Owners have filed 75 complaints
about the 2012 KIA RIO with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 23 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the KIA RIO. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 64
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
59.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
35.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
815.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
713.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
611.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1019.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
917.6%
150,000+ miles
35.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2012peak 5Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 KIA RIO
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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,...
EA21003Opened 22 Dec 2021Closed 5 Feb 2024ENGINE
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine...
Recalls on the 2012 KIA RIO
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023529276,225 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Indianapolis, INFire
ENGINE
Waiting to get air in my tire. Car was turned off and the car started fire under the hood.
NHTSA complaint #11716009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toms River, NJFire
ENGINE
Car started running oddly pulled over went to restart and Fire came up an engine compartment
NHTSA complaint #11519567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesRocklin, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that after the niece had park and exited the vehicle smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to scene to extinguish the flames. During the incident the vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption but no assistance was offered from local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11470688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesSouth Glens Falls, NYFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED AND FLAMES STARTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALL OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO EXIT WITHOUT INJURIES. THE FLAMES QUICKLY ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WITHIN SECONDS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE A REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE AND OFFERED A LOW BOOK VALUE TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11318387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesColumbus, OHFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 25 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE CONTINUING TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE AND SAW SMOKE EXITING THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNKNOWN LOCATION FOR INSPECTIONS. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER DEEMED THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. *LN
NHTSA complaint #11310602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMiddleburg, FLFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE AND BLACK SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE TAIL PIPE. ALSO, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER UNTIL IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (SOUTHSIDE KIA, 9401 ATLANTIC BOULEVARD, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32225) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11091239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Dickson, TN
ENGINE
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Rio, which currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I first became aware of these problems at approximately 120,000 miles. The vehicle has excessive oil consumption despite being consistently and properly maintained. I have been meticulous about maintenance because the vehicle has a lifetime powertrain warranty, and I have documentation and receipts for required maintenance, including regular oil changes and other scheduled services. On multiple occasions, I have taken the vehicle in for a scheduled oil change and discovered that it had little or no oil remaining. Because of this, I have had to begin having oil added between regularly scheduled oil changes. I do not know the exact amount of oil being consumed because I initially had no reason to monitor or measure oil consumption between oil changes. The vehicle also has a recurring catalytic-converter/check-engine warning that comes on, goes off, and later returns. It has experienced noticeable loss of power and has developed a clicking or knocking sound from the engine. When the vehicle is sitting or idling, it can also indicate that it is running hot even though it does not appear to actually be overheating. These problems have continued despite regular, documented maintenance. I am concerned about the safety implications of a vehicle consuming enough oil to have little or no oil remaining before its next scheduled oil change, particularly when there may be no consistent warning to alert the driver that the oil level is dangerously low. I am also concerned about the recurring catalytic-converter warning, loss of engine power, abnormal engine noise, and the possibility of engine or catalytic-converter failure while the vehicle is being driven. I understand that other Kia vehicles have been subject to recalls and investigations involving engine-related defects. I am asking NHTSA to review complaints involving the 2012 Kia Rio and investigate whether exces
NHTSA complaint #11756762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hernando, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to honk my horn as someone was backing up and didn’t see me as we were on an incline . This vehicle sits low and they were in a jeep. Due to the failure of my horn, I was unable to give a warning and they hit my car. No airbag was deployed and my seatbelt/airbag light is on. No injuries reported thankfully. I was told these things were related and repairs needed which is going to be extensive. The airbag may not deploy and horn does not work. I consider this a definite safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11755293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vista, CA
AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light and the ABS warning light turned on simultaneously while driving. This is a severe safety hazard as both critical, life-saving safety features are currently compromised. I have already contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue, but I am filing this official complaint with the NHTSA to ensure a proper safety investigation is documented for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11740746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vista, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The airbag warning light and the ABS warning light turned on simultaneously while driving. This is a severe safety hazard as both critical, life-saving safety features are currently compromised. I have already contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue, but I am filing this official complaint with the NHTSA to ensure a proper safety investigation is documented for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11740746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vista, CA
AIR BAGS
The airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard and has stayed on permanently. This indicates a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Because the warning light is active, there is a severe safety risk that the airbags may not deploy correctly or at all in the event of a crash, putting the driver and passengers at risk of serious injury. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request
NHTSA complaint #11740497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INFire
ENGINE
Waiting to get air in my tire. Car was turned off and the car started fire under the hood.
NHTSA complaint #11716009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewiston, NY
ENGINE
I brought my Kia in for a recall, and they determined the part was discontinued thus making my vehicle inoperable. When I brought my vehicle in, it was driveable-now I have been without my vehicle for over a month.
NHTSA complaint #11701660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laredo, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went to the Kia dealership in Laredo Texas and was told that they cannot fix the fault, that my vehicle has had an aftermarket parts, that they are not going to fix the HECU. That they don't fix vehicle with aftermarket parts.
NHTSA complaint #11677382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alameda, CA
ENGINE
The GDI 1.6L engines are manufactured with a flaw that affects piston rings and makes oil consumption go up which in turn can make the engine run dry and damage the engine, which if you're in a bad location could be dangerous. My car has been dealing with the issue and I searched yet found no recalls for the engine. 2. It can put me and others at risk, if my car breaks and I'm driving in a snowy or hot area, or breaks when driving up hill or down hill. 3. Look all over the internet GDI 1.6 Oil consumption issue. 4. Yes, repair shop. 5. Plenty of times barely drove 200 miles and I get the red lamp for no oil/low oil level.
NHTSA complaint #11648247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brick, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Our granddaughter bought this car from a private seller. My son is a mechanic and when he inspected the undercarriage he found a small leak in the seam of the gas tank. The local KIA dealer said it is not covered. This, to me, is a safety and emissions issue. Please assist. The car is available at any time for inspection. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11603120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weatherford, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11583676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navarre, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact's sister owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that when her sister started the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11574695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Slingerlands, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11566519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toms River, NJFire
ENGINE
Car started running oddly pulled over went to restart and Fire came up an engine compartment
NHTSA complaint #11519567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesRocklin, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that after the niece had park and exited the vehicle smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to scene to extinguish the flames. During the incident the vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption but no assistance was offered from local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11470688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
Check engine light comes on. I pull the code of p050a. I looked that up and there is a Techincal Service Bulletin, from Kia on this problem of Cold start idle air control system performance. Kia only put out a recall on the Kia Soul and not the Kia Rio. They have the exact same engine and computer with the 1.6L. The bulletin list both vehicle but the recall is only for the 1 vehicle. I was told by Kia dealer sorry to fix this I would have to pay to reprogram the computer. Kia originally was replacing the throttle body on the engine than decided because of cost, to reprogram the computer.
NHTSA complaint #11450464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesSimpsonville, SC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the RPMs was rising to the red line immediately. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was transmission maintenance needed on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure continued. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and the towing technician noticed that the accelerator pedal was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #11446443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muncie, IN
ENGINE
Will not start early morning, use about 3 quart oil a week, before warranty ran out Kia dealer check out and said to drive it another 900 miles, which made no sense, and bring back in Then they said it was out of warranty, what a scam Kia dealership is.they had overfill oil level 3 times before this problem
NHTSA complaint #11439628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartland, MI
ENGINE
2012 KIA RIO, NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO ANY RECALL, AND HAVING BEEN MAINTAINED CORRECTLY, IS EXPERIENCING DANGEROUS LEVELS OF OIL CONSUMPTION. CURRENT MILAGE 108,000. TWO WEEKS AGO I SENT THE ATTACHED LETTER VIA CASE TO KIA CONSUMER CUSTOMER AFFAIRS SEEKING SAFETY ADVICE FROM THE COMPANY RELATING TO THE ISSUE. KIA NEVER RESPONDED, OPTING TO CLOSE THE CASE WITHOUT A WORD REGARDING THE ISSUE. OIL CONSUMPTION IS VERY HIGH, AND EFFECTING ENGINE PERFORMANCE. I ASSUME THE ONLY RECOURSE IS TO HAVE THE ENGINE TAKEN APART AND EXAMINED, A COSTLY REVIEW, HOWEVER DUE TO LACK OF RESPONSE FROM KIA I HAVEN'T YET; I WAS HOPING THEY COULD COORDINATE THROUGH EITHER A DEALER OR 3RD PARTY INVESTIGATOR. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT BEING USED, AS THIS ANOMALOUS ISSUE IS A CONCERN FOR SAFETY WHEN DRIVING. CONSIDERING THE RECENT RECALL, AS WELL AS HOW THE SYMPTOMS ALIGN WITH PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ISSUES TO SIMILAR ENGINES, I WISHED TO CREATE THIS REPORT, IF ONLY TO ADD MY CASE TO NHTSA'S ACCOUNTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JOSEPH ELLIOTT
NHTSA complaint #11384228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartland, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2012 KIA RIO, NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO ANY RECALL, AND HAVING BEEN MAINTAINED CORRECTLY, IS EXPERIENCING DANGEROUS LEVELS OF OIL CONSUMPTION. CURRENT MILAGE 108,000. TWO WEEKS AGO I SENT THE ATTACHED LETTER VIA CASE TO KIA CONSUMER CUSTOMER AFFAIRS SEEKING SAFETY ADVICE FROM THE COMPANY RELATING TO THE ISSUE. KIA NEVER RESPONDED, OPTING TO CLOSE THE CASE WITHOUT A WORD REGARDING THE ISSUE. OIL CONSUMPTION IS VERY HIGH, AND EFFECTING ENGINE PERFORMANCE. I ASSUME THE ONLY RECOURSE IS TO HAVE THE ENGINE TAKEN APART AND EXAMINED, A COSTLY REVIEW, HOWEVER DUE TO LACK OF RESPONSE FROM KIA I HAVEN'T YET; I WAS HOPING THEY COULD COORDINATE THROUGH EITHER A DEALER OR 3RD PARTY INVESTIGATOR. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT BEING USED, AS THIS ANOMALOUS ISSUE IS A CONCERN FOR SAFETY WHEN DRIVING. CONSIDERING THE RECENT RECALL, AS WELL AS HOW THE SYMPTOMS ALIGN WITH PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ISSUES TO SIMILAR ENGINES, I WISHED TO CREATE THIS REPORT, IF ONLY TO ADD MY CASE TO NHTSA'S ACCOUNTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JOSEPH ELLIOTT
NHTSA complaint #11384228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Cajon, CA
AIR BAGS
I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WHAT SEEMS TO BE OIL COMING FROM THE ENGINE, POOLING ON TOP OF THE BLOCK BUT ALSO LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR SO. THE WALLS AROUND THE ENGINE, MAINLY ON THE LEFT SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE WERE SATURATED WITH PRESUMABLY THE SAME FLUID. UNDER THE CAR IS ALSO SATURATED FROM WHAT I AM GUESSING TO BE A LEAK, PERHAPS THE SAME LEAK FROM ATOP THE ENGINE BLOCK. I'VE HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AND PAID FOR A SYSTEM FAULT DIAGNOSTIC, AND IN BOTH CASES HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY HELPFUL INFO AS TO WHAT IT IS, THE CAUSE OR WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM, OR HOW TO TREAT IT. I VERY RECENTLY HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND THE INVOICE SHOWED A COMMENT STATING THAT MY CAR APPEARS TO BE LEAKING OIL. THERE WAS NO FURTHER COMMENTARY. I FEAR THAT MY KIA RIO MAY BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE FOR REASONS SUCH AS A FIRE HAZARD OR BREAKDOWN FROM OVERHEATING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LEAVING ME ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY, STRANDED. ALSO THE A/C AND HEATER DO NOT OPERATE AS THEY SHOULD. THE PANEL CONTROLS ARE OUT OF WHACK AND NEITHER A/C OR HEAT PERFORM IN SYNC WITH THE COMMANDS. A MECHANIC HAS SAID THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES, POSSIBLY WITH THE MAIN COMPUTER, THOUGH THE SYSTEMS FAULT DIAGNOSTICS WAS PERFORMED AFTER THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME OF THIS, AND SEEING THAT I WAS CHARGED FOR THAT SERVICE I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE MAIN COMPUTER IS DOING WHAT IT IS MEANT TO DO, RELAYING THE INFO TO THE TECH'S COMPUTER. I JUST DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE A GOOD CAR THAT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK OR IF I'M DRIVING A DEATHTRAP. NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT I SEE A LOT OF KIA'S VEHICLES BEING RECALLED. AND I BELIEVE THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE KIA RIO. JUST AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. TIMES ARE TOUGH FINANCIALLY OR I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE MORE PROPER DETAILED INFO TO GIVE, THAT OR HAVE A GOOD RUNNING CAR...
NHTSA complaint #11383239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Cajon, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WHAT SEEMS TO BE OIL COMING FROM THE ENGINE, POOLING ON TOP OF THE BLOCK BUT ALSO LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR SO. THE WALLS AROUND THE ENGINE, MAINLY ON THE LEFT SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE WERE SATURATED WITH PRESUMABLY THE SAME FLUID. UNDER THE CAR IS ALSO SATURATED FROM WHAT I AM GUESSING TO BE A LEAK, PERHAPS THE SAME LEAK FROM ATOP THE ENGINE BLOCK. I'VE HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AND PAID FOR A SYSTEM FAULT DIAGNOSTIC, AND IN BOTH CASES HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY HELPFUL INFO AS TO WHAT IT IS, THE CAUSE OR WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM, OR HOW TO TREAT IT. I VERY RECENTLY HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND THE INVOICE SHOWED A COMMENT STATING THAT MY CAR APPEARS TO BE LEAKING OIL. THERE WAS NO FURTHER COMMENTARY. I FEAR THAT MY KIA RIO MAY BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE FOR REASONS SUCH AS A FIRE HAZARD OR BREAKDOWN FROM OVERHEATING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LEAVING ME ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY, STRANDED. ALSO THE A/C AND HEATER DO NOT OPERATE AS THEY SHOULD. THE PANEL CONTROLS ARE OUT OF WHACK AND NEITHER A/C OR HEAT PERFORM IN SYNC WITH THE COMMANDS. A MECHANIC HAS SAID THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES, POSSIBLY WITH THE MAIN COMPUTER, THOUGH THE SYSTEMS FAULT DIAGNOSTICS WAS PERFORMED AFTER THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME OF THIS, AND SEEING THAT I WAS CHARGED FOR THAT SERVICE I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE MAIN COMPUTER IS DOING WHAT IT IS MEANT TO DO, RELAYING THE INFO TO THE TECH'S COMPUTER. I JUST DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE A GOOD CAR THAT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK OR IF I'M DRIVING A DEATHTRAP. NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT I SEE A LOT OF KIA'S VEHICLES BEING RECALLED. AND I BELIEVE THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE KIA RIO. JUST AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. TIMES ARE TOUGH FINANCIALLY OR I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE MORE PROPER DETAILED INFO TO GIVE, THAT OR HAVE A GOOD RUNNING CAR...
NHTSA complaint #11383239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Cajon, CA
ENGINE
I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WHAT SEEMS TO BE OIL COMING FROM THE ENGINE, POOLING ON TOP OF THE BLOCK BUT ALSO LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR SO. THE WALLS AROUND THE ENGINE, MAINLY ON THE LEFT SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE WERE SATURATED WITH PRESUMABLY THE SAME FLUID. UNDER THE CAR IS ALSO SATURATED FROM WHAT I AM GUESSING TO BE A LEAK, PERHAPS THE SAME LEAK FROM ATOP THE ENGINE BLOCK. I'VE HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AND PAID FOR A SYSTEM FAULT DIAGNOSTIC, AND IN BOTH CASES HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY HELPFUL INFO AS TO WHAT IT IS, THE CAUSE OR WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM, OR HOW TO TREAT IT. I VERY RECENTLY HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND THE INVOICE SHOWED A COMMENT STATING THAT MY CAR APPEARS TO BE LEAKING OIL. THERE WAS NO FURTHER COMMENTARY. I FEAR THAT MY KIA RIO MAY BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE FOR REASONS SUCH AS A FIRE HAZARD OR BREAKDOWN FROM OVERHEATING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LEAVING ME ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY, STRANDED. ALSO THE A/C AND HEATER DO NOT OPERATE AS THEY SHOULD. THE PANEL CONTROLS ARE OUT OF WHACK AND NEITHER A/C OR HEAT PERFORM IN SYNC WITH THE COMMANDS. A MECHANIC HAS SAID THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES, POSSIBLY WITH THE MAIN COMPUTER, THOUGH THE SYSTEMS FAULT DIAGNOSTICS WAS PERFORMED AFTER THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME OF THIS, AND SEEING THAT I WAS CHARGED FOR THAT SERVICE I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE MAIN COMPUTER IS DOING WHAT IT IS MEANT TO DO, RELAYING THE INFO TO THE TECH'S COMPUTER. I JUST DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE A GOOD CAR THAT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK OR IF I'M DRIVING A DEATHTRAP. NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT I SEE A LOT OF KIA'S VEHICLES BEING RECALLED. AND I BELIEVE THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE KIA RIO. JUST AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. TIMES ARE TOUGH FINANCIALLY OR I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE MORE PROPER DETAILED INFO TO GIVE, THAT OR HAVE A GOOD RUNNING CAR...
NHTSA complaint #11383239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,887 milesEL Cajon, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS DRIVING AND CHECH ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON . I HAD IT TESTED AND IT WAS THE KNOCK SENOR. I LOOKED IT UP AND THEIR WAS A RECALL I PURCHASED THE CAR 9/02/2019
NHTSA complaint #11351526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norwalk, CT
AIR BAGS
I CAN NOT BELIEVE I TOOK THIS MUCH TIME TO ACTUAL FILE A COMPLAINT ON THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS ON MY KIA. MY 2012 KIA RIO SX HATCHBACK HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE IT REACHED THE 70,000 MILE MARK. I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS AND RECORDS FOR EVERY OIL CHANGE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW BACK IN LATE 2011. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED EVERY 3,000/4,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. NO LEAKS HAVE BEEN FOUND BY MY LOCAL VALVOLINE SHOP AND IT CONTINUES TO BURN OIL NOW AT ITS CURRENT ODOMETER READING OF 113,000 MILES. THE OIL LEVEL NOW REACHES THE LAST DOTTED LINE ON THE OIL METAL READER STICK (LOW MARK) EVERY 300 TO 400 MILES. I HAVE TO ADD OIL 8 TO 10 TIMES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. NO OIL LIGHT HAS EVER TURNED ON. MY DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHT HAS TURNED ON AND HAVE NO IDEA WHY. IT FIRST TURNED ON JUNE OF 2018 AND IT HAS NOT TURN OFF SINCE THEN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS AT ALL SINCE I BOUGHT NEW.
NHTSA complaint #11324212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.