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Electrical systemPart report

2016 Kia RIO Electrical system Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
11%of 79 total for the year
Median mileage
35,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Kia RIO, 11% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,500 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“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 complaint #11589184, filed 2024-05, 115,000 miles

“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 complaint #11557410, filed 2023-11

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11580535, filed 2024-04

“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 complaint #11669451, filed 2025-06

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11567926, filed 2024-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023217%
202218%
202117%
2020519%
201915%
2018518%
2017310%
2016911%
2015917%
2014510%
20132718%
2012611%
2011521%
2010415%
200925%
200812%
2007817%
200634%
2005411%
2004513%
20031520%
200286%
20012511%

Other parts of the 2016 Kia RIO

Engine
39 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 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