49
Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE
10 complaints
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.
Nov 26, 2025
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.
Mar 13, 2025
Car started running oddly pulled over went to restart and Fire came up an engine compartment
Apr 29, 2023
Fire: 1
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.
Feb 04, 2022
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
Nov 07, 2021
+ 5 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
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
Jul 18, 2024
CAR PAUSES AND THEN EXHILARATES WHEN DRIVING OR BACKING UP FOR EXPLANATION AND ALSO WANTS TO STALL WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS WHEN TRYING TO GET ON HIGHWAY..
Apr 24, 2019
REPLACED CADALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR DEC 2017, AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON NOW WITH DIAGNOSTICS SAYING SAME THINGS AGAIN. OIL NEEDS TO BE PUT IN CAR EVERY WEEK OR TWO. FED UP WITH THIS CAR
Mar 06, 2019
THIS IS MY SECOND POST. MY FUEL SYSTEM HAS BEEN ACTING UP THE LAST 1-2WKS. I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ONE DAY THAT THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE NEEDLE MOVED TO EMPTY ON MY DASHBOARD. I HAD PUT A FULL TANK OF GAS IN MY CAR LESS THAN 24HR EARLIER AND ONLY DRIVEN 20MI. SO I WAS QUITE ALARMED. I STOPPED TO CHECK MY FUEL CAP. CHECKED FOR LEAKS. BUT THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS ISSUE. THE LIGHT EVENTUALLY WENT OFF AND THE NEEDLE ROSE BACK UP TO THE FULL READING. WEIRD OF COURSE. I FIGURED IT WAS A GLITCH SO I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT. HOWEVER THE SAME ISSUE CONT'D TO OCCUR OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS. AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVENTUALLY CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO AUTOZONE AND WAS TOLD THERE IS AN ISSUE W/ MY FUEL SENSOR SYSTEM. GREATNESS NEWS EVER B/C I AM STILL DEALING W/ MY AIRBAG LIGHT ISSUE FROM CLOSE TO TWO MONTHS AGO!!!!!!! I HAVE HAD SOME HELP FROM THE DEALER REGARDING THE AIRBAG MATTER, WHICH I AM THANKFUL FOR. HOWEVER I AM BECOMING VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY VEHICLE NOW THAT I HAVE A NEW ISSUE IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS. I UNDERSTAND CARS REQUIRE MAINTENANCE. BUT THE COST AND NEED FOR MAINTENANCE SHOULD BE A MORE REASONABLE BURDEN FOR THE OWNER. BECAUSE THIS IS BECOMING UNBEARABLE. NOT SURE WHAT I WILL DO WITH MY CAR LONG TERM. MY HUSBAND AND I DO PLAN TO FIX BOTH ISSUES AS TIME AND MONEY PERMITS. BUT I WILL DEFINITELY LOOK INTO SELLING MY CAR SOON AND SERIOUSLY CONSIDER ANOTHER DEALER FOR FUTURE CAR PURCHASES.
Mar 02, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
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.
Jan 06, 2022
CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, RPM'S REVVING WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY. COULD NOT GET CAR TO SLOW DOWN SO HAD TO STEER CAR INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. PROBLEM EXISTED BEFORE THE ACCIDENT DOING THE SAME THING(RPM'S REVVING) IN PARK OR REVERSE OR ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. TOOK IN FOR REPAIR AND 4 DAYS LATER WAS IN THE ACCIDENT. KIA DEALERSHIP TELLING ME THAT THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE DUPLICATED WHILE DRIVING IT OR PERFORMING INSPECTION. ACCORDING TO THEIR RESULTS, CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM OCCURRED RANDOMLY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE TO GET BACK IN THE CAR AND DRIVE AGAIN.
Mar 08, 2017
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
MY PROBLEM IS SIMILAR TO ANOTHER POST ON THIS WEBSITE. MY CAR WOULD REV HIGH ON THE RPMS WHEN STARTING IT WHILE IN PARK AND I WOULD HAVE TO PUT MY TOE UNDER THE GAS PEDAL TO STOP IT AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPEATED IF IT WAS STILL DOING IT WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING, OTHERWISE THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS PUSHING FORWARD. I NOTICED THIS HAPPED MORE OFTEN THE NEXT DAY IF THE CAR WAS PARKED QUICKLY EARLIER, (BUT NOT ALWAYS) AND ALSO HAPPENED MORE WITH LESS MILES ON THE CAR WHEN I FIRST GOT THE ONE OWNER USED CAR AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WITH LESS THAN 12000 MILES. HAD A ISSUE WITH IT WHEN AT A 3 WAY INTERSECTION WHERE A CAR TAPPED MY BUMPER HARD ENOUGH TO PUSH ME FORWARD. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY ENGAGED IN THE "ACCELERATION MODE." LUCKILY I WASN'T HIT BY ANY OTHER CARS WHILE MY CAR PUSHED ITSELF OUT INTO TRAFFIC DESPITE PUTTING MY FOOT HARD ON THE BRAKE. I MANAGED TO GET MY TOE UNDER THE GAS PEDAL TO STOP THE ACCELERATION AND PUT ON THE BRAKE AFTER TURNING RIGHT. THIS HAPPED IN APPROX. 2014 OR 2015. NEVER HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AS OF THIS TIME. WHEN I HAD A KIA DEALERSHIP LOOKING AT THE CAR FOR ANOTHER UNRELATED PROBLEM, THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM. DESPITE INSPECTING AND TEST DRIVING, THE MECHANICS SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. YESTERDAY ON JUNE 3, 2016 (AFTER LEAVING OUR HOUSE WITH ROUGH ROAD OUT FRONT THAT IS TO BE REPAIRED,) I WAS MOVING FORWARD AFTER STOPPING AT A 4 WAY INTERSECTION, WHEN THE CAR STARTED REVVING AGAIN. I HAD TO BRAKE, THROW THE CAR INTO PARK, TURN ON MY HAZARDS, AND LIFT UP THE GAS PEDAL WITH MY TOE ALL AT ONCE BEFORE GOING ON THE HIGHWAY. NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING UNTIL NOW. I DON'T KNOW IF GOING OVER A STONE ON THE ROUGH AREA OF OUR RESIDENTIAL STREET AT APPROX. 10 MPH LED TO YESTERDAY'S PROBLEM. THERE IS A SENSE OF LOSS OF CONTROL OVER DRIVING THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS. HELP!
Jun 04, 2016
MY 2012 KIA RIO BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS TO 60MPH ON A CITY STREET. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK SHOWED UP TO TAKE MY CAR TO DEALERSHIP, WE STARTED THE CAR AND THE PROBLEM SUBSIDED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOLD ME THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO CHARGE ME FOR THE TOW SINCE THE PROBLEM ISN'T CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE, AND KIA SAID I WOULD GET THE BILL FOR INSPECTION SINCE THE PROBLEM ISN'T ABLE TO BE REPLICATED. I HAVE HAD SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR FOR THE PAST 5 MONTHS WITH IT SPORADICALLY NOT STARTING, THEN STARTING. KIA WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO NEVER FIXED IT AS THEY DON'T ACTUALLY WORK AT LOOKING FOR THE PROBLEM, BUT WANT THE CAR TO BE IN AN INOPERABLE CONDITION SO THAT THE CODE READER CAN DO THE WORK FOR THEM. TODAY WAS A NEW PROBLEM. I COULD HAVE DIED! KIA CORP IS JUST IGNORING ME. I AM PAYING ALOT OF MONEY FOR THIS CAR AND CAN'T DRIVE IT BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS. I AM TERRIFIED OF IT NOW! *TR
Dec 04, 2014
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
"TAKATA RECALL" CAR AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT.
Apr 24, 2019
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON, CAR HAS LITTLE OVER 87,000 MILES STRICTLY DEALER MAINTENANCE NO RHYME OR REASON TO EXPLAIN THE LIGHT. NO ACCIDENTS NO LIQUIUD SPILLS ON ANY SEATS DEALER STATED COST COULD BE UP TO $2000.00 DEPENDING ON WHAT THE $245.00 DIAGNOSTIC SNOWS. I CAN NOT U UNDERSTAND HOW A SAFETY FEATURE UUS NOT COVERED FOR MUCH LONGER. HELL MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER GAS A LONGER WARRANTY. MY DEALER TELLS ME THEY ARE SEEING MORE AND MORE KKA VEHICLES COMING IN WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH ALMOST EXACT YEARS AND MILEAGE. THAT TELLS ME THERE IS A ISSUE. KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE 2 OTHER CARS THAT ARE OLDER AND NEVER BAD A AIRBAG LIGHTG ON. MY 02 AVALANCHE HAS 237,000 MILES ON IT. NEVER A ISSUE. MY 99 CHEVY EXPRESS VAN 347,000 MILES ON IT ZERO AIRBAG LIGHTS EVER! WHY DOES A 5 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 87,000 MILES HAVE IT? GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR DIES DUE TO CHEAP PARTS BEING USED.
Oct 01, 2017
MY AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A LITTLE OVER TWO WEEKS NOW. I WAS HOPING THE ISSUE WOULD CORRECT ITSELF AND IT DIDN'T. SO I BROUGHT IT TO A DEALER YESTERDAY. THE PRICE THEY QUOTED FOR PARTS IS 913 FOR AN OSC MAT AND 296 FOR A CLOCK ASSEMBLY PART. THAT'S OVER 1000, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. I AM VERY UPSET AND CONFUSED AT THE COST I'M BEING QUOTED TO REPAIR THE MATTER. JUST MY LUCK OF COURSE, THE WARRANTY COVERING THIS EXPIRED ABOUT 2 MOS AGO, PER THE DEALER. I REALLY WOULD LIKE SOME FEEDBACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER ON WHY THE COST IS SO HIGH, CONSIDERING THE CURRENT VALUE OF THE VEHICLE AS A WHOLE. IT'S NOT REASONABLE AND NOT ECONOMICAL IF I HAVE TO PAY FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE IN THE FUTURE. THE LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER I START MY VEHICLE; TYPICALLY IT SHOULD FLASH ON FOR A FEW SEC IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING AND THEN TURN OFF; BUT THE LIGHT NEVER TURNS OFF; THE ISSUE HASN'T SEEMED TO AFFECT MY DRIVING; BUT IT DOES CONCERN ME IF I DON'T PAY TO CORRECT THE MATTER THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY DURING A WRECK OR CONVERSELY IT MAY DEPLOY AT A WRONG TIME, CAUSING UNNECESSARY DAMAGE. *TR
Jan 26, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Jan 13, 2015
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
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.
Apr 17, 2024
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.
Feb 29, 2024
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.
Jan 19, 2024
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
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
Dec 20, 2020
BRIEF LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL ALONG WITH ENGINE OVERSPEED POSSIBLY DUE TO DIRTY ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN CONNECTOR AT ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY -- RESTORED PROPER OPERATION VIA FLUSHING OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN CONNECTOR WITH 100% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL AEROSOL SPRAY -- VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN INTO A CROWDED PARKING LOT AT THE TIME -- BRAKES WERE EFFECTIVE IN KEEPING THE SPEED UNDER CONTROL -- HAD TO SHUT ENGINE OFF WHILE IN DRIVE IN ORDER TO KEEP IT FROM OVERSPEEDING -- ENGINE HAD BEEN RUNNING AND CAR HAD BEEN IN MOTION FOR PREVIOUS 45 MINS WITHOUT PROBLEMS
Nov 18, 2019
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
2 complaints
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. *TR
May 11, 2020
I'M AT 96K MILES. THE MECHANIC PULLS CODES FOR THE AIRBAGS. THEY ARE SHOWING A DEFECT AND THE REASON IS UNKNOWN. I'M ALSO HEARING A RATTLING IN THE ENGINE. WE ARE DISCOVERING IT IS COMMON IN KIA RIO AND THE REASON KIA GIVES IS WE ARE GETTING OUR OIL CHANGES DONE AT PLACES OTHER THAN THEM. I USED ONLY EXPERIENCED, LICENSED MECHANICS. THE ISSUE CONTINUES TO GO UNDIAGNOSED AS TO KNOW IF THE ENGINE WILL CATCH FIRE CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE. A FIX NEED FORCED.
Apr 02, 2020
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN, GOING ABOUT 55-60 MPH, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN (LIKE THEY ALMOST MISSED THE STREET AND TRIED TO COMPENSATE LAST MINUTE) I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS BUT COULD NOT STOP IN TIME AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE SEATBELT DIDN'T CATCH, NOR DID THE AIRBAG DEPLOY, AND MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, CHIN FIRST.
Apr 21, 2016
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
WE RAN INTO A TELEPHONE POLL AT ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOOK, PASSENGER HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH HEAD AND DRIVER HIT HIS CHEST INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND HURT CHEST. *TR
Jan 17, 2013
Crash: 1
Injuries: 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE OR PARK MY DOORS AUTOMATIC LOCK OR UNLOCK. SEVERAL TIMES IT NEITHER LOCKED OR UNLOCKED WHEN PUT IN PARK OR DRIVE.I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES OF COURSE IT DID NOT MALFUNCTION THEN.I CALLED KIA CORPORATE OFFICE BUT NO RECALLS OR COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND.I BELIEVE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF MY DOORS NOT UNLOCKING
Jul 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAILED TO WORK THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE HAD OCCURRED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,315 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,318.
Aug 28, 2012
Fire: 1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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.
Jul 30, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
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.
Jun 23, 2022
Fire: 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
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...
Dec 13, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
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
Aug 27, 2020
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
ABOUT 3 MTHS AGO STARTED USING OIL 3 QTS EXTRA THE WENT TO A QT A WEEK, NOW USING A QUART EVERY OTHER DAY, HAVE HAD PEOPLE CHECK. CANT FIND OUT WHERE OIL IS GOING, HAVE PARKED IT, ALSO, AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 4MTHS AGO, KIA RIO HAS 114,000. THE CALIBER FROZE UP AT 88,000 THE BRAKE PADS KEPT WEARING ON LEFT SIDE, NOW THE RIGHT STARTING TO WEARING MORE...I HAVE THE GOLD AUTOGUARD WARRANTY UP TO 120,000 WITH HENDRICK CHEVROLET, TOOK IT IN ON APPT. DAY N TIME, HAD 30 CARS AHEAD. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED. CARFAX ON CARS ARE NOT TRUE, THIS CAR WAS NOTED WITH NO DAMAGE OR WRECKS, BUT I HAVE SEEN ON LEFT SIDE OF CAR, MARKS OF JUNK YARD PARTS, EVEN ON BACK WINDOW. REASON FOR PARKING CAR BC ITS COSTING TO MUCH FOR OIL, ALSO MY GRANDBABY IS ALWAYS WITH ME IN THIS 2012 KIA RIO, THIS CAR ISNT WORTH HER LIFE, NO CAR IS...OH ON CARFAX IT STATE'S ITS AN EX THEN ON SECOND PAGE IT STATE'S A LX, WHICH UNDERSTAND MITE BE TYPE ERROR BUT WHEN IT STATE'S NO DAMAGE OR WRECK, THATS A BIG ERROR. NEVER GOT CHECK OIL LIGHT NOT ONE TIME, NEW IT WNOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ONLY LIGHT WAS AND IS THE AIRBAG LIGHT.
May 26, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2012 KIA RIO AND OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS THE OIL LIGHT SPONTANEOUSLY COMES ON AND TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT INTO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID A CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH INDICATED THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL. I WAS TOLD I NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW, CURRENTLY HAS 112K MILES (MOSTLY HIGHWAY) ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED ME NOTHING. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME FOR A BRAND NEW ENGINE WITH A 6M /12M WARRANTY COSTING ME $3900 / $4400 FOR REPAIR OR AN ENGINE W 95K MILES FOR $3600 / $3900 FOR REPAIR. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO JUST KEEP CHECKING THE OIL AND REFILL AS NEEDED. WHAT KIND OF SERVICE IS THAT?!?!?! CITY KIA ORLANDO - THIS IS LUDICRIS!!!!! WHAT CAN I DO TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE IN GETTING ANOTHER CAR. THIS CAR IS LESS THAN 10YRS OLD AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE SMELLED SMOKE A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE OUTDOORS. I USED MY CAR DAILY AND ALTHOUGH I DO NOT USUALLY TRAVEL FAR FROM HOME I HAVE MY KIDS WITH ME 99% OF THE TIME. CAN YOU HELP ME? I SAW ON THE NEWS 6 JUST THIS MORNING ABOUT KIA CAR ENGINE FIRES. I AM A SINGLE MOM WITH 3 KIDS AT HOME 5-17YRS OLD. I WORK 10HR DAYS AND MAKING JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE ENDS MEET. YOUR ADVICE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Nov 02, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
DRIVING CAR AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. GOT OUT ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY LIFTED HOOD AND EVERYTHING WAS ON FIRE. PEOPLE ASSING BY ALONG WITH HERO AND FIRE DEPT MADE SURE FLAMES WERE PUT OUT . I NEVER MADE ANY MODIFICATION TO VEHICLE AND WE KEEP IT SERVICED. FEEL LIKE PROBLEMS ARE WITH MANUFACTURE WIRING. I HAVE DONE INSURANCE CLAIM AND CONTACTED MANUFACTURE. THE MILES ARE APROX 102K
Sep 06, 2016
Fire: 1
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE REAR END OF THE CAR MAKES A WEIRD WHOP WHOP SOUND WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO CHARPER THEY TOLD ME ALL THE KIA RIOS DO THIS. I FEAR THAT A REAR WHEEL IS GOING TO EVENTUALLY COME OF OR BLOW SOMETHING. CANT EVEN PUT WINDOWS DOWN WHEN DRIVING IT SOUNDS LIKE A HELICOPTER IS LANDING ON THE ROOF IT IS THAT BAD. HURTS YOUR EARDRUMS. HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT DRIVING CONDITION.
Aug 05, 2016
WHEELS
1 complaint
4 TIRES WITH ONLY 17,000 MILES ON THEM, HAVE RUBBER DRY ROT CRACKS ON SIDEWALLS AND ALWAYS NEED ALL 4 TIRES AIR ADJUSTED BACK UP OVER SHORT TIME, AND ALWAYS LOOK DINGY DIRTY FROM ROAD DIRT IN CRACKS ON SIDEWALL. SAFETY HAZARD ? KUMHO SOLUS KH25 DOT YOAH YPL8 (5111 ) 185\65R15 ALL 4 TIRES SAME DOT. CAR KEPT GARAGED AND HARDLY DRIVEN SINCE PURCHASED NEW. TIRES SHOULD NOT BE DOING THIS. I CONTACTED COMPANY BUT NOT REPLYING TO PHONE CALLS AND I SENT EMAILS ? I NOTICED SAME BRAND BEING REPLACED BY COMPANY WITH BIGGER SIZE SAME PROBLEM RECALL ? UPDATED 12/01/15*LJ *JS
Oct 30, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
GOT UP EARLY ONE MORNING TO GO TO WORK, STARTED MY CAR, LET IT RUN FOR 2 MINUTES AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT MOVED WITHOUT ME PRESSING ON THE GAS PETAL AND I WAS PARKED DOWN HILL.NOW MY CAR STARTS SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME, BUT IT STILL NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. I WANTED TO KNOW WERE THERE A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THESE PROBLEMS.I HAVEN'T TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO BE CHECKED YET, SPEND ENOUGH MONEY ON CAR PAYMENTS TO HAVE TO FIX MY OWN CAR AND IT'S UNDER WARRANTY
Aug 08, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS A TENDENCY TO REV UP TO THE RED LINE ON THE TACH - SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START IT, SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE IN TRAFFIC, SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. I HAVE WITNESSES TO THIS FACT AND IT IS MAKING ME FEEL VERY UNSAFE WHEN I AM DRIVING IT. I ALMOST GOT IN TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION. IT MAY APPEAR IF I AM DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY A COUPLE TIMES THIS OCCURRED AND THE ONLY WAY THAT THIS IS REMEDIED IS TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED IT, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO DO THIS 2 OR 3 TIMES. OTHER TIMES IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOU START THE ENGINE IT WILL GO RIGHT TO THE TOP OF THE TACH IF YOU DO NOT TURN OFF IGNITION. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT STOP I FELT THE CAR INCREASING IN REVS WHILE I WAS STOPPED, THANK GOD I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION BEFORE IT CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE IDEA WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. I LOOKED ON THE WEB AND FOUND OTHER INSTANCES OF KIA OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT, TWICE, NEW AND THEY TELL ME THEY CANNOT CHANGE ANY PARTS UNLESS THE PROBLEM CAN BE DUPLICATED. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA ON LINE AND NO RESPONSE EXCEPT TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER! I WANT THE PROBLEM REPAIRED I DO NOT CARE WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO TO MAKE IT SAFE AS IT STANDS NOW IT IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE AND AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN! IT SOMETIMES ALSO FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE SPEED CONTROL AS YOU ARE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IT WILL SPEED UP. I JUST WANT IT REPAIRED! *TR
Feb 15, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I FILLED UP WITH GAS AND WAS LEAVING THE GAS STATION. I HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO PULL OUT AND THE CAR DIDN'T GO. IT IDLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC, ON THE ROAD BUT IT WOULDN'T GO. IT TOOK ABOUT 3-4 SECONDS BEFORE IT WOULD TAKE OFF. SINCE THEN IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMP AND YOU STOP FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES. *TR
Aug 19, 2014
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES BECAME WORN PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A BENT SPINDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000. UPDATED 08/21/2014*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH SPINDLES AND THE STABILIZER BAR WERE BENT. THE BEARINGS WERE NOT RIDING TRUE ON THE SPINDLE. UPDATED 08/26/2014 *JS
May 12, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 2012 KIA RIO CAUGHT FIRE THE OTHER DAY. I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, WENT INTO THE HOUSE TO PUT MY LAPTOP DOWN. I HAD SHUT THE CAR OFF. CAME BACK OUT TO GRAB SOME STUFF FROM THE TRUNK AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING FROM THE HOOD. THOUGHT IT HAD OVERHEATED. PULLED HOOD RELEASE AND WENT TO OPEN THE HOOD WHEN I REALIZED FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE AREA. TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT WITH A GARDEN HOSE & WAS INSTRUCTED BY 911 TO GET AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. CAR ENDED UP BURSTING INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME AND EXTINGUISH. CALLED KIA AND THEY ARE TAKING THEIR TIME AT RESPONDING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY BE A BIGGER PROBLEM AND EFFECT MORE PEOPLE. PUTTING LIVES AT RISK FOR INJURY AND POSSIBLE DEATH. *TR
Feb 26, 2014
Fire: 1
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
THE SEAT BELT WOULD OFTEN LOCK UP WHEN ON THE DRIVER/PASSENGER, WHICH WOULD PREVENT THE OCCUPANTS FROM MOVING. ALSO, THE SEATBELT WOULD OFTEN LOCK UP IN THE RESTING POSITION, WHICH WOULD PREVENT AN OCCUPANT FROM PUTTING ON THE SEATBELT UPON ENTERING THE CAR. THE CAR HAD BEEN TAKEN TO A KIA DEALERSHIP TWO TIMES BEFORE THEY REPLACED THE SEATBELT. *TR
Jan 30, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THE FUEL HOSE VENT LINE LEAKED FUEL INTO BACK SEAT OF VEHICLE WHILE FUELING, TAKEN TO DEALER ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT KIA SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE AND I SPILT GAS ON THE SEAT. *TR
Apr 04, 2012
4.3/5.0
54 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2012 KIA Rio have?

The 2012 KIA Rio currently has 49 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2012 KIA Rio?

The most common problems reported for the 2012 KIA Rio are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2012 KIA Rio problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2012 KIA Rio comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

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