2016 Kia Rio Safety Report
2016 KIA RIO Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Kia Rio
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Kia Rio. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (75) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 12 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Kia Rio with 15 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Kia Rio before buying across this generation. |
Kia Rio Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Rio years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Rio | 28 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Kia Rio | 52 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Kia Rio | 24 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Kia Rio | 19 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Kia Rio | 26 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia Rio | 15 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Kia Rio Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Kia Rio, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other,Engine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Engine issues Kia onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Kia onlyAir Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Kia Rio
Reliability Score
The 2016 Kia Rio receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Kia Rio
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Kia Rio
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Kia Rio:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive Oil Consumption The vehicle is burning oil at an alarming rate, consuming at least 1 quart per tank of gas. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Recalled for potential safety issues, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip control unit/module failures. |
High | Common | 0-100k miles |
| Engine Lockup Complete engine lockup during operation at speed was reported, indicating a serious engine failure. |
Low | Occasional | 0-100k miles |
| Interior Rearview Mirror Failure The interior rearview center mirror failed to remain in place after various speeds, affecting visibility. |
Medium | Occasional | 0-100k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Kia Rio:
Engine issues, including excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter problems, are common.
Recalled for potential safety issues, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip control unit/module failures.
Issues with exterior lighting were reported, affecting visibility.
Air bag issues were reported, potentially affecting safety in the event of a collision.
Recall Details for the 2016 Kia Rio
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Kia Rio by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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...
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Kia Rio
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Kia Rio with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
My car is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Upon inspection, it was determined that the issue lies with my catalytic converter. I have discovered that this problem has been reported in other Kia vehicles. The information I found suggests that the oil I am using is being bypassed by the catalytic converter, which indicates a potential issue with the Kia car’s design. Engine light won’t go off
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that there was no oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. An oil consumption test was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 2-3 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The Ford dealer where the vehicle was purchased arranged for the vehicle to be picked up at the residence. The Ford dealer informed the contact that the mechanic and the Kia dealer w...
I was driving when my Kia stalled and shut off but was still playing music and driving. So I pulled over and then my Kia caught on fire and went up in flames.
My car is consuming a lot of oil and I have to add it on a weekly basis. The catalytic converter has already been replace once and is on the verge of having to be replaced again because of this issue. I just bought the vehicle last year. I see that there was a previous campaign with this same issue. See campaign NHTSA ID: 23V-652000. I am wondering why my vehicle was not part of it. Please advise...
This vehicle is burning oil at an alarming rate: at least 1 quart per tank of gas, approximately 340 miles. No oil light comes on in the dash, even if the engine gets ran to dry. Kia accepts this and claims the vehicle is fine. Even with extended warranty coverage, I’m on month 8 now of trying to get this car fixed with Kia shops and now the catalytic converter is failing. Finally the car has disp...
I got an oil change right after the car overheated and I believe the engine is blown now. I don’t understand how all this can happen after an oils change.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the interior rearview center mirror failed to remain in place after manually being positioned. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the warranty had expired after 5 years from the manufactured date. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of t...
Vehicle burning through excessive amounts of oil. Check engine light came on and car was making a loud ticking noise and knock. Dealership confirmed the vehicle will need a new engine. Kia Corporate denied replacement because vehicle is out of warranty. Reported problem to Kia before warranty expired and was still denied.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Complete engine lockup during operation at speed which caused steering and braking to be greatly hampered. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine failed on a 4-lane highway in traffic which could have easily caused a high-speed accident since the car extremely decelerat...
I was parked in ghe parking lot and went into the store and came back to my car and starting then it was not getting started i tried many times even though it was like battery dead and i call my insurance company and asked for roadside assistance amd they tried using jump start evne though it was not starting so with the help of other sources i tried to rotate crankshaft manually it was stucked an...
We were doing a lot of stop and go driving in warm weather. I noticed braking seemed to be normal at first but just before the accident I press the brake and the pedal went to the floor and the vehicle wouldn’t . I hit the car in front of me. My vehicle was presumably totaled. There was lots of fluids on the floor.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had an abnormal burning oil odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who checked the vehicle and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The ...
The car would constantly stall, would need to jiggle ignition to get car to turn over. burn oil EXTREMELY. would foul spark plugs around 20k-30kmiles. , coolant would get burned and get shot out to the exhaust area, and finally the car would have smoke coming out of the engine bay after driving for a distance of 15-30 miles while also getting terrible MPG. Car on average should get 38mpg highway a...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts dist...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had ...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN to...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manuf...
Showing 20 of 75 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Kia Rio
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Opened 2023-11-17
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando....
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Kia Rio
Has the 2016 KIA RIO been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 KIA RIO has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 KIA RIO have?
The 2016 KIA RIO has 75 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 5 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 KIA RIO?
The 2016 KIA RIO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 KIA RIO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 KIA RIO involve engine (19 complaints), service brakes, hydraulic (11 complaints), unknown or other (7 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other,engine, engine and engine cooling, air bags.
How many crash reports does the 2016 KIA RIO have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2016 KIA RIO out of 75 total complaints (9.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 KIA RIO have?
There are 5 fire reports for the 2016 KIA RIO out of 75 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 KIA RIO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 KIA RIO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 KIA RIO?
5 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 KIA RIO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 KIA RIO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 KIA RIO is acceptable with caveats. It has 75 complaints, 2 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 KIA RIO?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 KIA RIO are: 1. ENGINE (19 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (11 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE (4 complaints), 5. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 19 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 KIA RIO?
Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial to prevent engine and brake issues. Ensure the vehicle is up to date with recalls and service recommendations. The 2016 KIA RIO has 75 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2016 KIA RIO?
The 2016 KIA RIO receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 75 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 12 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Excessive Oil Consumption and Service Brakes, Hydraulic.
What are the known issues with the 2016 KIA RIO?
Known issues with the 2016 KIA RIO include: Excessive Oil Consumption, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Engine Lockup, Interior Rearview Mirror Failure. These are based on patterns found across 75 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common engine issues in the 2016 KIA RIO?
Excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter problems are the most common engine issues.
Are there any recalls related to the service brakes of the 2016 KIA RIO?
Yes, service brakes, hydraulic, have been recalled for potential safety concerns.
What should I do if I notice unusual noises from the engine?
Check for check engine lights and unusual noises like ticking and knocking; seek immediate inspection.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Regular maintenance and inspection are crucial to prevent engine and brake issues. Ensure the vehicle is up to date with recalls and service recommendations.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Kia Rio
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Kia Rio. The data includes 75 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Kia Rio an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16