This page covers 3 recalls, 76 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Kia Rio.
30–31 mpg combined
7.6–7.8 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2016 Kia Rio owner reports, with excessive oil consumption the most frequently described issue. Owners report needing to add oil between changes, with some discovering the dipstick reading nearly empty during routine inspections. Dealers who performed oil consumption tests often couldn't pinpoint a root cause. Brake complaints are the second most-reported system, though the narratives don't point to a single consistent symptom across that group. A smaller cluster of electrical reports includes repeated LED tail light assembly failures, with some owners replacing multiple assemblies over the vehicle's life. A handful of owners also describe sudden loss of power while driving, where the car struggles to accelerate from a stop or cuts out unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by a check engine light and sometimes with no warning indicator at all.
76
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Kia Rio has 3 recalls, the most serious being a risk of engine compartment fire that can occur while the vehicle is parked or in motion. The fire risk stems from the ABS control module, which can ignite under the hood and raise the risk of injury to occupants or bystanders. The other two recalls both address the same trunk latch problem: the latch base can crack, preventing the emergency interior release from working and leaving anyone inside the trunk unable to get out.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the trunk release latch may fail, preventing the emergency trunk release inside the trunk from working. This could trap someone inside the trunk.
What the fix does
Kia will mail you instructions to visit a dealership, where technicians will replace the trunk latch base subassembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trunk latch base can crack, which may prevent you from opening the trunk from inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
