TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Kia Rio engine problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 22 engine complaints filed for the 2016 Kia Rio, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 14 model years of Kia Rio in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Engine accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: LOW OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE AFTER GAMMA 1.6L GDI SHORT BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information equipped with a Gamma 1.6L GDI regarding a 'low oil pressure' concern during engine idle on vehicles engine due to a missing dowel pin, after a short block engine replacement. An internal oil leakage will cause a decrease in oil pressure without the instal lation of the dowel pin location described in this bulletin. Confirm that the dowel pin was installed for an engine exhibiting a low oil pressure concern after a short block replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2016 Kia Rio report severe excessive oil consumption as the dominant complaint, with vehicles burning through one quart every 800–2000 miles or requiring top-ups every one to two weeks. Multiple owners describe oil consumption tests performed at dealer request, some lasting over a year with out-of-pocket costs exceeding $800. Check engine lights frequently illuminate alongside this consumption; dealers and independent shops occasionally diagnose clogged catalytic converters, though causation remains disputed by owners.
Secondary failures include catalytic converter blockage at 90,000–126,000 miles, resulting in vehicle stalling, loss of power, or inability to exceed 2–3 MPH. A handful of owners report catastrophic engine damage—fractured pistons, failed lower bearings, and loud ticking or knocking noises—sometimes after an oil change or routine service. One complaint mentions the NHTSA recall 23V652000 (brake-related) conflated with engine problems, but that appears misdirected. Several owners reference the Kia Soul 2.4L GDI recall covering identical failures, suggesting the Rio uses the same engine without equivalent recall coverage. Owners report denial of warranty coverage at or just above 80,000 miles and refusal of engine replacement despite pre-warranty failure reports.
Same Kia Rio engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns or loses oil at rates well above normal (1 quart per 800–2000 miles), requiring frequent top-ups. Multiple owners forced into prolonged oil consumption tests at dealers with no resolution and out-of-pocket diagnostic costs.
When: 50,000–175,000 miles; most reports cluster around 90,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Abnormal burning oil odor in cabin; Dipstick showing no oil or low levels despite recent fill; Need to add 1+ quarts every 1–2 weeks or every 800 miles
Codes mentioned: P0101 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance—inferred from check engine context)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed oil consumption tests; owners cite $800+ out-of-pocket for chemical testing. Spark plug replacement performed in one case. No successful long-term repairs reported; several dealers suggested engine replacement (cost ~$10,000 cited) or claimed replacement engines unavailable. Warranty denials common beyond 80,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia reportedly told one owner they could 'replace the motor yourself'; denied warranty coverage past 80,000 miles even when failure reported before warranty lapsed. No recalls or TSBs mentioned. One owner references Cho et al v. Hyundai Motor Company suit involving 2016 Rio engines.
Clogged catalytic converter
Catalytic converter becomes blocked, causing severe loss of engine power and vehicle stalling. Occurs in conjunction with excessive oil consumption; some owners suspect oil bypass into converter from internal engine defect.
When: 90,000–126,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to exceed 2–3 MPH from complete stop; Vehicle stalled while driving at highway speeds or low speed; Check engine light illumination; Abnormal odor in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics diagnosed and recommended catalytic converter replacement (specific costs not cited). One owner did not proceed with repair; others presumably replaced but outcome not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB coverage mentioned. One owner notes that Kia Soul 1.6L has identical problem with active recall (presumably referring to GDI recall), but Rio has no equivalent recall despite same engine.
Catastrophic internal engine damage (pistons, bearings)
Engine develops fractured pistons, failed lower bearing, or similar internal failure, often preceded by loud ticking/knocking noise. Dealer response is engine replacement required; replacement engines scarce and expensive or unavailable.
When: 75,000–129,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking, ticking, or knocking noise from engine; Engine oil spillage visible; Extreme loss of power while driving; Engine stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required (cited cost ~$10,000). One owner contacted junkyards; found engines very expensive. Kia stated they no longer manufacture that engine. One owner reports replacement not performed; vehicle towed home. Another owner reports performing oil change shortly before failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed one owner they would be responsible for repair cost (no warranty). Kia confirmed engine no longer manufactured. No TSBs or warranty programs mentioned.
Engine stalling without check engine light
Vehicle stalls at low speed (35 MPH) without warning light illumination; stalling recurs multiple times. Cause could not be determined by dealer or Kia service center.
When: Approximately 14,600 miles (very early)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at 35 MPH; Vehicle restarts independently after a few moments; Recurrence of stalling multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; cause not determined by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no resolution reported.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Was told that my car was consuming too much oil and I’ve been doing oil consumption test for the past year I even did the chemical that was run through my motor which I had to pay for and it was over $800 I feel like they’re giving me the runaround one of the employees at Dick Hanna Kia also told me at one point that I could actually replace the motor myself but my car is still under warranty…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor in the vehicle. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle slowed down and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local…
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.
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
I took my car in and kia is stating that my upper catalytic converter manifold is bad. That should not be happening under 100,000 miles. Of course kia would cover it if it was under 80,000 miles. That's not the case with my car and of course my car had a little over 80,000 miles. So that comes out of pocket when it should not be happening.
Had engine trouble with your 2016 Kia Rio?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Kia Rio?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 96,695 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Kia/Rio.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.