2016 Kia RIO Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,458miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Kia RIO, 6% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,458 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.
“I have 2016 Kia RIO lx and I been have problems with it first it was my widow switch keep rubbing so I took the the dealership and the said it needed oil on it was dryout.next I have problem with the fuel tank when I pump gas in the tank it keep rejecting and clicking at the pump like it's full of gas and is not.then something on the dashboard be popping up every now and again and showing the ESC control when driving.now the car to start smoking when I pull off only and I keep having to add oil.”
NHTSA complaint #11407270, filed 2021-04“on 08.30.22 while driving on the interstate I75 going approx. 75 mph my vehicle just lost speed and I barely made it to the side of the road. it did not shut off just had no power, this was at 63,000 miles and had to have the catalytic converter replaced. total cost $1800. fast forward to 12.10.22 same thing happened and was told once again need a new catalytic converter. also have had all maintenance done and this GDI engine burns approx. 1 quart of oil every 2 weeks. also make not that the engine light never came on with either event”
NHTSA complaint #11497216, filed 2022-12“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, who were unable to identify the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11556929, filed 2023-11, 34,000 miles“Ignition getting stuck in acc car can’t go anywhere can’t turn key off steering wheel won’t lock no don’t have money to put in shop arm no hasn’t been inspected no lamps no warning just started doing it has done a few times now”
NHTSA complaint #11542553, filed 2023-09Related service bulletins
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11000787May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission…
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
- 10174520Apr 24, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating…
- 10169700Dec 4, 2019TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DCT ACTUATOR ROD LENGTH ADJUSTMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to adjust the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) actuator rod lengths using the…
- 10130104Feb 16, 2018TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft…
- 10119114Sep 20, 2017PITSTOP - SHIFT LOCK INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE - Some 2012-2017MY Rio (UB) vehicles may exhibit a shifter that will intermittently not shift out of Park. This bulletin gives…
- 10089382Aug 3, 2015Tsb: 6-spd. A/t adaptive value reset /relearn - this bulletin provides the procedures necessary to reset and relearn the adaptive values after transmission replacement or…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 2 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 12 | 16% |
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 25 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2016 Kia RIO
39 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
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 30, 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