2017 Kia RIO Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 35%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Kia RIO, 35% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,500 miles. 5 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.
“This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11518898, filed 2023-04“As my car was driving my vehicle encountered sudden changes and my engine light went on. As the vehicle stopped driving on its own there was smoke coming from the hood and a fire stared shortly after underneath the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11738683, filed 2026-05“My son and I were driving home from work on IH-35 and I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. Then within seconds, flames appeared moving quickly towards the windshield. I attempted to move to the shoulder and after doing so, I was unable to stop since the brakes were no longer working. I had to use the parking brake when it slowed down and then once stopped, my son and I jumped out of the vehicle and within 3-5 seconds, the entire car was overcome with fire which then exploded.”
NHTSA complaint #11600593, filed 2024-07“I took my KIA Rio to mechanic for knocking noise in engine. Mechanic said it's not the original engine and has been replaced. Nuts and bolts are rusted and some aren't even tightened or torqued correctly. I am the second owner of this car and could have been in an accident. This is very scary. There was no information about a different engine or anything else warning me about KIA or Hyundai cars. Please let others know that their safety is at stake buying these vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11521796, filed 2023-05“I was driving my 2017 Kia Rio at approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began shaking violently. I heard a loud mechanical sound from the engine compartment that sounded like something broke loose and was being thrown around. I immediately began pulling over as smoke started entering the cabin. As soon as I stopped, the car erupted into a fast-moving, intense fire originating in the engine compartment. The fire spread so quickly that the front of the vehicle and the passenger cabin were completely destroyed before the fire department arrived. …”
NHTSA complaint #11727456, filed 2026-03Related service bulletins
- 11017109Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 11014912Feb 28, 2025TECHNICAL 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…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 6 | 27% |
| 2018 | 15 | 54% |
| 2017 | 11 | 35% |
| 2016 | 39 | 49% |
| 2015 | 23 | 44% |
| 2014 | 24 | 46% |
| 2013 | 53 | 35% |
| 2012 | 24 | 44% |
| 2011 | 7 | 29% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 18% |
| 2008 | 3 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 14% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2017 Kia RIO
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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