2016 Kia RIO
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Kia RIO has 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.9x the segment average of 38. The most common issue is engine problems (37% of all complaints), specifically: 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 ma. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 14 fire reports filed.
110
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
2.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
41 complaints- • 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 MA
- • 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 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 A
“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 MA”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Kia RIO
Based on 34 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 45K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (2)
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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Kia RIO
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Kia RIO
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Kia RIO Service Intervals
Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners
These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2016 RIO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 110 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐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 MA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: From what I understand kia has no fix for manufacturer recall # SC284UB and NHTSA recall# 23V652. That is unacceptable and unprofessional. Kia is a hugh car dealer and they are saying there is no fix yet! I can't believe kia would put people and families at risk. Kia's action plan to put your car ou
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 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 MANU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Kia RIO — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 110
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 14
- Crash reports
- 7
- Injury reports
- 7
- Segment avg
- 38
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Kia RIO