2018 Kia Rio Safety Report

2018 Kia Rio plagued by engine failures and oil consumption, lacks NHTSA crash test ratings, and has a trunk latch recall.

24Complaints
1Recalls
35/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (8)Unknown Or Other (3)Latches/Locks/Linkages (2)Air Bags,Seats (1)Structure (1)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Service Brakes,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Unknown Or Other,Electrical System (1)Exterior Lighting,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Kia Rio

The 2018 Kia Rio presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to significant engine-related complaints despite a low overall complaint count. With only 24 total complaints to NHTSA, the vehicle has reported 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury, but no fatalities. A major concern is the high proportion of engine-related issues, accounting for 8 out of 24 complaints (33%), including severe oil consumption, engine failure, and stalling. This suggests a potential systemic problem with the engine, as evidenced by multiple reports of oil burning and subsequent engine damage at relatively low mileages (e.g., 84,000 miles for engine failure, 110,000 miles for severe oil consumption). Recall history for the 2018 Kia Rio includes one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000) concerning the trunk latch, which could prevent the trunk from opening from the inside, posing a risk of entrapment. Several complaints directly reference this recall, with owners reporting difficulties in getting the repair done due to part unavailability or dealership issues. This indicates a potential delay in addressing a known safety defect. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2018 Kia Rio are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories. This lack of official crash test data makes it difficult to assess the vehicle's performance in collision scenarios. However, one complaint details an airbag non-deployment in a head-on collision at 74 MPH, which is a serious concern given the absence of crash test ratings. Another complaint mentions unintended acceleration leading to a crash. The combination of significant engine complaints, a critical recall with reported repair difficulties, and a lack of comprehensive crash test data suggests potential safety vulnerabilities, particularly regarding engine reliability and occupant protection in certain crash scenarios.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Kia Rio receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.

Known Issues for the 2018 Kia Rio

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Kia Rio:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Oil Consumption/Failure
Multiple reports of excessive oil consumption leading to low compression, engine rattling, stalling, and complete engine failure, sometimes requiring full engine replacement.		 High Common 40000-110000 miles
Trunk Latch Recall (21v622000)
Trunk latch may become damaged, preventing opening from the inside, increasing risk of entrapment. Owners report difficulties getting recall repair.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Airbag Non-Deployment
One report of airbags failing to deploy in a severe head-on collision at 74 MPH.		 High Rare N/A miles
Unintended Acceleration
One complaint of the car accelerating at high speed when put into drive, leading to a crash.		 High Rare N/A miles
Electrical System Issues/Fire
One report of the car catching fire while driving, with brake issues, and another of smoke and electric shock from the board.		 High Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Kia Rio:

Engine 33% of complaints

Frequent complaints about excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, rattling, and complete engine failure, often requiring replacement.

Latches/Locks/Linkages 8% of complaints

Issues related to the trunk latch, including failure to open and difficulties with the recall repair.

Air Bags 4% of complaints

One report of airbags failing to deploy in a high-speed frontal collision.

Service Brakes 4% of complaints

One complaint mentioning brake issues coinciding with a vehicle fire.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Kia Rio

Is the 2018 Kia Rio safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Kia Rio has significant safety concerns, primarily due to numerous engine failure complaints (8 out of 24 total complaints) and a critical trunk latch recall. The lack of official NHTSA crash test ratings makes it difficult to fully assess its crashworthiness, though one report of airbag non-deployment in a severe crash is concerning.

What are common problems with the 2018 Kia Rio?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Kia Rio are related to the ENGINE, accounting for 33% of all complaints. These include severe oil consumption, engine stalling, rattling, and complete engine failure. Other problems include issues with the trunk latch (subject to a recall) and isolated reports of airbag non-deployment and unintended acceleration.

Has the 2018 Kia Rio been recalled?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Rio has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000) for the LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH. This recall addresses a potential issue where the trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the trunk from being opened from the inside, which could trap a person.

Are there any fire risks with the 2018 Kia Rio?

NHTSA data includes 2 reported fires for the 2018 Kia Rio. One complaint describes the car catching fire while driving, accompanied by brake issues. Another mentions smoke and electric shock from the dashboard, raising concerns about electrical system integrity.

What is the reliability score for the 2018 Kia Rio?

Given the significant number of engine-related complaints, including severe oil consumption and outright engine failure, and the critical nature of the trunk latch recall, the reliability score for the 2018 Kia Rio is estimated to be 35 out of 100.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Prospective buyers of a 2018 Kia Rio should be aware of the high risk of engine issues, including oil consumption and failure, and verify that the trunk latch recall has been completed. Due to the lack of crash test ratings and reports of airbag non-deployment, consider alternative vehicles with proven safety records.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Kia Rio

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Kia Rio. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.