Kia RIO problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 383 owner complaints and 6 recalls on file for the Kia RIO (2005–2023). The 2013 RIO has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 383
Recalls: 6
Model years: 19
Worst year: 2013

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Kia RIO model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Kia RIO years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2013 Kia RIO — 81 complaints, 3 crashes, 11 fires; top problem: Engine
2020 Kia RIO — 27 complaints, 3 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Engine
2016 Kia RIO — 66 complaints, 5 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Engine
2018 Kia RIO — 27 complaints, 3 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
2017 Kia RIO — 27 complaints, 6 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2008 (1 complaints).

Every Kia RIO model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2023 RIO	12	0	0	0	0	Engine
2022 RIO	11	2	0	1	1	Body & Structure
2021 RIO	15	2	0	0	2	Steering
2020 RIO	27	3	5	1	1	Engine
2019 RIO	18	3	1	3	1	Engine
2018 RIO	27	3	2	1	1	Engine
2017 RIO	27	0	6	0	2	Engine
2016 RIO	66	5	4	3	2	Engine
2015 RIO	25	0	3	0	1	Engine
2014 RIO	26	0	5	0	1	Engine
2013 RIO	81	3	11	1	1	Engine
2012 RIO	25	0	5	0	1	Engine
2011 RIO	5	1	0	1	0	Engine
2010 RIO	1	1	0	0	0	Airbags
2009 RIO	6	0	0	0	0	Engine
2008 RIO	1	0	0	0	1	Airbags
2007 RIO	4	0	0	0	1	Airbags
2006 RIO	4	1	0	0	1	Body & Structure
2005 RIO	2	1	0	1	0	Transmission & Drivetrain

Most common Kia RIO problem areas (all years)

Engine
168 complaints
Brakes
84 complaints
Electrical System
49 complaints
Airbags
36 complaints
Steering
22 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
22 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
20 complaints
Body & Structure
16 complaints
Lighting
9 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
9 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Kia RIO received by NHTSA each month.

Kia RIO recalls

Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesModel years 2012–2017
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 23V594000Aug 24, 2023319,436 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 22V304000May 5, 202230 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V936000Dec 1, 202187 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021
Risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V622000Aug 9, 2021253,074 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 12V244000May 31, 201272,568 vehiclesModel years 2006–2008
Risk: Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.

Other Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology