VehicleVerdict

2016 Kia Rio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Kia Rio carries two red flags at once: 110 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.1× the Rio norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Rio years to avoid.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 41 reports (37% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

110

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

9

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Rio years?

Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted355 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 355 complaints2002: 171 complaints2003: 103 complaints2004: 53 complaints2005: 46 complaints2006: 89 complaints2007: 64 complaints2008: 57 complaints2009: 54 complaints2010: 38 complaints2011: 32 complaints2012: 73 complaints2013: 218 complaints2014: 74 complaints2015: 69 complaints2016: 110 complaints2017: 37 complaints2018: 39 complaints2019: 29 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 12 complaints2023: 20 complaints
Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Kia Rio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4137%
Brakes1816%
Other1514%
Electrical System87%
Transmission55%
Airbags44%
Fuel System44%
Lighting44%
Steering33%
Body & Structure22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seat Belts11%
Suspension11%
Latches & Locks11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2016 Kia Rio have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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 for this recall is SC284.

23V594000Latches & LocksAugust 24, 2023 · 319,436 units

Defect

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

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. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off. I get outside to the hood to open it, as there is steam coming out, and as I put my hand on the hood release, a fire erupts from the engine going over my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 24, 2023 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 5, 2024 · crash

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 6, 2025 · fire

“I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off. I get outside to the hood to open it, as there is steam coming out, and as I put my hand on the hood release, a fire erupts from the engine going over my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 24, 2023 · fire

“Ignition getting stuck in acc car can’t go anywhere can’t turn key off steering wheel won’t lock no don’t have money to put in shop arm no hasn’t been inspected no lamps no warning just started doing it has done a few times now ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 29, 2023

2016 Kia Rio — common questions

Is the 2016 Kia Rio reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 110 complaints put the 2016 model at #4 of 24 Rio years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Rio years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Rio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (41 complaints), brakes (18 complaints), other (15 complaints).

Does the 2016 Kia Rio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Kia Rio under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Rio years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rio years to avoid are 2001, 2013, 2002, 2016, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2012, 2015, 2017. The cleanest record among Rio years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2016 Kia Rio?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Kia Rio earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.