I am filing this complaint regarding a persistent low beam headlight failure on my 2016 Kia Rio that has not been resolved after a paid repair at an authorized Kia dealership. The low beam headlights on my vehicle stopped functioning. I brought the vehicle to Car Pros Kia in [XXX] for diagnosis and repair on XXX.. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty Body Control Module (BCM) and replaced it on XXX. The dealership released the car to me with a 25-point inspection reading that all exterior lights were functional. The repair did not fix the problem — my low beams remain non-functional. I returned the vehicle on May 15th, 2026 so they can remedy the repair. They released my vehicle to me a second time with no functioning low-beam headlights. On XXX, the dealership is now quoting $3,205.01 for a wiring harness replacement as a third repair attempt, with no acknowledgment that the original diagnosis was incorrect. My vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe condition following a paid repair. Non-functional low beams are a safety hazard, particularly for nighttime driving. I am aware that Kia has a documented history of headlamp low beam connector wiring harness failures across multiple models, including extended warranty coverage and TSB ELE179 issued for similar issues in other Kia vehicles. I am requesting this complaint be added to the record for the 2016 Kia Rio. If other owners are experiencing similar issues, I believe this warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11742052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a complaint regarding repeated failures of the LED tail light assemblies on my 2016 Kia Rio. This vehicle uses combination tail lights that include both standard bulbs and integrated LED brake lights. The LED portion has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. I am now experiencing failure again, requiring replacement of multiple tail light assemblies. Each assembly costs approximately $400, and my vehicle requires four total units. This results in a significant repair cost for what should be a long-lasting component. LED lighting is widely expected to last far longer than traditional bulbs, and repeated failure raises concerns about product reliability and safety. The failure is intermittent and occurs at the brake light function. At times, the brake light does not illuminate unless the connector is physically manipulated. This creates a serious safety hazard, as following drivers may not be properly alerted when braking. This is not normal wear and tear. Brake lights are a critical safety system, and failure of sealed LED assemblies—especially more than once—suggests a design or manufacturing defect. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed for potential defect investigation, as other owners may be experiencing similar failures with these LED tail light systems. Vehicle Information: * Make: Kia * Model: Rio * Year: 2016 * Trim: SX * Component: Rear Tail Light / Brake Light (LED combo Assembly) I contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue and was advised to take the vehicle to a dealership and pay for a diagnostic inspection, with no guarantee that any repair would be covered. Given the repeated nature of this failure, the high cost of the assemblies, and the serious safety concerns for drivers, passengers and others on the road, this response is concerning. Thank you for your attention to this safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11735244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is neither a failure nor a malfunction but on several occasions I have had the light switch turn off at night while driving. I can reach over and push a button to the left of the steering wheel under the ac/heat vent and in doing so my arm has rolled the headlight switch off. I have to hurry up and turn them back on. The switch should lock somewhat in place as to take a purposeful twist for it to turn. The headlight switch turns too easy and it could cause an accident at night.
NHTSA complaint #11575186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PRESENTO ILUMINACION DEL MAL FUNCIONAMIENTO INDICADOR LAMPARA (MIL),ABS PRECAUCION LIGHT,BURNING/MELTING SMALL,AND SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT,ENGINE WITH NOISE AND BROKEN ESTOOCURRIO EL 03/08/2023, NO TENIA LA INFORMACION DEL PROBLEMA Y MANDE A REPARAR EL MOTOR $ 3,890.00.nECESITOQUE USTEDES ME AYUDEN POR ESTE PAGO. I PRESENT LIGHTING OF THE MALFUNCTIONING LAMP INDICATOR (MIL), ABS CAUTION LIGHT, BURNING/MELTING SMALL, AND SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ENGINE WITH NOISE AND BROKEN THIS HAPPENED ON 08/03/2023, I DID NOT HAVE THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND I SENT FOR REPAIR THE ENGINE $3,890.00.nI NEED YOU TO HELP ME WITH THIS PAYMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11555974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When i purchased this vehicle, I had to replace all 4 rear led tail lights. Now 2 years later I have to replace the right rear led side tail light. These led lights should not be going out this soon. Why can't Kia recall this part. This is a safety issue that i should not be replacing this soon.
NHTSA complaint #11555836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
marker lights on the right side won't work both went off line and licence light same side is out same time and bulbs ,fuse replaced and still not working the kia service will not fix in kia of manharttan in kansas andi have 68,000 miles and they didn't offer a basic warrantty to be long when online for my my car and suppose to be under warranty for 110;00
NHTSA complaint #11446245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11406023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I USE THE BLINKER, OR GO OVER A SAFETY SPEED BUMP, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OFF ON THEIR OWN TOO. I CONTACTED THE KIA DEALER BUT SINCE THERE'S NO RECALL ON THE RIO THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. THEY DID SAY THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON ANOTHER TYPE OF KIA BUT NOT THE RIO. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE USED CAR IN 2016. WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS HAPPENING THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED
NHTSA complaint #11256019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO, AIR-BAG WARNING LIGHT BECAME ON DURING DRIVING. I TRIED TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BUT IT WON'T GO AWAY. NOTHING HAPPENED SO FAR. NO ACCIDENT, NO DAMAGE, AND ETC.
NHTSA complaint #11229499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN HAEDLIGHTS ARE ON AUTOMATIC AND TURN ON TURN SIGNAL AND MAKE TURN WHEN TURN SIGNAL GOES OFF AFTER MAKING TURN IT TURNS OFF HEAD LIGHTS WHEN MOVING
NHTSA complaint #11220517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON TWO OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE (IN MOTION) HAS GOTTEN SMOKE, I SMELLED BURNT, AND IT WAS ELECTRIC SHOCK WHEN I TOUCHED THE BOARD, I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED IT TO THE AGENCY THAT CORRESPONDS TO ME, HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT SOLVED MY PROBLEM, I AM AFRAID THAT IT COULD BURN MY VEHICLE, MY PHONE NUMBER IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11193460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF AND THEN STAYS OFF. FORCING ME TO TURN OFF AND BACK ON THE LIGHTS MANUALLY WITH THE SWITCH TO GET THEM TO COME BACK ON THEN REPEAT.. THEY TURN OF AND I STRUGGLE TO KEEP THEM ON AND I TRAVEL FOR WORK AND ALLOT OF NIGHT TIME DRIVING. VERY FRUSTRATING AND OTHER DRIVERS THINK I'M FLASHING THEM. VERY UNSAFE AND KIA DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT FIX IT UNLESS I PAY THEM TO FIX IT. MY CAR HAS 23,000 MILES AT THE MOMENT PROBLEM STARTED LAST YEAR AROUND 12,000 MILES BUT AGE IS PAST FACTORY WARRANTY. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF I'M DRIVING OR IT'S PARKED LIGHTS/WIRING HAS A PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT KIA REFUSES TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #11182194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1) REPLACED OX SENSOR@ 35000 MILES 2) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING @ 45000 MILES 3) REAR WINDOW IS TOO SMALL TO SEE SAFELY. BLIND SPOT IS LARGE. 4) HEADLIGHT AUTO-SENSOR SETTING DOES NOT INITIATE LIGHTS IN DAYLIGHT RAIN CONDITIONS. 5) SEAT DESIGN DOES NOT PROVIDE LUMBAR SUPPORT AND HEADREST IS PERMANETLY ANGLED TO CAUSE NECK PAIN DURING A LONG DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10790428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. REPLACED BULBS AND CHECKED FUSE BUT STILL NOTHING. GOOD SAMARITAN PULLED UP NEXT TO ME AT A RED LIGHT TO LET ME KNOW, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND I WAS ONLY A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10735040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED REPEATEDLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF MULTIPLE TIMES AS THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #10726621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHENEVER CAR IS RUNNING WOULD HERE A KNOCKING OR RATTLING SOUND,HAD TOO REPLACE PARKING LIGHT BULBS THREE TIMES IN FIRST YEAR THEY BURNT OUT AND ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD KICK ON AND WHEN I WOULD GET CAR TO SERVICE CENTER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD GO BACK OUT AND THEY WOULD WANT TO CHARGE ME TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC IF NOTHING SHOWED AFTER THEY RAN IT ALSO SAID MY WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER FAULTY IGNITION AND DOOR LOCK FIRST MY DOOR LOCKS STARTED GETTING JAMMED AND I ASSUMED THAT MAYBE SOMEONE HAD TRIED TO BREAK INTO CAR BUT THEN MY CAR WAS IN REPAIR SHOP ON A UNRELATED ISSUE MY REPAIR GUY CALLS AND TELLS ME MY IGNITION AND KEY ARE STUCK BETWEEN ACC AND START AND WOULDN'T COME OUT OR TURN THE REST OF THE WAY ON OR OFF ALSO HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT ON CAR AT SIX MONTHS OLD AND THE LABOR BECAUSE IT WASN'T PART OF EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN THE KEY THEN HAS BEEN LITTLE TRICKY HAVING TO PUT IN AT A ANGLE KINDA AND NOW ITS STUCK AGAIN IN BETWEEN ACC AND START AGAIN SO REPAIR GUY DID SOME SEARCHING AND FOUND THAT SOMETIMES IF YOU DISCONNECT THE NEG BAT CABLE IT WILL RELEASE THE IGNITION AND THAT IT COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE GEAR SHIFT NOT IN GAUGING INTO PARK ALL THE WAY EVEN THOUGH THE SHIFTER SAYS IT IS AND THE SHIFTER WONT GO UP ANYMORE THERE SEEMS TO BE ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER WITH THIS CAR OH AND I ALSO BURNED MYSELF LEANING AGAINST FRONT QUARTER PANEL BUT THE HOOD ITS SELF WAS COOL TO THE TOUCH.
NHTSA complaint #10704355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THANKFULLY, I HAD A FRIEND FOLLOWING ME TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM, OR ELSE THIS COULD HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10564990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ANOTHER DRIVER ALERTED THAT THE EXTERIOR BRAKES LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT SPRAYED A LUBRICANT ONTO THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. THREE YEARS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR OTHER 2007 KIA MODEL VEHICLES UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V130000 (COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS: SWITCH). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000...UPDATED 01/04/13
NHTSA complaint #10486345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.