Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2018 KIA RIO with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 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 — 27
Against the median year of the KIA RIO. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
28.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 97
57% 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
342.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
114.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
228.6%
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 2019peak 5Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2018 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.
United States — NHTSA
21V622000
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202150432,274 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, a part in the trunk release latch could fail. If this happens, the emergency trunk release located inside the trunk compartment may not work properly. This could prevent a person that is trapped inside the trunk from opening it. Safety Risk: If a person is closed inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the trunk latch assembly.
Recall 20173801,713 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles may not comply with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. The compliance label may bear a printing error within the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) information, incorrectly stating “840 0”kgs instead of the correct “840”kgs. Correction: A production change has been undertaken to remedy this technical non-compliance condition and has been deemed to be non-safety related. Under a Service Campaign Bulletin, dealers are to use a black paint pen and draw over the additional 0 on the label.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 110,000 milesSandy, UTFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 85 MPH, the engine emitted abnormal noise with no warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to exit the highway and enter a gas station parking lot, and upon exiting the vehicle, it was apparent that the engine had begun to catch on fire. The location of the fire was the front engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by bystanders using fire extinguishers. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. No injuries were reported. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed as the vehicle was reported a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11652874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coraopolis, PAFire
ENGINE
My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain Kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is NO reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the Kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other Kia dealerships in the area (Mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
NHTSA complaint #11593284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coraopolis, PAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain Kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is NO reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the Kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other Kia dealerships in the area (Mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
NHTSA complaint #11593284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coraopolis, PAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain Kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is NO reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the Kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other Kia dealerships in the area (Mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
NHTSA complaint #11593284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle was stolen while parked with a club on the steering wheel then damaged and abandoned. I was without a vehicle for a month during repairs. It has been reported on the news that Kias are easily stolen due to the type of ignition system. A recall to fix this is need immediately!
NHTSA complaint #11498683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
On 10/02/2021 - Was at a stop, put car in drive press the peddle car accelerated at high speed, miss another car and hit tree. Accident cause by acceleration issue with KIA Rio. Need advice on how to get KIA to replace total vehicle. Auto Insurance is just calling it a accident.
NHTSA complaint #11436781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Saint Petersburg, FL
AIR BAGS
The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then that mechanic said that it needed to go back to a dealership because it was defective. I advocated for months for it to be evaluated. No one at kia helped me despite this being a repeat warranty issue. I finally found a shop that would waive a diagnostic and he confirmed the issues atleast with the airbags- however in order to fully diagnose the engine they also needed to replace parts in order to perform an oil consumption test. While the represenative did approve the repairs for the airbag, they have not given the dealership an answear about ANYTHING engine related- we need an answear if we should be waiting or having it towed out of there. They have had it for a month. We repeatedly try to get ahold of them but they ignore when we call or email them. The represenative also made sexist comments about "being a woman" and its clear our safety concerns are not being handled serioursly. Just like with the inside, we get codes for certian parts but not all the other parts that go bad. You can not just hook it up to a computer and see what is wrong because of all the issues with the sensors (all reported under warranty and never fixed). The car goes through over 30 quarts of oil in between changes, and we belive that the tempterature sensors do not actually work because there is an EXCESSIVE amount of heat that comes off the engine. The clockspring turned into steering colums, a seat, electrical. Otherwise we can not drive the car anyways and would be happy to hand it over to be dismantled and inspected if the NHSTA would be willing to do that- the car is INCREDIBLY defective. I am INCREDIBLY scared if I have to drive off with this thing. Its an absolute safety hazzard weather or not the computer is flagging it.
NHTSA complaint #11755104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Petersburg, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then that mechanic said that it needed to go back to a dealership because it was defective. I advocated for months for it to be evaluated. No one at kia helped me despite this being a repeat warranty issue. I finally found a shop that would waive a diagnostic and he confirmed the issues atleast with the airbags- however in order to fully diagnose the engine they also needed to replace parts in order to perform an oil consumption test. While the represenative did approve the repairs for the airbag, they have not given the dealership an answear about ANYTHING engine related- we need an answear if we should be waiting or having it towed out of there. They have had it for a month. We repeatedly try to get ahold of them but they ignore when we call or email them. The represenative also made sexist comments about "being a woman" and its clear our safety concerns are not being handled serioursly. Just like with the inside, we get codes for certian parts but not all the other parts that go bad. You can not just hook it up to a computer and see what is wrong because of all the issues with the sensors (all reported under warranty and never fixed). The car goes through over 30 quarts of oil in between changes, and we belive that the tempterature sensors do not actually work because there is an EXCESSIVE amount of heat that comes off the engine. The clockspring turned into steering colums, a seat, electrical. Otherwise we can not drive the car anyways and would be happy to hand it over to be dismantled and inspected if the NHSTA would be willing to do that- the car is INCREDIBLY defective. I am INCREDIBLY scared if I have to drive off with this thing. Its an absolute safety hazzard weather or not the computer is flagging it.
NHTSA complaint #11755104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Petersburg, FL
ENGINE
The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then that mechanic said that it needed to go back to a dealership because it was defective. I advocated for months for it to be evaluated. No one at kia helped me despite this being a repeat warranty issue. I finally found a shop that would waive a diagnostic and he confirmed the issues atleast with the airbags- however in order to fully diagnose the engine they also needed to replace parts in order to perform an oil consumption test. While the represenative did approve the repairs for the airbag, they have not given the dealership an answear about ANYTHING engine related- we need an answear if we should be waiting or having it towed out of there. They have had it for a month. We repeatedly try to get ahold of them but they ignore when we call or email them. The represenative also made sexist comments about "being a woman" and its clear our safety concerns are not being handled serioursly. Just like with the inside, we get codes for certian parts but not all the other parts that go bad. You can not just hook it up to a computer and see what is wrong because of all the issues with the sensors (all reported under warranty and never fixed). The car goes through over 30 quarts of oil in between changes, and we belive that the tempterature sensors do not actually work because there is an EXCESSIVE amount of heat that comes off the engine. The clockspring turned into steering colums, a seat, electrical. Otherwise we can not drive the car anyways and would be happy to hand it over to be dismantled and inspected if the NHSTA would be willing to do that- the car is INCREDIBLY defective. I am INCREDIBLY scared if I have to drive off with this thing. Its an absolute safety hazzard weather or not the computer is flagging it.
NHTSA complaint #11755104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noblesville, IN
ENGINE
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption defect acknowledged in Kia TSB ENG222. Repeated catalytic converter failures indicate potential overheating risk similar to 2019 Gamma engine recall for fire hazard. Engine burning oil creates risk of critically low oil levels leading to engine failure/stalling while driving. Multiple emission system failures (oil consumption, catalytic converter) suggest unsafe vehicle condition. Vehicle failed Kia’s own oil consumption tests in December 2023 and March 2024. Kia dealership recommended engine replacement per TSB ENG222 in March 2024. Kia denied coverage citing “second owner, out of warranty” despite defect clearly existing at time of purchase and being acknowledged in their TSB. Vehicle now showing catalytic converter failure code again (14-month-old converter failing). Kia refuses to remedy despite documented defect.
NHTSA complaint #11739727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Petersburg, FL
AIR BAGS
The first problem part is the airbag. The clockspring was fixed twice under warranty. Then the dealership said they wont keep doing it and blamed me wrongly. I had a private mechanic repair the same part twice due to the code it was giving but it turns out thats not what's wrong with it. The entire airbag and electrical components are bad, that is why the two repairs the dealership as well as the private mechanic made did not work. We also have some engine problems they wont continue to fix because my warranty is now surpassed. The car burns through 20 quarts of oil in between changes, it has no leaks. It has so much carbon buildup. They replaced a gasket and thats another part that has continually needed replaced but they did not fix the issue that has caused it to go bad. When the small mechanics hear about the issue they are confused because the type of motor I have was recalled in other cars for the same issues. My car just recently surpassed the warranty, I should not be having to still fight the dealership to have a car in working condition for the same problems they kept putting bandaid on during warranty repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11727159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
AIR BAGS
Took my car in as the airbag light on the dashboard kept turning on and off— with or without a passenger in the seat. The dealership ran a diagnostic inspection and turns out that the passenger side OCS Mat and ECU are faulty and need to be replaced (DTC codes B176700 and B17672F). I have not been in a crash and there are no obvious signs of damage to the seat that might have caused this. There’s no active recall for this but it does seem that one other person has reported issues with the passenger airbag system and I know other Kia models have had recalls in the past. The car had about 90,000 miles on it when this issue started and it’s up to date on all maintenance but I was quoted over $3000 to fix this which is essentially the value of my car now, totaling the vehicle even though it has no other issues. This is a major safety issue, when you buy a car you expect that the airbags and corresponding electrical equipment last you for the life of the car or until there is an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11727369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Petersburg, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The first problem part is the airbag. The clockspring was fixed twice under warranty. Then the dealership said they wont keep doing it and blamed me wrongly. I had a private mechanic repair the same part twice due to the code it was giving but it turns out thats not what's wrong with it. The entire airbag and electrical components are bad, that is why the two repairs the dealership as well as the private mechanic made did not work. We also have some engine problems they wont continue to fix because my warranty is now surpassed. The car burns through 20 quarts of oil in between changes, it has no leaks. It has so much carbon buildup. They replaced a gasket and thats another part that has continually needed replaced but they did not fix the issue that has caused it to go bad. When the small mechanics hear about the issue they are confused because the type of motor I have was recalled in other cars for the same issues. My car just recently surpassed the warranty, I should not be having to still fight the dealership to have a car in working condition for the same problems they kept putting bandaid on during warranty repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11727159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Took my car in as the airbag light on the dashboard kept turning on and off— with or without a passenger in the seat. The dealership ran a diagnostic inspection and turns out that the passenger side OCS Mat and ECU are faulty and need to be replaced (DTC codes B176700 and B17672F). I have not been in a crash and there are no obvious signs of damage to the seat that might have caused this. There’s no active recall for this but it does seem that one other person has reported issues with the passenger airbag system and I know other Kia models have had recalls in the past. The car had about 90,000 miles on it when this issue started and it’s up to date on all maintenance but I was quoted over $3000 to fix this which is essentially the value of my car now, totaling the vehicle even though it has no other issues. This is a major safety issue, when you buy a car you expect that the airbags and corresponding electrical equipment last you for the life of the car or until there is an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11727369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Petersburg, FL
ENGINE
The first problem part is the airbag. The clockspring was fixed twice under warranty. Then the dealership said they wont keep doing it and blamed me wrongly. I had a private mechanic repair the same part twice due to the code it was giving but it turns out thats not what's wrong with it. The entire airbag and electrical components are bad, that is why the two repairs the dealership as well as the private mechanic made did not work. We also have some engine problems they wont continue to fix because my warranty is now surpassed. The car burns through 20 quarts of oil in between changes, it has no leaks. It has so much carbon buildup. They replaced a gasket and thats another part that has continually needed replaced but they did not fix the issue that has caused it to go bad. When the small mechanics hear about the issue they are confused because the type of motor I have was recalled in other cars for the same issues. My car just recently surpassed the warranty, I should not be having to still fight the dealership to have a car in working condition for the same problems they kept putting bandaid on during warranty repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11727159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
SEATS
My car is a 2018 Kia Rio that has a clean history and has never been in an accident. Recently my airbag light came on and I had a diagnostic run that showed a B1448 code indicating an OCS mat defect in the passenger seat. The 2015-2018 Kia Sedona models also had the same problem and were issued safety recalls. Due to this previous history I believe there could be a safety recall needed for the Kia Rio models as well.
NHTSA complaint #11713726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
AIR BAGS
My car is a 2018 Kia Rio that has a clean history and has never been in an accident. Recently my airbag light came on and I had a diagnostic run that showed a B1448 code indicating an OCS mat defect in the passenger seat. The 2015-2018 Kia Sedona models also had the same problem and were issued safety recalls. Due to this previous history I believe there could be a safety recall needed for the Kia Rio models as well.
NHTSA complaint #11713726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prince Frederick, MD
ENGINE
My 2018 Kia Rio is burning 2 quarts of oil every 800 miles, confirmed by a Kia dealership through an official oil consumption test. The issue first started around 110,000 miles and has progressively gotten worse. I have owned the vehicle since it had 40,000 miles, and I have always had the oil changed on time and maintained the car properly. Despite proper maintenance, the engine gives off a strong burning-oil odor, and smoke enters the cabin while driving. This happens consistently, not occasionally. Because the engine loses oil so quickly, it can run dangerously low without warning, creating a risk of sudden engine failure while driving. I regularly transport my [XXX] child, and the fumes entering the cabin are unsafe to breathe. Kia Customer Care denied goodwill assistance due to the number of previous owners and the mileage, even though the dealership confirmed abnormal oil consumption and noted this is a known issue with these engines. Kia has refused to assist repairing or replacing the engine, leaving me driving a vehicle that is unsafe and at risk of failure. The excessive oil consumption, smoke entering the cabin, and the potential for engine failure create a serious safety hazard for occupants and other drivers. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this issue, as it appears to be a recurring safety-related problem with these engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11700932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, AL
ENGINE
2018 Kia Rio – severe oil consumption leading to low compression (30 PSI on Cylinder 2) and engine failure. Dealership installed incorrect non-OEM spark plugs prior to failure. Kia denies warranty coverage although this matches known engine defects in other Kia models
NHTSA complaint #11692892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ENGINE
My 2018 Kia Rio S (VIN [XXX] ) suffered sudden engine failure at approximately 84 000 miles. I pulled over immediately when the oil light came on, but the engine began rattling and was later diagnosed by the dealer as a bearing/seizure failure requiring full engine replacement (estimate ≈ $15 865). This vehicle uses the 1.6 L Gamma II GDI engine, which is the same engine family already included in Kia’s “Engine Litigation II” settlement and KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) program for Forte, Soul, and other models. However, Kia claims the 2018 Rio is not covered by the extended warranty even though the failure mode is identical (rod-bearing wear and oil starvation). I never received any recall or settlement notice. The lack of notification and exclusion of the Rio model leave owners unprotected against a known safety-related defect that can cause stalling or fire. I request NHTSA investigate inclusion of 2018 Kia Rio vehicles in the existing Gamma engine recall/settlement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11691729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint is peeling
NHTSA complaint #11686166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSandy, UTFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 85 MPH, the engine emitted abnormal noise with no warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to exit the highway and enter a gas station parking lot, and upon exiting the vehicle, it was apparent that the engine had begun to catch on fire. The location of the fire was the front engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by bystanders using fire extinguishers. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. No injuries were reported. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed as the vehicle was reported a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11652874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,316 milesOkeechobee, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder #1 misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,316.
NHTSA complaint #11646521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austell, GA
ENGINE
MY CAR IS CONSUMING OIL
NHTSA complaint #11624448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coraopolis, PAFire
ENGINE
My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain Kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is NO reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the Kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other Kia dealerships in the area (Mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
NHTSA complaint #11593284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coraopolis, PAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain Kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is NO reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the Kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other Kia dealerships in the area (Mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
NHTSA complaint #11593284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coraopolis, PAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain Kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is NO reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the Kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other Kia dealerships in the area (Mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
NHTSA complaint #11593284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irmo, SC
ENGINE
I've been having issues with the engine for a while I'm constantly getting oil changes and after getting the oil change I would still have to add oil in every 2-3 weeks. 2/14/2024 My Oil light came on back on after putting oil in 2 weeks prior. That day my Car stalled on the HWY all my dash lights( battery, engine and oil light flashed. Ive been to multiple mechanics shop such as Express oil and Midas and both have told me there is a recall on engine such as mines, I called Kia multiple times and they told me it wasn't. I took the car to Kia last year and told them i was having issues with my engine and they told me I all I needed was a tuneup. Got the tune up and oil changed. I still ended up having to continue to add oil in my car. I brought this car brand new back in 2018 and only put 117k miles on the car. I've gotta regular oil changes and kept up with the car. My oil wasn't due for another oil change when the incident occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11589405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leesburg, TX
ENGINE
My dad bought a Kia Rio 2018 for 8k cash a day ago well two blocks from the dealer white smoke comes out of exhaust then oil pressure light came on, pulled over checked oil which was overfull with milky residue, dealer said to drive it home so we tried them got half block then black smoke came out and it started rattling then died so we left it. Mechanic said it threw a rod and hole in the engine. I know the 2017 Kia Rio is included in the class action lawsuit and I want the 2018 to be looked at into adding because if we were going faster when it happened something bad could have happened. I have videos and pictures evidence but it won't allow me to upload because the files are to big.
NHTSA complaint #11573695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hills, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For the past year and few months I’ve been having to do an oil change every two weeks because of how fast the engine is burning the oil. Several times I arrive to the shop to find the oil pan is completely empty causing issues with my engine beginning to make strange noises that are concerning. The dash light does not come on to notify me that there is no oil. I’m sure the damage is severe because I have had the check engine light come on a couple times and having to fix it because of this. Other Kia drivers have had this issue with other models, including this one.
NHTSA complaint #11559237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino Hills, CA
ENGINE
For the past year and few months I’ve been having to do an oil change every two weeks because of how fast the engine is burning the oil. Several times I arrive to the shop to find the oil pan is completely empty causing issues with my engine beginning to make strange noises that are concerning. The dash light does not come on to notify me that there is no oil. I’m sure the damage is severe because I have had the check engine light come on a couple times and having to fix it because of this. Other Kia drivers have had this issue with other models, including this one.
NHTSA complaint #11559237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.