Kia Rio overheating 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 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 Dec 5, 2024 · Engine · FL

I got an oil change right after the car overheated and I believe the engine is blown now. I don’t understand how all this can happen after an oils change.

Filed Sep 3, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · GA

The engine and all electrical shuts down without warning. This happened three times in heavy traffic and nearly caused an accident. The engine stops running and the electrical components turn off which shuts down power steering and power brakes. Each time this has happened the electrical is disabled and the car is completely dead with zero response when the ignition key is turned; no dash lights, no starter, no power. After the first incident the plugs and coil packs were changed out. After the second incident the fuse block was changed out which was said to have been overheating. After the third incident the car was parked and has not been driven since. After the "dead" car is towed and it sits for a couple of hours it will start again and run for indeterminable amount of time before shutting down.

Filed Dec 15, 2022 · Engine, Lights · OR

Excessive oil consumption 1 quart every 1000 miles. The brake light socket overheats causing fast bulb burn outs.

Filed Dec 13, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

I recently purchased my vehicle and immediately noticed what seems to be oil coming from the engine, pooling on top of the block but also leaking onto the ground after being parked for an hour or so. The walls around the engine, mainly on the left side or passenger side were saturated with presumably the same fluid. Under the car is also saturated from what I am guessing to be a leak, perhaps the same leak from atop the engine block. I've had the car repaired and paid for a system fault diagnostic, and in both cases haven't received any helpful info as to what it is, the cause or where the leak is coming from, or how to treat it. I very recently had the oil changed and the invoice showed a comment stating that my car appears to be leaking oil. There was no further commentary. I fear that my kia rio may be dangerous to drive for reasons such as a fire hazard or breakdown from overheating possibly resulting in leaving me on the side of a highway, stranded. Also the A/C and heater do not operate as they should. The panel controls are out of whack and neither A/C or heat perform in sync with the commands. A mechanic has said this appears to be due to electrical issues, possibly with the main computer, though the systems fault diagnostics was performed after the mechanic informed me of this, and seeing that I was charged for that service I can only assume that the main computer is doing what it is meant to do, relaying the info to the tech's computer. I just don't know if I have a good car that needs a lot of work or if I'm driving a deathtrap. No recalls for this vehicle but I see a lot of kia's vehicles being recalled. And I believe they no longer make the kia rio. Just at a loss as to what is happening and what to do about it. Times are tough financially or I would definitely have more proper detailed info to give, that or have a good running car...

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 70,000 miles · MI · fire

Vehicle was in motion turning right decelerating as I turned. Once I turned, acceleration pedal was disengaged and no acceleration was happening. Braking system was completely locked up and could not press the brakes. When I coasted to a stop, there was visible fire coming from underneath the engine compartment. Temp gage never registered as high while driving. Within a matter of a couple minutes, the whole car was engulfed in flames as I waited for the fire department to arrive. They said there was no visible fluid leaking on the ground and did not know the cause of the fire. Car was maintained regularly for oil. Had issues with the car overheating and took it to kia and they could not find anything wrong with it and released me. Car is totaled now.

Filed Oct 13, 2018 · Electrical · 56,000 miles · CA

The kia rio bought brand new at haddad kia in bakersfield, ca began having electrical issues in the year 2018. It began with overheating. Kia suggested that it was a fuse, and the replaced it. Upon replacing it the issue was fixed for 2 days. The overheating persisted, and went back to haddad kia. They then "tightened a loose hose" this fixed the overheating for 2 weeks. It then returned to the stage of overheating. It was once again returned to haddad kia where they said that the wiring harness had a loose connector, and needed to be replaced. The job took 2 weeks, upon getting the car back it didn't overheat for 45 minutes. The problem returned. The car went back to kia where they now say it was a melted fan connector. The car is currently in for repairs and unknown if this will fix the problem of overheating.

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 kia rio. The contact stated that the vehicle's cd player overheated and produced a burning odor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000...updated 10/08/14 *bf the dealer wanted to charge the consumer $97.00 to diagnose the obvious faulty wiring. Updated 10/21/14

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 17,000 miles · FL · fire

My 2012 kia rio caught fire the other day. I pulled into the driveway, went into the house to put my laptop down. I had shut the car off. Came back out to grab some stuff from the trunk and the car was smoking from the hood. Thought it had overheated. Pulled hood release and went to open the hood when I realized flames were coming from the right side of the engine area. Tried putting the fire out with a garden hose & was instructed by 911 to get away from the vehicle. Car ended up bursting into flames. Fire department had to come and extinguish. Called kia and they are taking their time at responding. I am concerned that this may be a bigger problem and effect more people. Putting lives at risk for injury and possible death.