There are 22 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2016 Kia Rioin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
KIA has failed to remedy the HECU Engine Compartment Fire recall (NHTSA campaign number 23V652000) in a timely manner. The issue has been known since September 2023, Vehicle owners were notified in November, and no further information has been given on the status of the recall. *NOTE* Apologies if this is not the correct form. The recall notice mentions a form where recall issues can be reported but there is no information on where to find it.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor in the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle slowed down and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. 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 vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 126,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
At first I thought I was leaking oil. on my next oil change I asked them about the oil consumption. they had me do an oil consumption study. this was around 95,000 miles. at my next oil change they suggested I talked with Kia. before my next oil change my car shut down while my mom was driving on the highway. and I had it towed to kia to find that the catalytic converter was clogged and need to be replace. whats worse is the Kia soul with the 1.6 engine has the exact same problem but that has a recall for it. but not the Rio.
At about 90000 mile brought car into dealership because it was consuming oil. Was told there was no leak found. Oil consumption was not covered. At about 110,000 miles had to bring car into shop because catalytic converter ended up being blocked and had to replaced. Less than a year later at 129,000 miles had vehicle towed back to shop again. Mechanic stated lower bearing had failed and engine would need to be replaced. Contacted junkyards for replacement and there were two he found but we're very expensive. He called Kia and they don't make that engine any longer. Guessing because of all the problems they have with it.
Excessive oil consumption. Over 1 quart every 800 miles. Does not meet similar standards of same vehicle class.
Hello NHTSA, After exhaustively searching online on how to mitigate excessive oil consumption in my girlfriend’s 2016 Kia Rio; Cho et al v. Hyundai Motor Company, Ltd. et al. was brought to my attention. This vehicle failed the oil consumption test performed by KIA. According to the suit, cars with the allegedly faulty engines includes the 2016 Kia Rio. Year: 2016 Make: Kia Model: Rio Trim: LX VIN: KNADM4A39G6599622
I took my car in and kia is stating that my upper catalytic converter manifold is bad. That should not be happening under 100,000 miles. Of course kia would cover it if it was under 80,000 miles. That's not the case with my car and of course my car had a little over 80,000 miles. So that comes out of pocket when it should not be happening.
While driving on the expressway my engine started to get extremely loud and I lost mph, and rpms. I was able to make it home going 35mph the whole way. After having it towed to my nearest kia store I was informed that my Cadillac converter will need to be replaced as well as my engine because all of my pistons had broke. I was up to 106,000 miles and have been up to date on all my oil changes and engine checks. Now I have to pay 10,000 dollars to get it fixed over something that should not have happened so soon
As related to the Kia Soul recall on their 2.4 GDI (same engine I have) the motor is blown. Extreme oil consumption and clogging components. All issues recalled on Soul are the same issues my engine is faced with.
I need a new engine but cant find one because they all keep catching on fire. This is a issue they should refund me for my car or fit it.
Car began burning oil excessively at 102,000 miles.
Was told that my car was consuming too much oil and I’ve been doing oil consumption test for the past year I even did the chemical that was run through my motor which I had to pay for and it was over $800 I feel like they’re giving me the runaround one of the employees at Dick Hanna Kia also told me at one point that I could actually replace the motor myself but my car is still under warranty at 92,000 miles. I just want it resolved either they replaced my motor or do something I have two more oil consumption test and then at that point they will send the information to Dick Hanna Kia dealerships or wherever they send it and then tell me what to do next actually getting frustrated. I have to go every 1000 miles and it takes time out of my day to do this.
Oil consumption is outrageous, having to put a quart in every time I fuel up from empty. Car has a little over 126k miles on it....
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving 10-15 mph, he heard an abnormal loud clicking sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a nearby gas station, where he noticed the engine oil had spilled and the piston and the connecting rods had fractured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Showing 1–20 of 22 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026