2016 Kia Rio Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
85/100
#3 most-complained of 14 Rio years
The 2016 Kia Rio ranks 3rd worst of 14 model years, with a Complaint Index of 85 and 77 NHTSA complaints, 5 fires, and 7 crashes. Engine problems account for 55% of complaints, making this an Avoid year relative to other Rio model years.
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 31
- 27 city / 36 hwy
Top 2016 Kia Rio problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine surging, losing power, and in some cases catching fire, sometimes preceded by a loud tapping or banging sound.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during rear-end and frontal collisions, leaving occupants without protection.
- Some owners describe brake pedals sinking to the floor with fluid leaking, resulting in reduced stopping ability and collisions.
- Electrical system complaints include the vehicle stalling while still running electronics, followed by an engine fire.
- One owner described the vehicle catching fire shortly after parking, with the fire destroying the car.
- Steering became difficult at low speed for one owner, causing the vehicle to slide into a ditch.
2016 Kia Rio recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 23V594000Aug 24, 2023Structure & Body319,436 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
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.
Remedy: 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.
2016 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 31 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Kia Rio reliable?
- Compared with other Rio model years, the 2016 is one of the worse years. It has a Complaint Index of 85, the 3rd highest out of 14 model years, and 77 NHTSA complaints, with Engine issues making up 55% of them.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Rio?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine problems are the top issue at 55% of complaints, followed by Brakes at 23% and Electrical System at 16%. Engine-related complaints show a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Rio: a Brakes recall telling owners to park outside pending repair, and a Structure & Body recall covering a trunk latch base that may crack and prevent opening the trunk from inside.
- How does the 2016 Rio compare to other years?
- The 2016 Rio has a Complaint Index of 85, worse than 2017 (46), 2018 (31), 2019 (38), and 2021-2023 (8, 15, 0), which are rated Good or Best. Only 2013 (100) ranks worse than 2016 among all 14 model years.
- Are there fire risks with the 2016 Kia Rio?
- NHTSA complaints include 5 reported fires for the 2016 Rio, with several owners describing engine fires and one describing an electrical stall followed by fire.