Kia Rio recalls and problems
11 recalls and 1,296 owner complaints for 24 model years. Pick your year for full details.
Recalls
11
Complaints
1,296
Crashes reported
162
Fires reported
94
Choose a model year
Kia Rio by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Rio | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 Rio | 1 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 Rio | 2 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 Rio | 1 | 27 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 Rio | 1 | 22 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2018 Rio | 1 | 28 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 Rio | 2 | 31 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| 2016 Rio | 2 | 80 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| 2015 Rio | 1 | 52 | 4 | 10 | 11 | 0 |
| 2014 Rio | 1 | 52 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| 2013 Rio | 1 | 153 | 8 | 18 | 8 | 0 |
| 2012 Rio | 1 | 54 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| 2011 Rio | 0 | 24 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2010 Rio | 0 | 26 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| 2009 Rio | 0 | 39 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| 2008 Rio | 1 | 46 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| 2007 Rio | 1 | 46 | 11 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| 2006 Rio | 1 | 74 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| 2005 Rio | 1 | 37 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 1 |
| 2004 Rio | 2 | 38 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2003 Rio | 3 | 74 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| 2002 Rio | 1 | 128 | 25 | 6 | 27 | 1 |
| 2001 Rio | 3 | 223 | 21 | 14 | 12 | 1 |
| 2000 Rio | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most reported Kia Rio problems
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 275 | |
| Engine | 234 | |
| Electrical System | 161 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 157 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 134 | |
| Unknown or Other | 127 | |
| Power Train | 96 | |
| Seat Belts | 57 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 57 | |
| Suspension | 51 |
All Kia Rio recalls
| Recall | Date | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-652 | Sep 25, 2023 | 2012–2017 | Park outsideService Brakes, Hydraulic | Kia America, Inc. |
| 23V-594 | Aug 24, 2023 | 2016–2017 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Kia America, Inc. |
| 22V-304 | May 5, 2022 | 2021–2022 | Steering | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. |
| 21V-936 | Dec 1, 2021 | 2020–2021 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. |
| 21V-622 | Aug 9, 2021 | 2018–2019 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. |
| 12V-244 | May 31, 2012 | 2006–2008 | Air Bags | Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 rio vehicles, manufactured from february 20, 2005, through december 9, 2007. |
| 06V-294 | Aug 4, 2006 | 2003 | Seat Belts | Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. |
| 05V-557 | Dec 12, 2005 | 2003–2005 | Child Seat | Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. |
| 05V-159 | Apr 20, 2005 | 2001 | Wheels | Certain passenger vehicles may have a manufacturing flaw that could cause the wheels to crack under long term driving fatigue. |
| 04V-179 | Apr 9, 2004 | 2001–2004 | Fuel System, Gasoline | On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel intake nipple of the fuel distributor is subject to fracture or cracking during removal of the quick connect coupling securing the main fuel tube assembly to the fuel intake… |
| 03V-352 | Sep 24, 2003 | 2001 | Fuel System, Gasoline | On certain passenger vehicles, fuel leaks may develop at the fuel distributor assembly because of quality deviations. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the worst year for the Kia Rio?
By owner complaints to NHTSA, the 2001 Kia Rio has the most reports (223). Check the 2001 page for the problems owners describe.
How many recalls does the Kia Rio have?
NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls covering Kia Rio model years 2001–2008, 2012–2022.
What are the most common Kia Rio problems?
Owners report air bags, engine, electrical system problems most often.