2008 Kia Rio recalls and problems

The 2008 Kia Rio has 1 safety recall and 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

11 / 0

Injuries / deaths

10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Kia Rio vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Kia Rio recalls

Recall 12V-244: Air Bags

Reported May 31, 2012 · 72,568 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

Problem: Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 rio vehicles, manufactured from february 20, 2005, through december 9, 2007. The front passenger seat occupant sensor mat can experience fatigue cracking. If sufficient cracking occurs, the occupant classification system (Ocs) will cease to function such that the system will not be able to detect whether a child passenger is in the seat and the airbag will deploy during a crash necessitating deployment.

Risk: Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS seat sensor mat, free of charge. The recall began on july 26, 2012. Owners may contact kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

2008 Kia Rio problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	27
Vehicle Speed Control	3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	3
Engine	3
Suspension	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Power Train	2
Service Brakes	2
Exterior Lighting	2
Visibility	1
Steering	1

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal — 4
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Electrical System › Ignition — 1
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 46,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Kia Rio complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 103,000 miles · reported Oct 8, 2019

The contact owns a 2008 kia rio. While driving various speeds, the engine and clutch ceased without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who provided a cost estimate for the repairs. The contact reached out to the manufacturer to find out what type of clutch was needed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 103,000. The VIN was unknown.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · reported Feb 19, 2019

Takata recall. The computer that tells the transmission to switch gears is stuck and doasnt work. My car will only stay in 3rd gear and reverse. It has no power and goes in limp mode. I have 3 small kids and it is very dangerous for me to drive with it like this since the day I bought it. Plz help me.

Air Bags · at 125,000 miles · reported Jun 27, 2017

Following a tire blowout the vehicle went into then out of a ditch. The vehicle was traveling at approximately 45-50mph. There was significant front end damage. The driver was wearing a seat belt. The air bag did not deploy nor did the seat belt restraint operate.

Suspension · at 90,000 miles · reported Nov 16, 2016

The contact owns a 2008 kia rio. While driving at any speed, the vehicle shook uncontrollably and made a loud noise without warning. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side wheel bearing failed. The front left wheel bearing was replaced. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact stated that the front driver side wheel bearing was replaced approximately nine times. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Air Bags · at 87,292 miles · reported Oct 7, 2016

The contact owns a 2008 kia rio. While driving 25 MPH in the rain, the contact's vehicle skidded and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an insurance collision lot. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,292.

Other Kia Rio years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 200920082007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Kia Rio years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Kia Rio: 12V-244 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kia Rio?

Owners report air bags problems most often (27 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 46,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.