2018 Kia Rio Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2018 Kia Rio ranks 15th worst of 19 model years, with a complaint index of 22 and a Best verdict relative to other Rio years. NHTSA lists 28 complaints, 1 recall, 3 crashes, and 2 fires, with Engine problems making up 57% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 22/100
- #15 of 19 Rio years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 28
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 32
- 28.5 city / 37 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2018 Kia Rio problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine16 (57%)
- Electrical System6 (21%)
- Airbags5 (18%)
- Other5 (18%)
- Structure & Body4 (14%)
- Fuel System2 (7%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report excessive oil consumption, sometimes needing a quart added every 1,000 miles.
- Some engines lost oil entirely between changes, leading to knocking noises and eventual rod failure.
- One owner reported the engine caught fire after making abnormal noise while driving on the highway.
- The trunk latch has failed to open, sometimes tied to a recall repair with unavailable replacement parts.
- A steering wheel locked up during low-speed parking maneuvers shortly after purchase.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a head-on collision with a deer.
2018 Kia Rio recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V622000Aug 9, 2021Structure & Body253,074 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, 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 assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
2018 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28.5 MPG
- Highway
- 37 MPG
- Combined
- 32 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,050
- 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.
2018 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Kia Rio reliable?
- Relative to other Rio model years, the 2018 ranks well: it has a complaint index of 22, the 15th worst (so among the better years) out of 19 years tracked, earning a Best verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Rio?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to the Engine, accounting for 57% of complaints (16 of 28), including reports of excessive oil consumption and one engine fire.
- Does the 2018 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (21V622000) covers a trunk latch that may become damaged and prevent the trunk from opening from inside. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2018 Rio compare to other bad Rio years?
- The 2018 Rio's complaint index of 22 is much lower than the worst years, such as 2013 (index 100) and 2020 (index 94), both rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Kia Rio?
- EPA rates the 2018 Rio at 32 mpg combined (28.5 city / 37 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,050.