2012 Kia Rio: excessive oil consumption

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Engine · TN

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. I understand that other Kia vehicles have been subject to recalls and investigations involving engine-related defects. I am asking the federal safety agency to review complaints involving the 2012 Kia Rio and investigate whether exces

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Engine · CA

The GDI 1.6L engines are manufactured with a flaw that affects piston rings and makes oil consumption go up which in turn can make the engine run dry and damage the engine, which if you're in a bad location could be dangerous. My car has been dealing with the issue and I searched yet found no recalls for the engine. 2. It can put me and others at risk, if my car breaks and I'm driving in a snowy or hot area, or breaks when driving up hill or down hill. 3. Look all over the internet GDI 1.6 Oil consumption issue. 4. Yes, repair shop. 5. Plenty of times barely drove 200 miles and I get the red lamp for no oil/low oil level.

Filed Jun 23, 2022 · Engine · 180,000 miles · CA · fire

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that after the niece had park and exited the vehicle smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to scene to extinguish the flames. During the incident the vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption but no assistance was offered from local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

2012 kia rio, not currently subject to any recall, and having been maintained correctly, is experiencing dangerous levels of oil consumption. Current milage 108,000. Two weeks ago I sent the attached letter via case to kia consumer customer affairs seeking safety advice from the company relating to the issue. Kia never responded, opting to close the case without a word regarding the issue. Oil consumption is very high, and effecting engine performance. I assume the only recourse is to have the engine taken apart and examined, a costly review, however due to lack of response from kia I haven't yet; I was hoping they could coordinate through either a dealer or 3rd party investigator. Currently the car is not being used, as this anomalous issue is a concern for safety when driving. Considering the recent recall, as well as how the symptoms align with previously recorded issues to similar engines, I wished to create this report, if only to add my case to the federal safety agency's accounts. Thank you for your time joseph elliott

Filed May 11, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · CT

I can not believe I took this much time to actual file a complaint on the following problems on my kia. My 2012 kia rio sx hatchback has been burning oil since it reached the 70,000 mile mark. I have all receipts and records for every oil change since I bought the car new back in late 2011. Oil has been changed every 3,000/4,000 miles on this vehicle. No leaks have been found by my local valvoline shop and it continues to burn oil now at its current odometer reading of 113,000 miles. The oil level now reaches the last dotted line on the oil metal reader stick (low mark) every 300 to 400 miles. I have to add oil 8 to 10 times between oil changes. No oil light has ever turned on. My driver airbag light has turned on and have no idea why. It first turned on june of 2018 and it has not turn off since then. The vehicle has not been involved in any accidents at all since I bought new.

Filed May 26, 2019 · Airbags, Brakes · 100,000 miles · SC

About 3 mths ago started using oil 3 qts extra the went to a qt a week, now using a quart every other day, have had people check. Cant find out where oil is going, have parked it, also, airbag light came on about 4mths ago, kia rio has 114,000. The caliber froze up at 88,000 the brake pads kept wearing on left side, now the right starting to wearing more...I have the gold autoguard warranty up to 120,000 with hendrick chevrolet, took it in on appt. Day n time, had 30 cars ahead. I have also learned. Carfax on cars are not true, this car was noted with no damage or wrecks, but I have seen on left side of car, marks of junk yard parts, even on back window. Reason for parking car bc its costing to much for oil, also my grandbaby is always with me in this 2012 kia rio, this car isnt worth her life, no car is...oh on carfax it state's its an ex then on second page it state's a lx, which understand mite be type error but when it state's no damage or wreck, thats a big error. Never got check oil light not one time, new it wnor a check engine light, only light was and is the airbag light.