*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Air bags
The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then that mechanic said that it needed to go back to a dealership because it was defective. I advocated for months for it to be evaluated. No one at kia helped me despite this being a repeat warranty issue. I finally found a shop that would waive a diagnostic and he confirmed the issues atleast with the airbags- however in order to fully diagnose the engine they also needed to replace parts in order to perform an oil consumption test. While…
Apr 17, 2024Engine
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption defect acknowledged in Kia TSB ENG222. Repeated catalytic converter failures indicate potential overheating risk similar to 2019 Gamma engine recall for fire hazard. Engine burning oil creates risk of critically low oil levels leading to engine failure/stalling while driving. Multiple emission system failures (oil consumption, catalytic converter) suggest unsafe vehicle condition. Vehicle failed Kiaâs own oil consumption tests in December 2023 and March 2024. Kia dealership recommended engine replacement per TSB ENG222 in March 2024. Kia denied coverage citing âsecond owner, out of warrantyâ despite defect clearly existing at time of purchase and…
Apr 28, 2026Electrical system
Took my car in as the airbag light on the dashboard kept turning on and offâ with or without a passenger in the seat. The dealership ran a diagnostic inspection and turns out that the passenger side OCS Mat and ECU are faulty and need to be replaced (DTC codes B176700 and B17672F). I have not been in a crash and there are no obvious signs of damage to the seat that might have caused this. Thereâs no active recall for this but it does seem that one other person has reported issues with the passenger airbag system and I know other Kia models have had recalls in the past. The car had about 90,000 miles on it when this issue started and itâs up to date on all maintenance but I was quoted…
Oct 25, 2025Air bags
The first problem part is the airbag. The clockspring was fixed twice under warranty. Then the dealership said they wont keep doing it and blamed me wrongly. I had a private mechanic repair the same part twice due to the code it was giving but it turns out thats not what's wrong with it. The entire airbag and electrical components are bad, that is why the two repairs the dealership as well as the private mechanic made did not work. We also have some engine problems they wont continue to fix because my warranty is now surpassed. The car burns through 20 quarts of oil in between changes, it has no leaks. It has so much carbon buildup. They replaced a gasket and thats another part that has…
Mar 8, 2023Seats
My car is a 2018 Kia Rio that has a clean history and has never been in an accident. Recently my airbag light came on and I had a diagnostic run that showed a B1448 code indicating an OCS mat defect in the passenger seat. The 2015-2018 Kia Sedona models also had the same problem and were issued safety recalls. Due to this previous history I believe there could be a safety recall needed for the Kia Rio models as well.
Jan 22, 2026Engine
My 2018 Kia Rio is burning 2 quarts of oil every 800 miles, confirmed by a Kia dealership through an official oil consumption test. The issue first started around 110,000 miles and has progressively gotten worse. I have owned the vehicle since it had 40,000 miles, and I have always had the oil changed on time and maintained the car properly. Despite proper maintenance, the engine gives off a strong burning-oil odor, and smoke enters the cabin while driving. This happens consistently, not occasionally. Because the engine loses oil so quickly, it can run dangerously low without warning, creating a risk of sudden engine failure while driving. I regularly transport my [XXX] child, and the fumes…
Jul 1, 2023Engine
2018 Kia Rio â severe oil consumption leading to low compression (30 PSI on Cylinder 2) and engine failure. Dealership installed incorrect non-OEM spark plugs prior to failure. Kia denies warranty coverage although this matches known engine defects in other Kia models
Oct 10, 2025Engine
My 2018 Kia Rio S (VIN [XXX] ) suffered sudden engine failure at approximately 84 000 miles. I pulled over immediately when the oil light came on, but the engine began rattling and was later diagnosed by the dealer as a bearing/seizure failure requiring full engine replacement (estimate â $15 865). This vehicle uses the 1.6 L Gamma II GDI engine, which is the same engine family already included in Kiaâs âEngine Litigation IIâ settlement and KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) program for Forte, Soul, and other models. However, Kia claims the 2018 Rio is not covered by the extended warranty even though the failure mode is identical (rod-bearing wear and oil starvation). I never…
Oct 4, 2025
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.