The engine of my Kia Rio 2017 is the system that is failing it is sudden with no warning and has been diagnosed by Kia themselves stating that the engine will seize. My safety is put at risk because the car may seize while in traffic causing difficulty steering and breaking. This problem was first confirmed by an independent shop called Accurate transmission (1040 s Joliet st, Aurora CO, 80013 or call 3033646254) and following that I took it to Kia for a diagnostic where they confirmed what Accurate transmission stated. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone currently. There were no warning lamps previous to current issue. Warning lights appeared upon incident.
The worst 2017 Kia Rio problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine11
- Brakes7
- Airbags3
- Electrical3
- Locks2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine11
- Brakes7
- Airbags3
- Electrical3
- Locks2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Transmission1
Recalls 2
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Recall number 23V652000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: latch
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Risk
- A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Recall number 23V594000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Rio
Defect investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V‑520, 20V‑543, 21V‑161, 21V‑160, 21V‑303, 22V‑056, 22V‑810, and 23V‑651. Kia recalls 16V‑815, 20V‑518, 20V‑519, 21V‑137, 21V‑331, 22V‑051, 22V‑800, and 23V‑652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
AQ23002
Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Kia Rio 65
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition: cylinder protector & decal installation (CS2311)
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and decal installation (CS2312)
- Postcard owner renotification (CS2311)
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and decal installation (CS2312)
- Owner notification (CS2312)
- Pitstop: technical operations: external damage to ultrasonic sensor
- Transmission fluid application guide
- Excessive oil consumption nu/gamma/theta/kappa engines
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector & decal installation (CS2311)
- Customer satisfaction: anti-theft s/w logic upgrade & decal installation (CS2307)
2017 Kia Rio fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 27 | 36 | 30-31 |
What 2017 Kia Rio owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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. The Austin Fire Department responded (Incident Type: Engine 2f) and the Travis County Sheriff's Office also opened a case (Case #[Insert Your Sheriff Case Number]). Multiple bystanders also called 911 due to the severity of the fire. The vehicle had under 80,000 miles and was maintained with regular oil changes every 6 months. I believe this fire was caused by a known manufacturing defect related to the engine connecting rod bearings or the HECU electrical short, both of which are subjects of major Kia safety recalls/settlements. The vehicle is currently a total loss
Unknown
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while attempting to open the trunk with the key fob, the trunk failed to unlock or open. In addition, the contact engaged the emergency gear, and the trunk would not open. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
No parts available to fix hydraulic electronic control unit HECU. Been told this since December 2023. Received another letter dated 4/10/3024. The remedy is now available. Being told again there are no parts. Went by another car insurance company. Being told I cannot get a quote because of repair problems with recalls.
The contact owns a 2017 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 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. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Compare the 2017 Kia Rio
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2017 Kia Rio
Is the 2017 Kia Rio reliable?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2017 Kia Rio, fewer than a typical Rio model year.
What is the 2017 Kia Rio year score?
The 2017 Kia Rio scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Rio: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Kia Rio?
Engine and cooling, with 11 complaints. Next is brakes (7).
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Rio have?
2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and latches/locks/linkages.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia Rio get?
Official estimates for the 2017 Kia Rio range from 30 to 31 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 27 city and 36 highway.
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