2018 Kia RIO

28 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Apr 17, 2024Saint Petersburg, FLAir bags, Electrical system, Engine

   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 the represenative did approve the repairs for the airbag, they have not given the dealership an answear about ANYTHING engine related- we need an answear if we should be waiting or having it towed out of there. They have had it for a month. We repeatedly try to get ahold of them but they ignore when we call or email them. The represenative also made sexist comments about "being a woman" and its clear our safety concerns are not being handled serioursly. Just like with the inside, we get codes for certian parts but not all the other parts that go bad. You can not just hook it up to a computer and see what is wrong because of all the issues with the sensors (all reported under warranty and never fixed). The car goes through over 30 quarts of oil in between changes, and we belive that the tempterature sensors do not actually work because there is an EXCESSIVE amount of heat that comes off the engine. The clockspring turned into steering colums, a seat, electrical. Otherwise we can not drive the car anyways and would be happy to hand it over to be dismantled and inspected if the NHSTA would be willing to do that- the car is INCREDIBLY defective. I am INCREDIBLY scared if I have to drive off with this thing. Its an absolute safety hazzard weather or not the computer is flagging it.

   NHTSA complaint 11755104
2. Filed May 23, 2026Failure Apr 28, 2026Noblesville, INEngine

   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 Kia’s 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 “second owner, out of warranty” despite defect clearly existing at time of purchase and being acknowledged in their TSB. Vehicle now showing catalytic converter failure code again (14-month-old converter failing). Kia refuses to remedy despite documented defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11739727
3. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Oct 25, 2025Phoenix, AZAir bags, Electrical system

   Took my car in as the airbag light on the dashboard kept turning on and off— 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. There’s 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 it’s up to date on all maintenance but I was quoted over $3000 to fix this which is essentially the value of my car now, totaling the vehicle even though it has no other issues. This is a major safety issue, when you buy a car you expect that the airbags and corresponding electrical equipment last you for the life of the car or until there is an accident.

   NHTSA complaint 11727369
4. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Mar 8, 2023Saint Petersburg, FLAir bags, Electrical system, Engine

   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 continually needed replaced but they did not fix the issue that has caused it to go bad. When the small mechanics hear about the issue they are confused because the type of motor I have was recalled in other cars for the same issues. My car just recently surpassed the warranty, I should not be having to still fight the dealership to have a car in working condition for the same problems they kept putting bandaid on during warranty repairs.

   NHTSA complaint 11727159
5. Filed Jan 27, 2026Failure Jan 22, 2026Phoenix, AZAir bags, Seats

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11713726
6. Filed Nov 22, 2025Failure Jul 1, 2023Prince Frederick, MDEngine

   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 entering the cabin are unsafe to breathe. Kia Customer Care denied goodwill assistance due to the number of previous owners and the mileage, even though the dealership confirmed abnormal oil consumption and noted this is a known issue with these engines. Kia has refused to assist repairing or replacing the engine, leaving me driving a vehicle that is unsafe and at risk of failure. The excessive oil consumption, smoke entering the cabin, and the potential for engine failure create a serious safety hazard for occupants and other drivers. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this issue, as it appears to be a recurring safety-related problem with these engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11700932
7. Filed Oct 12, 2025Failure Oct 10, 2025Montgomery, ALEngine

   2018 Kia Rio – 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

   NHTSA complaint 11692892
8. Filed Oct 6, 2025Failure Oct 4, 2025San diego, CAEngine

   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 ≈ $15 865). This vehicle uses the 1.6 L Gamma II GDI engine, which is the same engine family already included in Kia’s “Engine Litigation II” 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 received any recall or settlement notice. The lack of notification and exclusion of the Rio model leave owners unprotected against a known safety-related defect that can cause stalling or fire. I request NHTSA investigate inclusion of 2018 Kia Rio vehicles in the existing Gamma engine recall/settlement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11691729
9. Filed Sep 9, 2025Failure Aug 26, 2025Columbia, SCBody

   Paint is peeling

   NHTSA complaint 11686166
10. Filed Apr 4, 2025Failure Mar 10, 2025110,000 milesSandy, UTEngine and engine coolingFire

    The contact owned a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 85 MPH, the engine emitted abnormal noise with no warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to exit the highway and enter a gas station parking lot, and upon exiting the vehicle, it was apparent that the engine had begun to catch on fire. The location of the fire was the front engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by bystanders using fire extinguishers. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. No injuries were reported. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed as the vehicle was reported a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11652874
11. Filed Mar 5, 2025Failure Mar 5, 2025102,316 milesOkeechobee, FLEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder #1 misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,316.

    NHTSA complaint 11646521
12. Filed Nov 10, 2024Failure Nov 1, 2024Austell, GAEngine

    MY CAR IS CONSUMING OIL

    NHTSA complaint 11624448
13. Filed Jun 9, 2024Failure Apr 19, 2024Coraopolis, PAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Service brakesFire

    My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain Kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is NO reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the Kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other Kia dealerships in the area (Mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.

    NHTSA complaint 11593284
14. Filed May 18, 2024Failure Feb 14, 2024Irmo, SCEngine

    I've been having issues with the engine for a while I'm constantly getting oil changes and after getting the oil change I would still have to add oil in every 2-3 weeks. 2/14/2024 My Oil light came on back on after putting oil in 2 weeks prior. That day my Car stalled on the HWY all my dash lights( battery, engine and oil light flashed. Ive been to multiple mechanics shop such as Express oil and Midas and both have told me there is a recall on engine such as mines, I called Kia multiple times and they told me it wasn't. I took the car to Kia last year and told them i was having issues with my engine and they told me I all I needed was a tuneup. Got the tune up and oil changed. I still ended up having to continue to add oil in my car. I brought this car brand new back in 2018 and only put 117k miles on the car. I've gotta regular oil changes and kept up with the car. My oil wasn't due for another oil change when the incident occurred.

    NHTSA complaint 11589405
15. Filed Feb 23, 2024Failure Feb 21, 2024Leesburg, TXEngine

    My dad bought a Kia Rio 2018 for 8k cash a day ago well two blocks from the dealer white smoke comes out of exhaust then oil pressure light came on, pulled over checked oil which was overfull with milky residue, dealer said to drive it home so we tried them got half block then black smoke came out and it started rattling then died so we left it. Mechanic said it threw a rod and hole in the engine. I know the 2017 Kia Rio is included in the class action lawsuit and I want the 2018 to be looked at into adding because if we were going faster when it happened something bad could have happened. I have videos and pictures evidence but it won't allow me to upload because the files are to big.

    NHTSA complaint 11573695
16. Filed Dec 8, 2023Failure Dec 28, 2021chino hills, CAEngine, Unknown or other

    For the past year and few months I’ve been having to do an oil change every two weeks because of how fast the engine is burning the oil. Several times I arrive to the shop to find the oil pan is completely empty causing issues with my engine beginning to make strange noises that are concerning. The dash light does not come on to notify me that there is no oil. I’m sure the damage is severe because I have had the check engine light come on a couple times and having to fix it because of this. Other Kia drivers have had this issue with other models, including this one.

    NHTSA complaint 11559237
17. Filed Jun 8, 2023Failure Jan 4, 2023Hammond, INEngine

    Excessive engine oil consumption which has caused car to enter limp mode

    NHTSA complaint 11526075
18. Filed Jan 11, 2023Failure Jan 11, 2023San Antonio, TXKey/sender, Unknown or other

    Auto theft alarm listed as standard. There is NO THEFT DETECTION AT ALL. There is only a bogus flashing led that does nothing when parked. This is fraud.

    NHTSA complaint 11501364
19. Filed Dec 23, 2022Failure Nov 22, 2022Milwaukee, WIUnknown or otherCrash

    My vehicle was stolen while parked with a club on the steering wheel then damaged and abandoned. I was without a vehicle for a month during repairs. It has been reported on the news that Kias are easily stolen due to the type of ignition system. A recall to fix this is need immediately!

    NHTSA complaint 11498683
20. Filed Dec 15, 2022Failure Jul 1, 2021Hillsboro, OREngine, Exterior lighting

    Excessive oil consumption 1 quart every 1000 miles. The brake light socket overheats causing fast bulb burn outs.

    NHTSA complaint 11497523