2014 Kia Rio Complaints

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 o...

I tried to get the parts fixed from the recall. However, when I tried to get it serviced I was adviced that the parts would take a few weeks to arrive. With an appending move to Helena, Mt from Lambertville, Mi they informed me that they would not be able to fix the recall issues. There is no KIA dealership within a reasonable distance from my current location. I am having issues with the dealership towing the rio without charging me the amount of $1300. The engine had completely stopped. I towed the car from Michigan to Montana with a Uhaul because of the recall issues.

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.

Driving to work I exited US-26 in Hillsboro, Oregon at the 185th exit. The exit is an uphill ramp with a traffic signal at the top of the hill. The traffic signal at the end of the ramp was green. I was following a Tesla Model Y and I saw the brake lights activate. I applied my brakes causing my car to slow down and then I had to proceed through a yellow light because I did not think I could stop safely without ending in the intersection. At the next traffic signal, I rolled down my window and yelled to the other driver to not apply their brakes when they are proceeding uphill through a green light. The other driver told me it is "regenerative braking." Unnecessary braking causes disruptions in the flow of traffic. It does not make sense that brake lights would activate if the driver is not applying the brakes.

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). After the recall remedy was completed, the dealer provided documentation indicating that engine rods #3 and #4 were failing and could soon cause the engine to explode if not immediately repaired. Approximately 2 weeks later while the daughter was driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate and emit smoke from underneath the hood. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road and safely exit the vehicle as it caught on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled since the fire consumed it. A dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 133,223.