I am filing this complaint regarding Kia America's arbitrary denial of coverage for a suspected connecting-rod-bearing failure in my 2014 Kia Rio (85,000 miles). The vehicle exhibits classic symptoms of the Gamma 1.6L GDI defect: excessive oil consumption (bone-dry after ~1,200 miles post-January 2026 shop oil change), flashing CEL, and loud rod knock after oil starvation. Kia corporate denied all extended warranty/campaign relief on 03/18/2025, stating the powertrain warranty expired in 2019 and "no campaigns" apply. This is inconsistent and deceptive: -U.S. Litigation: Early complaints and law-firm summaries in In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II (C.D. Cal., 8:18-cv-02223) and related MDL explicitly referenced 2012–2019 Kia Rios with 1.6L Gamma GDI for the exact defect (oil burn → bearing failure → seizure/fire risk). However, Kia negotiated to exclude Rios from the final E2 Class Vehicles list (see kiaengineclasssettlement.com FAQ #6), limiting relief to Souls and select others despite the identical engine family. -Canadian Precedent: The McKenzie Lake/Strosberg class action explicitly includes 2012–2017 Kia Rios with Gamma 1.6 GDI for the same issues, providing inspections/repairs—proving the defect transcends model badging. -Safety & Consumer Impact: This selective denial violates Magnuson-Moss (unreasonable warranty conditions) and constitutes deceptive trade practices, as Kia advertised these engines as reliable while knowing the failure mode. I request: immediate investigation, compelled goodwill repair (or full engine replacement), and documentation of how Kia limited Rio coverage in settlement negotiations. Attached are all supporting records.
2014 Kia Rio: check engine light
9 of the 52 complaints about the 2014 Kia Rio describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 17%
- typical mileage
- 95,000
- recalls
- 0
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
The engine started to lose power, and the check engine light illuminated. The power drop was most noticable when accelerating from a stop. At times, randomly, the engine RPMs would dip down to 200-300 at idle and would almost stall. Upon further investigation, the engine has been excessively consuming oil. I brought the vehicle to a local mechanic shop to get a detailed diagnosis, they informed me the catalytic converter was clogged and constricting exhaust flow. The engine has developed a ticking/knock. The catalytic converter, and an O2 sensor was replaced with that visit. The ticking/knock persists.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, she noticed a burning odor and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she made a U-turn and drove back to the residence. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,362. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected. The check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Check engine light on and off, per test says the Catalac converter
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming approximately 1/2 to 1 quart of oil per day. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact the catalytic convertor was not operating as designed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
I was driving my 2014 kia rio to work at approximately 7 am this morning with no noticeable problems until halfway to work which would be approx. 30 miles into my 52 mile drive. After I made a turn from a stop light, I noticed a weird smell as I drove and decided to stop the vehicle and check it out. 1st, I glanced in my rear view mirror, checking for any other cars before I pulled over, then everything else followed so quickly: saw smoke coming from the rear of my car, immediately hitting the brakes, which were not working now, smoke coming from the hood of the engine, using emergency brake, and the finally coming to a stop where I got out quickly as possible as the engine was engulfing the car in flames. I have no clue as to what has caused this. Note: there were no indications, such as check engine light, coolant temp, or any dash indicators, just weird smell and loss of brakes. I am including several photos.
Was having an engine light problem, ended up having the catalytic converter replaced under warranty. Now I am being told that my front brakes are like new and my rear brakes need to be replaced? I asked how this could happen and I was told it is odd and not likely but I needed to replace them. There has to be a malfunction form y back brakes to wear down and not have the front wear down at all
Service bulletins that may apply
- Excessive oil consumption nu/gamma/theta/kappa engines
- Pitstop: low oil pressure at idle after gamma 1.6L GDI short block engine replacement
- Partial repair of c-mdps motor, ECU, worm gear and/or steering column housing
- Fuel smell ECU logic improvement and charcoal canister replacement
- Partial repair of c-mdps motor, ECU and/or steering column housing
- TSB - canister close valve inspection and air drain case replacement
- TSB - canister close valve (CCV) replacement
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2014 Kia Rio check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2014 Kia Rio?
9 of 52 owner complaints about the 2014 Kia Rio (17%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2001.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Kia Rio?
There are 0 recalls and 16 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2014 Kia Rio
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