Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
425–50K
450–75K
275–100K
5100–150K
1150K+
22 reports with mileage · 55 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports5 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
77 reports
16,003 miles · Oct 23, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA RIO. A MINUTE AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER (DYER KIA, 21280 US-27, LAKE WALES, FL 33859) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA RIO. A MINUTE AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER (DYER KIA, 21280 US-27, LAKE WALES, FL 33859) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,003. *LN*JB
NHTSA ODI #11142173
12,800 miles · Jun 9, 2018
EngineSteering
THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR AT THE END OF DECEMBER 2017 (LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AGO). THE DASHBOARD WILL LIGHT UP WITH A NUMBER OF ICONS AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON (SEE PHOTO FROM DECEMBER). THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, IT WAS A BITTERLY COLD DAY AND THE ICONS POPPED UP AS I WAS DRIVING. I FELT THE ST…
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THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR AT THE END OF DECEMBER 2017 (LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AGO). THE DASHBOARD WILL LIGHT UP WITH A NUMBER OF ICONS AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED ON (SEE PHOTO FROM DECEMBER). THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, IT WAS A BITTERLY COLD DAY AND THE ICONS POPPED UP AS I WAS DRIVING. I FELT THE STEERING BECOME TIGHT, BUT LUCKILY I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT TO SAFETY. THE ICONS WENT AWAY AFTER RUNNING THE CAR FOR A LONG TIME (I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST THE COLD WEATHER). BUT WHEN I CHECKED ON MY CAR LATER BEFORE DRIVING, THE ICONS RETURNED. I HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED LATER THAT DAY BECAUSE THE ICONS DID NOT GO AWAY AND THE POWER STEERING DID NOT RETURN. THE ISSUE STOPPED AS SOON AS IT REACHED THE DEALERSHIP, SO THEY SENT ME ON MY WAY. I TURNED THE CAR ON THE FOLLOWING MORNING (STATIONARY, DID NOT MOVE IT YET) AND THE ICONS RETURNED, THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE. I GOT IT TOWED AGAIN. AFTER DAYS OF TESTING, THEY DETERMINED IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND SOMETHING WAS FIXED WITH WIRING. NOW IT IS JUNE 2018, AND THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN (ON A WARM DAY - SO IT IS NOT COLD RELATED AS I WAS ORIGINALLY TOLD). I COULD NOT STEER AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON IN THE EARLY MORNING ONCE AGAIN. I GOT IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ISSUE IS BEING INVESTIGATED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS THE STEERING IS AFFECTED, AND WITH HOW MANY ICONS LIGHT UP RELATED TO THE AIR BAGS AND BRAKES, I AM NOT SURE WHAT ELSE COULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11100709
915 miles · Apr 4, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE AT A STOP OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE AT A STOP OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TEAM KIA (1215 SCALP AVENUE, JOHNSTOWN, PA 15904, 814-266-8611) WHERE THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT A FAILURE CODE WAS NOT LOCATED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO LOW GRADE FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 915.
NHTSA ODI #11083201
9,965 miles · Oct 30, 2017
Unknown Or Other
WHEN I TURNED MY RIGHT SIGNAL LIGHT ON THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND THE HIGH BEAM LIGHT ICON STARTED FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD.
NHTSA ODI #11041161
58,000 miles · Oct 23, 2017
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT HEARD SOMETHING DRAGGING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB SIGHT INDEPENDENCE KIA (1700 S. NOLAND ROAD, INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS PRESENT. THE CONTACT HEARD SOMETHING DRAGGING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB SIGHT INDEPENDENCE KIA (1700 S. NOLAND ROAD, INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS LIKELY CAUSED BY THE OWNER. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 58,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11035893
14,600 miles · Oct 21, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER A FEW MOMENTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER A FEW MOMENTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,600.
NHTSA ODI #10917774
51,000 miles · Oct 8, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury
ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY9:12PM, I [XXX] , HAD JUST PICKED UP A PASSENGER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT . WHERE AS I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A SIGNAL LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTHWESTERN AND MOCKINGBIRD WITH THE PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED THE NUMBER IS [XXX] THE…
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ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY9:12PM, I [XXX] , HAD JUST PICKED UP A PASSENGER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT . WHERE AS I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A SIGNAL LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTHWESTERN AND MOCKINGBIRD WITH THE PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED THE NUMBER IS [XXX] THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLORE .....UPDATED 10/26/16 *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
2016 Kia Rio Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year