2018
Kia
Rio
Starting at N/A USD | 0
130 hp @ 6300 rpm
Horsepower
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Explore
Discover every detail that makes this vehicle extraordinary
Performance
Engineered for the perfect balance of power and efficiency
130 hp
Horsepower
119 ft-lb
Torque
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
6-Speed
Transmission
Efficient
Advanced engineering for optimal fuel economy
Fuel TypeGasoline
Combined Efficiency6.4 - 8.5 L/100 km
Fuel Capacity45.0 L
Interior
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality
5
Seating
N/A
Cargo
1,069 mm
Front Legroom
851 mm
Rear Legroom
Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Convenience
Keyless Entry
Keyless Start
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Seating
Technology
Advanced connectivity and intelligent features
Bluetooth
Satellite Radio
AM/FM Stereo
Steering Controls
Backup Camera
Safety
Comprehensive protection for you and your passengers
Airbags
Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Front Side Airbags
Stability
Traction Control
ABS Brakes
Brake Assist
Monitoring
Tire Pressure Monitor
Security
Child Safety Locks
Dimensions
Carefully crafted proportions for optimal space and style
Length
13 ft4"
4.06m
Width
5 ft7.9"
1.73m
Height
4 ft9.1"
1.45m
Wheelbase
8 ft5.6"
2.58m
Gallery
See the 2018 Kia Rio from every angle
Colors
Express yourself.
Clear White
#FFFFFF
Deep Sea Blue
#3536F2
Currant Red
#F21A27
Silky Silver
#DCDCDC
Phantom Gray
#484F5E
Smoke Blue
#223340
Aurora Black
#000000
Ice Wine
#C8C2A1
Trim Levels
View all trim levels for the 2018 Kia Rio
Safety Reports
23 complaints reported to NHTSA
23
Total Reports
3
Crashes
1
Injuries
2
Fires
Most Common Issues
ENGINE
12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2
Recent Reports
ODI #11700932
Nov 22, 2025
ENGINE
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 NHTSA 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)
Incident: Jul 1, 2023VIN: 3KPA24AB4JE***
ODI #11692892
Oct 12, 2025
ENGINE
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
Incident: Oct 10, 2025VIN: 3KPA24AB4JE***
ODI #11691729
Oct 6, 2025
ENGINE
My 2018 Kia Rio S (VIN [XXX] ) suffered sudden engine failure at approximately 84 000 miles. I pulled over immediately when the oil light came on, but the engine began rattling and was later diagnosed by the dealer as a bearing/seizure failure requiring full engine replacement (estimate ≈ $15 865). This vehicle uses the 1.6 L Gamma II GDI engine, which is the same engine family already included in Kia’s “Engine Litigation II” settlement and KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) program for Forte, Soul, and other models. However, Kia claims the 2018 Rio is not covered by the extended warranty even though the failure mode is identical (rod-bearing wear and oil starvation). I never received any recall or settlement notice. The lack of notification and exclusion of the Rio model leave owners unprotected against a known safety-related defect that can cause stalling or fire. I request NHTSA investigate inclusion of 2018 Kia Rio vehicles in the existing Gamma engine recall/settlement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Oct 4, 2025VIN: 3KPA24AB3JE***
ODI #11686166
Sep 9, 2025
STRUCTURE
Paint is peeling
Incident: Aug 26, 2025VIN: 3KPA24AB0JE***
ODI #11652874
Apr 4, 2025
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 85 MPH, the engine emitted abnormal noise with no warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to exit the highway and enter a gas station parking lot, and upon exiting the vehicle, it was apparent that the engine had begun to catch on fire. The location of the fire was the front engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by bystanders using fire extinguishers. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. No injuries were reported. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed as the vehicle was reported a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Incident: Mar 10, 2025VIN: 3KPA24ABXJE***
ODI #11646521
Mar 5, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder #1 misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,316.
Incident: Mar 5, 2025VIN: 3KPA25AB5JE***
ODI #11624448
Nov 10, 2024
ENGINE
MY CAR IS CONSUMING OIL
Incident: Nov 1, 2024VIN: 3KPA24AB2JE***
ODI #11593284
Jun 9, 2024
Fire
SERVICE BRAKESENGINEFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next. At that time, I noticed fire coming from underneath the car and I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. As I was exiting the vehicle, the flames were coming up on either side of the driver and passenger doors. Within the next couple minutes the car exploded. Fire rescue put out the fire and the interstate was closed to all traffic. Since the incident, my family and I have done research and found several incidents with very similar stories with regard to what happened to the vehicle. I believe it is well documented that there is a problem with certain Kia models that involves some kind of deficiency in the brake line that can cause the puncture/severing of fuel line. The end result can include "loss of braking ability" and "potential fire hazard". Reading these other incident reports from other families was exactly the way the vehicle reacted in my own incident. I could've lost my life in this incident and I wholeheartedly believe that liability lays with the manufacturer. My vehicle was very well maintained. Regular maintenance included inspections, tires, oil changes and more. There is NO reason why this should've occurred. I have tried to contact the Kia dealership where I purchased the car, the service manager, and other Kia dealerships in the area (Mufreesboro, TN) and have been told there is absolutely nothing I can do and I find that unacceptable. Understand that there are witnesses, photos, new coverage photos etc. I sincerely hope to get a response on how to pursue damages and to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
Incident: Apr 19, 2024VIN: 3KPA24AB8JE***
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and may not represent verified defects.
View All Reports on NHTSA