2016 Kia RIO Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2016 Kia RIO, 4% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles.
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 contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that there was no oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. An oil consumption test was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11690274, filed 2025-09, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that upon driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 2-3 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The Ford dealer where the vehicle was purchased arranged for the vehicle to be picked up at the residence. The Ford dealer informed the contact that the mechanic and the Kia dealer where the vehicle was taken could not determine the cause of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11689368, filed 2025-09, 126,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had an abnormal burning oil odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who checked the vehicle and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11589661, filed 2024-05, 110,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10232942Mar 1, 2023PITSTOP: LOW OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE AFTER GAMMA 1.6L GDI SHORT BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information equipped with a Gamma 1.6L GDI regarding a 'low oil…
- 10209438Mar 1, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10206642Jan 6, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10205426Dec 21, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10201158Sep 1, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10183333Nov 25, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10183332Nov 4, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10169713Dec 20, 2019TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL SMELL ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND CHARCOAL CANISTER REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Engine Control…
- 10168850Nov 26, 2019TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin…
- 10136503Apr 27, 2018TSB - CANISTER CLOSE VALVE INSPECTION AND AIR DRAIN CASE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and if necessary, replace the Air Drain Case on some…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 8% |
| 2005 | 12 | 32% |
| 2004 | 12 | 32% |
| 2003 | 19 | 26% |
| 2002 | 39 | 30% |
| 2001 | 52 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2016 Kia RIO
39 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
4 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