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Model year record

2016 Kia Rio recalls & problems

The 2016 Kia Rio has 2 safety recalls and 79 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (39 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints79filed by owners
Crashes · fires8 · 6reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2016 Kia Rio in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 25, 2023

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 23V6520001,730,192 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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.
Latches/locks/linkagesAug 24, 2023

Trunk lid › Latch

Recall 23V594000319,436 vehicles

Problem
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2016 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk11.6%

2016 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk11.6%
2016 Kia Rio NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2016 Kia Rio NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Rio Eco

31mpg combined
City / highway27 / 36 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,150/year to fuel

Rio

31mpg combined
City / highway27 / 36 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,150/year to fuel

Rio

30mpg combined
City / highway27 / 36 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine3906160,000 mi
Unknown or other15131—
Service brakes, hydraulic12000—
Electrical systemIgnition904035,500 mi
Air bags5504—
Power train5000—
Service brakes5110—
Fuel/propulsion system4021—
Exterior lighting4000—
Steering3100—
Engine and engine cooling3000110,000 mi
StructureBody2010—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations