NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Rio

Data refreshed August 8, 2026

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

Complaints

1,326

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

95

Top reported issues — Kia Rio

Click a category to expand its values.

Safety restraint issue

356

Operating state

336

Condition issue

310

Reporting mechanism

295

Engine behavior

222

Thermal issue

165

Safety restraint behavior

159

Noise

134

Fluid issue

118

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.

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

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…

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

Updated August 8, 2026. Refreshed nightly.