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2016 Kia Rio Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Kia Rio carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering latch and control unit/module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Trunk latch failure to open or close.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Campaign #23V594000 · Aug 24, 2023

Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #23V652000 · Sep 25, 2023

Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Kia Rio.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    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 Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Trunk latch failure to open or close

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-10 → 2023-11

“My trunk latch wasn't working. I couldn't close my trunk. I contact Kia service and since I still have a platinum warranty with them, asked them if they could repair it free of charge. They said no”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557447
“The trunk of my car will not open. Upon further inspection, the trunk latch is broken. When we accessed the trunk from the back seats, we tried to open it with the emergency release and it does not work. Nothing opens the trunk”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11490504
“The trunk latch is broken and does not open with safety latch. Why is my car not on the list for the recall on this particular problem?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437753

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight and tail light failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2026-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742052
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735244
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220517

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter failure

ENGINE

32 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2025-11

“Vehicle burning through excessive amounts of oil. Check engine light came on and car was making a loud ticking noise and knock. Dealership confirmed the vehicle will need a new engine. Kia Corporate denied replacement because vehicle is out of warranty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11601816
“Excessive oil consumption. Over 1 quart every 800 miles. Does not meet similar standards of same vehicle class”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512607
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia RIO. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed and excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11417660

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fires

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2025-06

“I was driving when my Kia stalled and shut off but was still playing music and driving. So I pulled over and then my Kia caught on fire and went up in flames”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669451
“On May 29th 2021 my 2016 Kia Rio engine caught on fire after multiple attempts of letting Kia know that my engine had a possible recall/detect”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11421680
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA RIO. A MINUTE AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11142173

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake hydraulic control unit recall part delays

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

17 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2024-04

“A recall notice (NHTSA recall # 23V652) was issued on 14Nov23 where the HECU may experience an electrical short circuit, which in turn can result in a car fire. To this date, the remedy part is not available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11565537
“The HECu fuse recall has been over six months with no remedy. I called NHTSA two weeks ago and was told by a representative that the manufacturers (both Kia and Hyundai) stated that the remedy would be posted, and available at the dealerships by the end of last month (March)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580535
“The contact owns a 2016 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11584777

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal or rear-end crashes

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2022-11

“Airbags didn’t deploy in a accident which caused whiplash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11493429
“ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY9:12PM, I [XXX] , HAD JUST PICKED UP A PASSENGER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10914893
“ON NOVEMBER 18, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM, I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I REAR ENDED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHILE MOVING AROUND 30 MPH IN THE MERGING RAMP OF HWY 57 TO HWY 210 NEAR SAN DIMAS, CA AND I FILED A POLICE REPORT. THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE/DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154895

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

42 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Kia Rio reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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