CarComplaints.com Notes: The only reason we don't give the 2011 Kia Rio our top award is because of mediocre crash test ratings.

7.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$370
Average Mileage:
48,650 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replaced ignition coil (3 reports)
  2. ignition coils replaced (2 reports)
  3. not sure (2 reports)
2011 Kia Rio engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Kia Rio Owner Comments

problem #7

Sep 072023

Rio LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ok I'm not gonna put 4 different complaints but this is my 4th set of coils after spending 125 per coil at the dealer the first time. I got smart and do it myself I also got coils with a lifetime guarantee since I knew they'd do it again. Kia Rios knows this is a defect. Autozone is really gonna hate me....

- Anjanette R., San Pedro, CA, US

problem #6

Dec 212017

Rio LX I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Check engine light comes on and car starts shaking, each time it ends up being a coil. Have replace the #1 coil twice and #2 once within the last 16 months. Also replace spark plugs twice and the ECM once. Contacted Kia Motors of America and got nothing but lip service. I will never buy another Kia again, as a matter of fact Kia couldn't give me a new car for free. This has been the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned.

- Phillip D., Columbus, US

problem #5

Dec 132016

Rio 4 Dr Sdn Auto Ex 1.6L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,584 miles

I have replaced at least 6 Ignition Coils and 12 spark plugs in 2 years since we bought this car. This is worst problem car I have ever dealt with the same problem going out and causing Check Engine Light and Rough Running. I would HIGHLY UNRECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE,EVEN MY ENEMIES! IT WILL NICKEL AND DIME YOU TO DEATH!! Each time 1 ignition coil goes out, you will have to also replace the spark plug which is NEVER covered under warranty regardless. Check Engine Light is issue with this car at least 1 time a year.

- Steve N., Eagan, MN, US

problem #4

Nov 302015

Rio LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

this is not the first time this has happened. when i went to KIA in West Chester PA, they told me that nothing was wrong, i had to take it to a friend, who told me the ignition coils burned out. this has now happened 3 separate times and it is not cheap to fix! never ever buying KIA again!

- Kelly E., Prospect Park, PA, US

problem #3

Jul 152013

Rio LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,900 miles

I believe I got a lemon! What car has FOUR ignition coils burn out within 5,000 miles? Mileage on the car when the first coil burned out was a little over 32,000. This is just totally ridiculous, and no car this new should have problems like this. It makes me afraid to drive very far from home now. Selling as soon as I can. I will NEVER buy another Kia Rio. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER!!!!!!

- kjkwrd, Batesville, AR, US

problem #2

Jun 302013

Rio LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

This is the THIRD time an ignition coil has gone out within 5,000 miles!! (Don't remember if I complained when the second one went out within a month of the first one!)

There is one more coil to burn out. I have lost confidence in this car, as it runs so rough when this happens and has NO power to go up hills, and if I had been on a trip, could have really messed me up. I'm afraid to drive out of town with it now. I am thinking of selling the car and will NEVER buy another Kia Rio again!

- kjkwrd, Batesville, AR, US

problem #1

Jan 282013

Rio LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,988 miles

Very frustrating, as it came on suddenly. The engine light came on, and the car ran very rough, rumbling. I was afraid to keep driving, so took it straight to the dealership. Took them 2 days to find the problem.

- kjkwrd, Batesville, AR, US

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