. The repair did not fix the problem — my low beams remain non-functional. I returned the vehicle on May 15th, 2026 so they can remedy the repair. They released my vehicle to me a second time with no functioning low-beam headlights. On XXX, the dealership is now quoting $3,205.01 for a wiring harness replacement as a third repair attempt, with no acknowledgment that the original diagnosis was incorrect. My vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe condition following a paid repair. Non-functional low beams are a safety hazard, particularly for nighttime driving. I am aware that Kia has a documented history of headlamp low beam connector wiring harness failures across multiple models, including extended warranty coverage and TSB ELE179 issued for similar issues in other Kia vehicles. I am requesting this complaint be added to the record for the 2016 Kia Rio. If other owners are experiencing similar issues, I believe this warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11742052

I am filing a complaint regarding repeated failures of the LED tail light assemblies on my 2016 Kia Rio. This vehicle uses combination tail lights that include both standard bulbs and integrated LED brake lights. The LED portion has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. I am now experiencing failure again, requiring replacement of multiple tail light assemblies. Each assembly costs approximately $400, and my vehicle requires four total units. This results in a significant repair cost for what should be a long-lasting component. LED lighting is widely expected to last far longer than traditional bulbs, and repeated failure raises concerns about product reliability and safety. The failure is intermittent and occurs at the brake light function. At times, the brake light does not illuminate unless the connector is physically manipulated. This creates a serious safety hazard, as following drivers may not be properly alerted when braking. This is not normal wear and tear. Brake lights are a critical safety system, and failure of sealed LED assemblies—especially more than once—suggests a design or manufacturing defect. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for potential defect investigation, as other owners may be experiencing similar failures with these LED tail light systems. Vehicle Information: * Make: Kia * Model: Rio * Year: 2016 * Trim: SX * Component: Rear Tail Light / Brake Light (LED combo Assembly) I contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue and was advised to take the vehicle to a dealership and pay for a diagnostic inspection, with no guarantee that any repair would be covered. Given the repeated nature of this failure, the high cost of the assemblies, and the serious safety concerns for drivers, passengers and others on the road, this response is concerning. Thank you for your attention to this safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11735244

My car is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Upon inspection, it was determined that the issue lies with my catalytic converter. I have discovered that this problem has been reported in other Kia vehicles. The information I found suggests that the oil I am using is being bypassed by the catalytic converter, which indicates a potential issue with the Kia car’s design. Engine light won’t go off

NHTSA ODI 11700990

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.

NHTSA ODI 11690274

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.

NHTSA ODI 11689368

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.

NHTSA ODI 11669451

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.

NHTSA ODI 11648356

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.

NHTSA ODI 11638933

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.

NHTSA ODI 11628954

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the interior rearview center mirror failed to remain in place after manually being positioned. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the warranty had expired after 5 years from the manufactured date. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ODI 11624943

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.

NHTSA ODI 11601816

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.

NHTSA ODI 11601480

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.

NHTSA ODI 11594706

We were doing a lot of stop and go driving in warm weather. I noticed braking seemed to be normal at first but just before the accident I press the brake and the pedal went to the floor and the vehicle wouldn’t . I hit the car in front of me. My vehicle was presumably totaled. There was lots of fluids on the floor.

NHTSA ODI 11592853

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had an abnormal burning oil odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who checked the vehicle and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact drove the vehicle back to another independent mechanic who checked the engine and determined that engine oil needed to be added. The vehicle was repaired. The mechanic informed the contact to check the oil level every week. The contact stated was adding a quart or more of engine oil every two weeks. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11589661

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.

NHTSA ODI 11589184

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11584777

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11583477

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11583545

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11582310

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580909

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580747

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.

NHTSA ODI 11580535

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580146

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11573148