2014 Kia Rio Engine Problems

I am filing this complaint regarding Kia America's arbitrary denial of coverage for a suspected connecting-rod-bearing failure in my 2014 Kia Rio (85,000 miles). The vehicle exhibits classic symptoms of the Gamma 1.6L GDI defect: excessive oil consumption (bone-dry after ~1,200 miles post-January 2026 shop oil change), flashing CEL, and loud rod knock after oil starvation. Kia corporate denied all extended warranty/campaign relief on 03/18/2025, stating the powertrain warranty expired in 2019 and "no campaigns" apply. This is inconsistent and deceptive: -U.S. Litigation: Early complaints and law-firm summaries in In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II (C.D. Cal., 8:18-cv-02223) and related MDL explicitly referenced 2012–2019 Kia Rios with 1.6L Gamma GDI for the exact defect (oil burn → bearing failure → seizure/fire risk). However, Kia negotiated to exclude Rios from the final E2 Class Vehicles list (see kiaengineclasssettlement.com FAQ #6), limiting relief to Souls and select others despite the identical engine family. -Canadian Precedent: The McKenzie Lake/Strosberg class action explicitly includes 2012–2017 Kia Rios with Gamma 1.6 GDI for the same issues, providing inspections/repairs—proving the defect transcends model badging. -Safety & Consumer Impact: This selective denial violates Magnuson-Moss (unreasonable warranty conditions) and constitutes deceptive trade practices, as Kia advertised these engines as reliable while knowing the failure mode. I request: immediate investigation, compelled goodwill repair (or full engine replacement), and documentation of how Kia limited Rio coverage in settlement negotiations. Attached are all supporting records.

NHTSA ID

11725736

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

I tried to get the parts fixed from the recall. However, when I tried to get it serviced I was adviced that the parts would take a few weeks to arrive. With an appending move to Helena, Mt from Lambertville, Mi they informed me that they would not be able to fix the recall issues. There is no KIA dealership within a reasonable distance from my current location. I am having issues with the dealership towing the rio without charging me the amount of $1300. The engine had completely stopped. I towed the car from Michigan to Montana with a Uhaul because of the recall issues.

NHTSA ID

11661646

Incident

May 7, 2025

The engine started to lose power, and the check engine light illuminated. The power drop was most noticable when accelerating from a stop. At times, randomly, the engine RPMs would dip down to 200-300 at idle and would almost stall. Upon further investigation, the engine has been excessively consuming oil. I brought the vehicle to a local mechanic shop to get a detailed diagnosis, they informed me the catalytic converter was clogged and constricting exhaust flow. The engine has developed a ticking/knock. The catalytic converter, and an O2 sensor was replaced with that visit. The ticking/knock persists.

NHTSA ID

11651826

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 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 check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11578079

Incident

Mar 18, 2020

Mileage

95,000 mi

hydraulic electronic control unit HECU fire risk Kia recall sent a letter they would repair, never called so I have called many times, keep repeating no repair part, an excuse

NHTSA ID

11573284

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 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 while driving 15 MPH, she noticed a burning odor and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she made a U-turn and drove back to the residence. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,362. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11562635

Incident

Dec 23, 2023

Mileage

70,362 mi

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 ID

11555974

Incident

Aug 3, 2023

Summer of 2021 - Code that signaled a failure of the catalytic converter. Taken to Kia to determine the issue which was confirmed to be a faulty catalytic converter that needed repair. After repairing the catalytic converter, oil began being consumed rapidly. This led to the oil light appearing roughly every two weeks. Oil was added to appropriate level when required and changed every 3000 miles. After about 3 months, a rattling noise was heard from the engine compartment. When taken to Kia dealer no issues were found. Late February of 2023 the oil light and appeared while driving on the interstate and the engine began to seize with a large knocking noise coming from the engine. Independent auto mechanic determined that the engine was failing. Car currently runs with a loud knock in the engine.

NHTSA ID

11535638

Incident

Feb 26, 2023

The car has been burning oil where I have to have it changed every week. I read that California has a lawsuit on lemon law against Kia and Hyundai for burning engines and my 2014 Kia Rio is included but I don't live in California. I am requesting you to do the same thing California is doing and do a lawsuit. I have all the receipts and proof every week I have to add oil because the engine burns oil too quickly.

NHTSA ID

11533971

Incident

Jul 8, 2020

Smog check came back as Cadillac converter is failing

NHTSA ID

11517474

Incident

Apr 17, 2023

Burning excessive oil, shooting oil out of the exhaust, car has less than 48,000 miles and it’s shaky when driven feels like it will stall and turn off. Had an oil change done in October 2022 then in early December the oil warning light lit up almost out of oil, had to stop at the nearest shop car was checked and advised to have another oil change I did. but it did not help the problem persists I have to keep adding oil. I am scared to drive the car and currently taking the bus to work. I know that’s a Kia problem with excessive oil consumption.

NHTSA ID

11504381

Incident

Dec 10, 2022

Check engine light on and off, per test says the Catalac converter

NHTSA ID

11484130

Incident

Sep 12, 2022

the car has 93000 miles and it started making a knocking noise from the engine. I brought the car to a mechanic and told me the engine needs replace because the connecting rod was broken that there have been recalls for KIA's for this problem. I went to the KIA dealer for fix under warranty but they declined for lack of maintenance due to my first oil change was to long I did not retain my receipts. than i researched to find out the government/this sight is investigating Hyundai-KIA for this problem , the RIO was not on the original recall the case has been reopened in December to add the RIO so thats why I am here adding my car to the list.

NHTSA ID

11475941

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

While driving the car caught fire. A Cause & Origin inspection was performed and there is a hole in the engine block consistent with other known KIA recalls. Georgia Farm Bureau insurance claim number PA000000314316

NHTSA ID

11473317

Incident

May 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the engine. The contact stated that she was uncertain if any warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that there may be a recall on her vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they informed her that she needed a new engine and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11430119

Incident

Aug 1, 2021

Mileage

95,000 mi

Catalytic converter has failed at 80,000 miles

NHTSA ID

11423186

Incident

Jul 2, 2021

I WAS DRIVING TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO WORK AND I NOTICE MY CAR WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD AND I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND I STARTED TO PULL OVER AND ONCE I DID I REALIZE MY CAR WAS ON FIRE UP UNDER THE HOOD. I HAVE A 2014 KIA RIO

NHTSA ID

11354799

Incident

Sep 13, 2020

Mileage

130,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 KIA RIO TO WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 7 AM THIS MORNING WITH NO NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS UNTIL HALFWAY TO WORK WHICH WOULD BE APPROX. 30 MILES INTO MY 52 MILE DRIVE. AFTER I MADE A TURN FROM A STOP LIGHT, I NOTICED A WEIRD SMELL AS I DROVE AND DECIDED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CHECK IT OUT. 1ST, I GLANCED IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR, CHECKING FOR ANY OTHER CARS BEFORE I PULLED OVER, THEN EVERYTHING ELSE FOLLOWED SO QUICKLY: SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR, IMMEDIATELY HITTING THE BRAKES, WHICH WERE NOT WORKING NOW, SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE ENGINE, USING EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND THE FINALLY COMING TO A STOP WHERE I GOT OUT QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AS THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFING THE CAR IN FLAMES. I HAVE NO CLUE AS TO WHAT HAS CAUSED THIS. NOTE: THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS, SUCH AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, COOLANT TEMP, OR ANY DASH INDICATORS, JUST WEIRD SMELL AND LOSS OF BRAKES. I AM INCLUDING SEVERAL PHOTOS. *TR

NHTSA ID

11329676

Incident

Jun 18, 2020

Mileage

76,500 mi

I COMMUTE TO WORK FOR 2-3 HOURS A DAY. ON 12 JULY 2019 I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK ON THE BELTWAY (695 NORTH TOWARD 95 NORTH) AND I HEARD SOMETHING SOUNDING LIKE A HARD POP OR THUMB AND MY CAR STARTED TO SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BELTWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE IT COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I CALLED A TOWING COMPANY TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED BACK HOME BECAUSE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON OR WHAT WAS WRONG. LATER DURING THE WEEK I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO THEN TOLD ME THE PROBLEM WAS THE ENGINE AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. I AM SO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW. THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. MY ISSURANCE COMPANY COVERS NOTHING. I HAVE TO PAY FOR TOWINGS, I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR LABOR AND REPAIRS MYSELF, WHILE STILL MAKING CAR PAYMENTS AND INSURANCE PAYMENTS. THIS IS MORE THAN A SERIOUS BURDEN ON ME. I AM 62 YEARS OLD AND THE STRESS OF THIS WHOLE SITUATION IS BECOMING UNBEARABLE. NO, I DON'T HAVE A HUSBAND, OR CHILDREN OR SIGNIFCANT OTHER TO HELP ME. IT IS ME AND ME ALONE WHO HAS TO COME UP WITH MONEY THAT I DO NOT HAVE. I HAVE BEEN HOME FROM WORK FOR A WEEK, EVER SINCE THIS HAPPENED. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO MISS ANOTHER DAY, BUT I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION TO GET THERE. WAS THERE A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS?

NHTSA ID

11233556

Incident

Jul 12, 2019

Mileage

70,000 mi

MY CAR ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR WAS BURNT. DRIVING TO THE STORE THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE AND CAUGHT FIRE.

NHTSA ID

11195298

Incident

Mar 21, 2019

Mileage

50,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SUBURBAN STREET WHEN MY CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO STOP AND GET OUT OF THE CAR SAFELY. ALTHOUGH I HAD PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, IT ROLLED DOWN THE STREET UNTIL IT HIT A TELEPHONE POLE, WHICH IT SET ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS PRIMARILY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR. I HAD NO REASON TO EXPECT THIS FIRE TO HAPPEN. A FIREFIGHTER TOLD ME IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED, AND TO DO MY DUE DILIGENCE.

NHTSA ID

10870663

Incident

May 19, 2016

Mileage

18,700 mi

HI MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE!! THE CAR BEGAN SMOKING THICK WHITE SMOKE THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING AND WHEN WE PULLED OFF THE STREET AND OPENED THE HOOD THE CAR WAS IN FIRE. I REALLY DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THAT CAR. THIS WOULD BE THE 4TH TIME I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. FIRST 3 TIMES WAS FOR THE AIR CONTAINER NOT WORKING PROPERLY, EVAPORATOR AND SOME OTHER PARTS WERE REPLACED AND NOW IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. THEY SAY THE CAR IS FINE BUT I JUST DON'T FEEL SAFE ANY MORE. THIS HAPPENED 6/29/15 MY CAR IS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD I BOUGHT IT 10/27/14. I AM VERY CONCERN FOR OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THIS SAME CAR IT IS NOT SAFE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10731649

Incident

Jun 29, 2015

Mileage

9,100 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ONCE RESTARTED, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETECT A TROUBLE CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ID

10721540

Incident

May 8, 2014

Mileage

10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG ANTIFREEZE AND FUEL ODOR AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.

NHTSA ID

10621331

Incident

Aug 8, 2014

Mileage

19,000 mi