NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia Rio
Data refreshed August 27, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Rio.
Complaints
1,330
Active records
Recalls
11
Active records
TSBs
279
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
7
Injuries
151
Crashes
165
Fires
96
Top reported issues — Kia Rio
Click a category to expand its values.
Safety restraint issue
Operating state
Condition issue
Reporting mechanism
Engine behavior
Thermal issue
Safety restraint behavior
Noise
Fluid issue
Performance issue
Braking behavior
Access/entry issue
Vibration/harshness
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Steering behavior
Lighting behavior
Smell
Starting behavior
Electrical issue
Ride/handling behavior
Driver assistance issue
HVAC behavior
Powering on/off behavior
Recent change
Wiper/washer behavior
Infotainment behavior
Electrified system issue
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2022 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 21, 2026
My ABS system goes in and out making my breaks really unsafe especially going downhill. Cruise control goes at whatever speed it wants. I set it for 73 on the interstate which has a speed limit of 70 and I look down and my car is SET to 73 BUT my actual gage is going up into the 80's! I use my cruise to keep me from getting tickets... And my cruise in this car isn't helping. I selected other. Because sometimes my radio screen does not work. & Sometimes it comes on but when I put my car in…
2012 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 13, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Rio, which currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I first became aware of these problems at approximately 120,000 miles. The vehicle has excessive oil consumption despite being consistently and properly maintained. I have been meticulous about maintenance because the vehicle has a lifetime powertrain warranty, and I have documentation and receipts for required maintenance, including regular oil changes and other scheduled services. On…
2014 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 7, 2026
Webwas deiving down the road and flames started shooting from underneath the hood we stopped car jumped out and looked back an whole front of car was on fire it burnt most of car
2012 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 6, 2026
I went to honk my horn as someone was backing up and didn’t see me as we were on an incline . This vehicle sits low and they were in a jeep. Due to the failure of my horn, I was unable to give a warning and they hit my car. No airbag was deployed and my seatbelt/airbag light is on. No injuries reported thankfully. I was told these things were related and repairs needed which is going to be extensive. The airbag may not deploy and horn does not work. I consider this a definite safety issue.
2018 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 5, 2026
The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then that mechanic said that it needed to go back to a dealership because it was defective. I advocated for months for it to be evaluated. No one at kia helped me despite this being a repeat warranty issue. I finally found a shop that would…
2017 KIA RIO
Filed Jun 24, 2026
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 confirmed by an independent shop called Accurate transmission (1040 s Joliet st, Aurora CO, 80013 or call 3033646254) and following that I took it to Kia for a diagnostic where they confirmed what…
2019 KIA RIO
Filed Jun 14, 2026
There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside
2016 KIA RIO
Filed Jun 4, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a persistent low beam headlight failure on my 2016 Kia Rio that has not been resolved after a paid repair at an authorized Kia dealership. The low beam headlights on my vehicle stopped functioning. I brought the vehicle to Car Pros Kia in [XXX] for diagnosis and repair on XXX.. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty Body Control Module (BCM) and replaced it on XXX. The dealership released the car to me with a 25-point inspection reading that all…
2012 KIA RIO
Filed May 28, 2026
The airbag warning light and the ABS warning light turned on simultaneously while driving. This is a severe safety hazard as both critical, life-saving safety features are currently compromised. I have already contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue, but I am filing this official complaint with the NHTSA to ensure a proper safety investigation is documented for this vehicle.
2012 KIA RIO
Filed May 27, 2026
The airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard and has stayed on permanently. This indicates a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Because the warning light is active, there is a severe safety risk that the airbags may not deploy correctly or at all in the event of a crash, putting the driver and passengers at risk of serious injury. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request