10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
62,600 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
2012 Kia Rio engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Kia Rio Owner Comments

problem #3

Nov 012020

Rio EX 1.6L Gamma GDI DOHC 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Rio, which currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I first became aware of these problems at approximately 120,000 miles.

The vehicle has excessive oil consumption despite being consistently and properly maintained. I have been meticulous about maintenance because the vehicle has a lifetime powertrain warranty, and I have documentation and receipts for required maintenance, including regular oil changes and other scheduled services.

On multiple occasions, I have taken the vehicle in for a scheduled oil change and discovered that it had little or no oil remaining. Because of this, I have had to begin having oil added between regularly scheduled oil changes. I do not know the exact amount of oil being consumed because I initially had no reason to monitor or measure oil consumption between oil changes.

The vehicle also has a recurring catalytic-converter/check-engine warning that comes on, goes off, and later returns. It has experienced noticeable loss of power and has developed a clicking or knocking sound from the engine. When the vehicle is sitting or idling, it can also indicate that it is running hot even though it does not appear to actually be overheating.

These problems have continued despite regular, documented maintenance.

I am concerned about the safety implications of a vehicle consuming enough oil to have little or no oil remaining before its next scheduled oil change, particularly when there may be no consistent warning to alert the driver that the oil level is dangerously low. I am also concerned about the recurring catalytic-converter warning, loss of engine power, abnormal engine noise, and the possibility of engine or catalytic-converter failure while the vehicle is being driven.

- Misty G., Dickson, TN, US

problem #2

Jun 122012

Rio Lowest Trim Level 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

This vehicle has been burning oil since I purchased it on 6/2012. And the only time I notice that the oil was low was when making a turn. I love my Kia Rio. For the past 3 years, the vehicle has had a knocking sound. It is coming from the engine, lifters, pistons, and valves. Sounds really bad, as if the engine is going to seize or explode. This is my commuter car, a 130 miles round trip.

- Manuel C., Coram, US

problem #1

Mar 012018

Rio LX 1.6L

  • Manual transmission
  • 77,671 miles

Burning Oil at 125,000 km after religious oil changes and regular required maintenance. First and last Kia.

- Dana C., Mississauga, ON, Canada

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