Model year guide

2016 Kia rio

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2016 Kia rio is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 18 on record.

2016 Kia rio — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2016 Kia rio at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints77
Combined31 mpg
Typical price$9,396

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2016 Kia rio recalls 2

Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch NHTSA Campaign #23V594000 · 24/08/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, 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."

Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2016 Kia rio common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

2016 Kia rio MPG & running costs

Combined31 mpg
City27 mpg
Highway36 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,025

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2016 Kia rio worth?

Low
$6,800
Typical price
$9,396
High
$14,362

From 15 comparable 2016 Kia rio listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2016 Kia rio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,125
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,050
Total$14,175
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,396) with the same model 5 model-years older ($5,364), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2016 Kia rio trims & engines on record

Trims
LX A/T · LX A/T Power Pkg
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl 138 hp

2016 Kia rio vehicles on record

Other Kia rio model years

2016 Kia rio — frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Kia rio have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2016 Kia rio. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia rio?

Based on 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, engine and engine cooling, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia rio get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2016 Kia rio at about 31 mpg combined (27 city / 36 highway).

How much is a 2016 Kia rio worth?

Comparable 2016 Kia rio listings run roughly $6,800–$14,362, typically around $9,396 (from 15 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.