This page covers 2 recalls, 26 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Kia Rio.
32 mpg combined
7.4 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.
The dominant pattern in 2018 Kia Rio complaints centers on the engine, with oil consumption being the most frequently described issue. Multiple owners report burning through oil at an abnormal rate, in some cases losing a quart or more every few hundred miles, with problems typically surfacing after 100,000 miles. Some of these cases progressed to low cylinder compression and engine failure. The airbag warning light is the second most-reported concern, with several owners describing the light illuminating intermittently without any crash history. Diagnostics in those cases frequently pointed to the passenger seat occupant sensor or related components. A smaller number of owners also reported clockspring failures tied to the airbag system, with some experiencing repeat repairs on the same part.
26
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Kia Rio has 2 recalls, the more serious being a trunk latch that can become damaged and prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside, trapping anyone inside the compartment. The other recall involves a printing error on the compliance label, where the Gross Axle Weight Rating is misprinted as "840 0" kg instead of the correct "840" kg, with no associated safety risk.
At a glance
What can fail
The trunk latch can become damaged, making it impossible to open the trunk from the inside.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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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 →
At a glance
What can fail
The compliance label may incorrectly show "840 0" kgs instead of "840" kgs in the Gross Axle Weight Rating information, causing non-compliance with Canadian safety regulations.
What the fix does
Dealers will use a black paint pen to cover the extra "0" on the label to correct the weight rating display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
