Kia Rio oil consumption problems

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 Aug 5, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then that mechanic said that it needed to go back to a dealership because it was defective. I advocated for months for it to be evaluated. No one at kia helped me despite this being a repeat warranty issue. I finally found a shop that would waive a diagnostic and he confirmed the issues atleast with the airbags- however in order to fully diagnose the engine they also needed to replace parts in order to perform an oil consumption test. While the represenative did approve the repairs for the airbag, they have not given the dealership an answear about ANYTHING engine related- we need an answear if we should be waiting or having it towed out of there. They have had it for a month. We repeatedly try to get ahold of them but they ignore when we call or email them. The represenative also made sexist comments about "being a woman" and its clear our safety concerns are not being handled serioursly. Just like with the inside, we get codes for certian parts but not all the other parts that go bad. You can not just hook it up to a computer and see what is wrong because of all the issues with the sensors (all reported under warranty and never fixed). The car goes through over 30 quarts of oil in between changes, and we belive that the tempterature sensors do not actually work because there is an EXCESSIVE amount of heat that comes off the engine. The clockspring turned into steering colums, a seat, electrical. Otherwise we can not drive the car anyways and would be happy to hand it over to be dismantled and inspected if the NHSTA would be willing to do that- the car is INCREDIBLY defective. I am INCREDIBLY scared if I have to drive off with this thing. Its an absolute safety hazzard weather or not the computer is flagging it.

Filed May 23, 2026 · Engine · IN

Vehicle has excessive oil consumption defect acknowledged in Kia TSB ENG222. Repeated catalytic converter failures indicate potential overheating risk similar to 2019 Gamma engine recall for fire hazard. Engine burning oil creates risk of critically low oil levels leading to engine failure/stalling while driving. Multiple emission system failures (oil consumption, catalytic converter) suggest unsafe vehicle condition. Vehicle failed Kia’s own oil consumption tests in December 2023 and March 2024. Kia dealership recommended engine replacement per TSB ENG222 in March 2024. Kia denied coverage citing “second owner, out of warranty” despite defect clearly existing at time of purchase and being acknowledged in their TSB. Vehicle now showing catalytic converter failure code again (14-month-old converter failing). Kia refuses to remedy despite documented defect.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Engine · PA

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.

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Engine · NC

My car is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Upon inspection, it was determined that the issue lies with my catalytic converter. I have discovered that this problem has been reported in other Kia vehicles. The information I found suggests that the oil I am using is being bypassed by the catalytic converter, which indicates a potential issue with the Kia car’s design. Engine light won’t go off

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Engine · MD

My 2018 Kia Rio is burning 2 quarts of oil every 800 miles, confirmed by a Kia dealership through an official oil consumption test. The issue first started around 110,000 miles and has progressively gotten worse. I have owned the vehicle since it had 40,000 miles, and I have always had the oil changed on time and maintained the car properly. Despite proper maintenance, the engine gives off a strong burning-oil odor, and smoke enters the cabin while driving. This happens consistently, not occasionally. Because the engine loses oil so quickly, it can run dangerously low without warning, creating a risk of sudden engine failure while driving. I regularly transport my [XXX] child, and the fumes entering the cabin are unsafe to breathe. Kia Customer Care denied goodwill assistance due to the number of previous owners and the mileage, even though the dealership confirmed abnormal oil consumption and noted this is a known issue with these engines. Kia has refused to assist repairing or replacing the engine, leaving me driving a vehicle that is unsafe and at risk of failure. The excessive oil consumption, smoke entering the cabin, and the potential for engine failure create a serious safety hazard for occupants and other drivers. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate this issue, as it appears to be a recurring safety-related problem with these engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 12, 2025 · Engine · AL

2018 Kia Rio – severe oil consumption leading to low compression (30 PSI on Cylinder 2) and engine failure. Dealership installed incorrect non-OEM spark plugs prior to failure. Kia denies warranty coverage although this matches known engine defects in other Kia models

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Engine · 50,000 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that there was no oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. An oil consumption test was performed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2025 · Engine · IL

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.

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.