NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Rio

Data refreshed June 26, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Rio.

Complaints

1,283

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

146

Crashes

161

Fires

92

Top reported issues — Kia Rio

Click a category to expand its values.

Safety restraint issue

355

Operating state

336

Condition issue

310

Reporting mechanism

295

Engine behavior

220

Thermal issue

164

Safety restraint behavior

159

Noise

134

Fluid issue

117

Performance issue

114

Braking behavior

86

Access/entry issue

77

Vibration/harshness

75

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

60

Steering behavior

39

Lighting behavior

38

Smell

38

Starting behavior

38

Electrical issue

33

Ride/handling behavior

29

HVAC behavior

22

Driver assistance issue

20

Powering on/off behavior

16

Recent change

14

Wiper/washer behavior

10

Infotainment behavior

4

Electrified system issue

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

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

2006 KIA RIO

Filed May 25, 2026


srs light turned on and is illuminated when starting and driving the vehicle.

2018 KIA RIO

Filed May 23, 2026


Vehicle has excessive oil consumption defect acknowledged in Kia TSB ENG222. Repeated catalytic converter failures indicate potential overheating risk similar to 2019 Gamma engine recall for fire hazard. Engine burning oil creates risk of critically low oil levels leading to engine failure/stalling while driving. Multiple emission system failures (oil consumption, catalytic converter) suggest unsafe vehicle condition. Vehicle failed Kia’s own oil consumption tests in December 2023 and March…

2017 KIA RIO

Filed May 19, 2026


Fire

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.

2016 KIA RIO

Filed May 2, 2026


I am filing a complaint regarding repeated failures of the LED tail light assemblies on my 2016 Kia Rio. This vehicle uses combination tail lights that include both standard bulbs and integrated LED brake lights. The LED portion has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. I am now experiencing failure again, requiring replacement of multiple tail light assemblies. Each assembly costs approximately $400, and my vehicle requires four total units. This results in a significant repair…

2019 KIA RIO

Filed Apr 21, 2026


2019 Kia Rio Hatchback trunk latch failure buzzing actuator but won't open emergency release does not work dealer says not covered under recall #21V622000 which covers the trunk for 4 door 2019 Kia Rio and this appears to be the same or similar issue with the trunk emergency release not opening creating a safety risk

2013 KIA RIO

Filed Apr 20, 2026


Fire

The contact called on behalf of her mother, who owned a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while the contact's mother was approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's mother noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact's mother stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact's mother enabled the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact's mother noticed that the entire front windshield…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated June 26, 2026. Refreshed nightly.