KiaRio2016Overview/kia/rio/2016/base/

2016 Kia Rio

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Rio.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2016 Kia Rio is a passenger car equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and an engine requiring 3.8 quarts of oil within a 5W-20/5W-30/10W-30 viscosity range, achieving EPA ratings of 27/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined. In the context of the model's complaint history spanning 2000-2023—with volumes ranging from a low of 3 complaints in 2000 to a high of 227 in 2001—the 2016 model's 77 owner complaints and 2 recalls position it as a moderate performer in the Rio's reliability trajectory, with Engine cited as the primary complaint area. This profile suggests the 2016 iteration falls within expected reliability parameters for the model line, though the Engine complaint concentration warrants attention for researchers assessing long-term ownership costs.

Model year202320222021202020192018201720162015

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity3.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 / 10W-30OEM · verified
EPA fuel economy27/36/30 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI With ISG: 48, Without ISG: 121R · 760 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI With ISG: 48, Without ISG: 121R · 760 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnOFFOEM · verified
Tire sizeP205/45R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length171.7 in
Overall width67.7 in
Overall height57.5 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb weight2493 lb
Track (front / rear)59.8 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)63/37

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined27 / 36 / 30 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume88 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Rio of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.9–9.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.90 sec — 2012 LX 5-door Hatchback
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2013SX 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-48.20 sec16.60 sec138 hpFWD
2013SX 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-48.20 sec16.50 sec138 hpFWD
2012LX 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-47.90 sec16.40 sec138 hpFWD
2012EX 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-48.90 sec16.70 sec138 hpFWD
2012EX 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-49.00 sec16.90 sec138 hpFWD
2012SX 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-49.50 sec17.20 sec138 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 3.8 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 / 10W-30 engine oil, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.7
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity5.6-5.8
Engine Oil5W-20 · 5W-30 · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity3.8 qt

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts22.0-33.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)530-730 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerKia
Spark Plug Gap.035-.039 in
Spark Plug Torque11-18 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing3 degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance10 degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity.87-.98 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.72-4.38 oz
Standard BCI Group NumberWith ISG: 48, Without ISG: 121R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance760 cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)62-68 psi
Engine Compression156-178 psi / max variation 14 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront or rear: 16-23 / 16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 58-; Rear: 47-; Front: 58-; Rear: 36-
ABS Sensor Torque6.6 / NS
Minimum Pad Thickness0.079 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 14
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0002
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .002; Rear: NS

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 7,500 mi. The big-interval services (every 7,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 7,500 miBattery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect)
Every 7,500 miAir Conditioning System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level)
At 30,000 miBattery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect)
Every 37,500 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2016 Kia Rio recorded 77 complaints, two recalls, one investigation, and 89 TSBs — a noticeable increase from the 51–52 complaints and 100–102 TSBs seen in 2014–2015, though well below the generation's 2013 peak of 153 complaints and 133 TSBs. Complaint volume then declined sharply to 31 in 2017 and continued trending downward through 2023, placing 2016 at a local inflection point between the post-2013 improvement and the sustained lows that followed. Engine issues led 2016 complaints with 19 reports, followed by service brakes (hydraulic) at 11, while crash and fire complaints totaled seven and five respectively; the data does not specify root causes for these categories. Recall activity held at two for both 2016 and 2017 before dropping to one or zero in subsequent years, and investigations fell from two per year in 2012–2015 to one in 2016–2017 and zero thereafter. The 2016 model year reflects a modest regression in complaint frequency amid an overall generation-wide improvement trajectory. It is a reasonable purchase if the specific engine and brake complaints are verified as resolved on the individual vehicle, but buyers should prioritize units with documented recall completion and brake system inspection.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
89
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
77
Owner complaints
7 involved a crash · 5 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 77 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11
Unknown Or Other7
Exterior Lighting4
Unknown Or Other,Engine4
Engine & Engine Cooling3
Air Bags3
Electrical System,Engine2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

23V594000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:LatchReported 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… Remedy: 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…

23V652000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/ModuleReported 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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 89 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CS2311_TSB_R42026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER…
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
TSB_CS2312_R12026-02-18StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
CS2311_OWNR_PC2012025-12-19StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is…
TSB_CS23122025-12-17StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Rio. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2016 Rio take?

3.8 qt of All temperatures: 5W-20 Preferred, 5W-30, Above 0 degreesF 10W-30., per the factory manual.

Does the 2016 Rio have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Rio get?

EPA figures are 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined mpg.