2018 Kia Rio: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My car is a 2018 Kia Rio that has a clean history and has never been in an accident. Recently my airbag light came on and I had a diagnostic run that showed a B1448 code indicating an OCS mat defect in the passenger seat. The 2015-2018 Kia Sedona models also had the same problem and were issued safety recalls. Due to this previous history I believe there could be a safety recall needed for the Kia Rio models as well.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2026
“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”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“My dad bought a Kia Rio 2018 for 8k cash a day ago well two blocks from the dealer white smoke comes out of exhaust then oil pressure light came on, pulled over checked oil which was overfull with milky residue, dealer said to drive it home so we tried them got half block then black smoke came out and it started rattling then died so we left it. Mechanic said it threw a rod and hole in the engine. I know the 2017 Kia Rio is included in the class action lawsuit and I want the 2018 to be looked at into adding because if we were going faster when it happened something bad could have happened. I have videos and pictures evidence but it won't allow me to upload because the files are to big.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2024
“Auto theft alarm listed as standard. There is NO THEFT DETECTION AT ALL. There is only a bogus flashing led that does nothing when parked. This is fraud.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2023
“My vehicle was stolen while parked with a club on the steering wheel then damaged and abandoned. I was without a vehicle for a month during repairs. It has been reported on the news that Kias are easily stolen due to the type of ignition system. A recall to fix this is need immediately!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2022
“I received notice on 2/10/22 that there was a remedy part for my 2018 Kia Rio. The letter said it was a recall part involving a latch that opens my trunk from the inside. I tried repeatedly since then to make an appointment at Glendale, CA or Alhambra, CA Kia dealerships thru the Kia website but the website malfunctions every time I make an attempt. I tried at least 3 times to call, and the service department did not answer. On 7.20.22, I sent a request through the website chatbox, asking for an appointment and so far, no response.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2022
“My vehicle was recalled for a "interior trunk release" issue. My trunk will not open at all anymore. Kia's website does not allow me to schedule an appointment due to glitches on website. I also tried calling Kia and got no answer.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2022
“For the past year and few months I've been having to do an oil change every two weeks because of how fast the engine is burning the oil. Several times I arrive to the shop to find the oil pan is completely empty causing issues with my engine beginning to make strange noises that are concerning. The dash light does not come on to notify me that there is no oil. I'm sure the damage is severe because I have had the check engine light come on a couple times and having to fix it because of this. Other Kia drivers have had this issue with other models, including this one.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2021
“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Dec 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
How other years compare
Check your exact Rio by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Kia Rio reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2018 Kia Rio. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2018 Kia Rio have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.