2016 Kia Rio Electrical Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11669451

Incident

May 6, 2025

The car would constantly stall, would need to jiggle ignition to get car to turn over. burn oil EXTREMELY. would foul spark plugs around 20k-30kmiles. , coolant would get burned and get shot out to the exhaust area, and finally the car would have smoke coming out of the engine bay after driving for a distance of 15-30 miles while also getting terrible MPG. Car on average should get 38mpg highway and 27mpg city. This car was getting about 20-22mpg highway and 16-20mpg city.

NHTSA ID

11589184

Incident

Jul 28, 2023

Mileage

115,000 mi

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). I would like to escalate my complaint. This is a serious safety concern, and on top of that my vehicle is now more likely to be stolen since it must be kept outside (Kia Boys). I'm a fairly patient person, but this has really gotten me sideways. If you could let me know how I can formally file a complaint I would appreciate it.

NHTSA ID

11580535

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

I stayed on top of oil changes and engine continued to burn an excessive amount of oil in between oil changes. No leak was found after having 3 different inspections. I was told this is a common problem with Kia engines from multiple Kia owners, mechanics, and oil change technicians. Despite this, I made sure I always had oil in it and kept up with the changes. Suddenly, while driving on the interstate, the engine completely failed. I had it towed to a mechanic where it was determined internal engine failure if some sort. My car only had 83,000 miles on it when this happened. Due to me being the second owner, ( I bought the cat at 14,000 miles) I was unable to receive the 100,000 miles power train warranty. I called my local Kia dealership to see if there was anything they could do and was told “engines fail all the time” and that there is nothing they can do.Replacing the engine is more than the car is worth. For the engine to fail out of nowhere with no warning (this was the first time any sort of light came on my dash) after spending time and money on upkeep, is unacceptable. It is also completely unsafe. After some researching, I see that this is a very common issue with kia engines and Kia failed to notify me about obsessive oil consumption and the their faulty motors. Over $400 dollars in mechanic fees and over $300 in towing fees to determine all of this and I am out of a car. Getting a new engine or even fixing whatever internal component it is would be way more than what my car is worth with it running.

NHTSA ID

11567926

Incident

Jan 12, 2024

I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off. I get outside to the hood to open it, as there is steam coming out, and as I put my hand on the hood release, a fire erupts from the engine going over my windshield and driver window. Burning my entire car and $2500 worth of belongings to the ground.

NHTSA ID

11557410

Incident

Nov 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that occasionally the key failed to be removed from the ignition switch, and the front driver’s side door. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ID

11519102

Incident

Apr 22, 2023

Mileage

49,000 mi

PROBLEMS: 1) AC STOPS WORKING AND ONLY BLOWS WARM AIR, 2) WINDSHIELD WIPERS DOES NOT WORK. BOTH FRONT AND BACK 3) FRONT LIGHTS DOES NOT WORK

NHTSA ID

11241895

Incident

May 9, 2018

Mileage

22,000 mi

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. THE DEALER (DYER KIA, 21280 US-27, LAKE WALES, FL 33859) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,003. *LN*JB

NHTSA ID

11142173

Incident

Aug 21, 2018

Mileage

16,003 mi