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EnginePart report

2012 Kia RIO Engine Problems

Complaints
24about this part
Share
44%of 54 total for the year
Median mileage
97,033miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Kia RIO, 44% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,033 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10626366, filed 2014-08, 59,500 miles

“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”

NHTSA complaint #10903822, filed 2016-09, 60 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11320096, filed 2020-04, 97,205 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11210046, filed 2019-05, 100,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11144971, filed 2018-11, 112,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023325%
202218%
2021213%
2020519%
2019627%
20181554%
20171135%
20163949%
20152344%
20142446%
20135335%
20122444%
2011729%
2010415%
2009718%
200837%
200712%
200623%
2005514%
200311%
200211%
200110%

Other parts of the 2012 Kia RIO

Air bags
12 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia RIO

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology