2017 Kia Rio engine problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2017 Kia Rio — 35% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The engine of my Kia Rio 2017 is the system that is failing it is sudden with no warning and has been diagnosed by Kia themselves stating that the engine will seize. My safety is put at risk because the car may seize while in traffic causing difficulty steering and breaking. This problem was first…”
filed Jun 24, 2026
“As my car was driving my vehicle encountered sudden changes and my engine light went on. As the vehicle stopped driving on its own there was smoke coming from the hood and a fire stared shortly after underneath the car.”
filed May 19, 2026
“I was driving my 2017 Kia Rio at approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began shaking violently. I heard a loud mechanical sound from the engine compartment that sounded like something broke loose and was being thrown around. I immediately began pulling over as smoke started entering the cabin. As soon as I stopped…”
filed Mar 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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…
TSB_ENG222_R8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL 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…
TSB_ENG222_R7 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 28, 2025
Engine problems in other Rio years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Rio | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 Rio | 6 | 29% |
| 2018 Rio | 15 | 54% |
| 2016 Rio | 38 | 49% |
| 2015 Rio | 23 | 44% |
| 2014 Rio | 24 | 47% |
| 2013 Rio | 53 | 35% |
| 2012 Rio | 23 | 44% |
| 2011 Rio | 7 | 29% |
| 2010 Rio | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 Rio | 7 | 18% |
| 2008 Rio | 3 | 7% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Kia Rio
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.