2017 Kia RIO problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Kia RIO, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
27
Recalls
2
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Median mileage
105,500 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 11 of 27 complaints (41%).
  • Brakes (7) and body & structure (3) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 105,500 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries.
  • The 2017 Kia RIO has 2 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 6th of 19 Kia RIO model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 59% fewer complaints than the 2016 model year (66).

2017 Kia RIO problems by category

  • Engine
    11 complaints
  • Brakes
    7 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    3 complaints
  • Electrical System
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine11
Service brakes, hydraulic6
Unknown or other5
Electrical system3
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:lock2
Service brakes1
Power train1
Steering1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k30k–60k160k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Kia RIO complaints that list mileage.

2017 Kia RIO recalls (2)

  • Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesPark outside
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

  • Recall 23V594000Aug 24, 2023319,436 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

    Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • AQ23002Opened Nov 17, 2023Open

    Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, …

Recent 2017 Kia RIO complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jun 24, 2026COEngine
    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 [phone removed]) and following that I took it to Kia for a diagnostic…
    NHTSA complaint #11746312 · source
  2. Filed May 19, 2026CAFireEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11738683 · source
  3. Filed Mar 27, 2026TXFireEngine
    I was driving my 2017 Kia Rio at approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began shaking violently. I heard a loud mechanical sound from the engine compartment that sounded like something broke loose and was being thrown around. I immediately began pulling over as smoke started entering the cabin. As soon as I stopped, the car erupted into a fast-moving, intense fire originating in the engine compartment. The fire spread so quickly that the front of the vehicle and the passenger…
    NHTSA complaint #11727456 · source
  4. Filed Jul 9, 2024TXFireBrakesEngine
    My son and I were driving home from work on IH-35 and I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. Then within seconds, flames appeared moving quickly towards the windshield. I attempted to move to the shoulder and after doing so, I was unable to stop since the brakes were no longer working. I had to use the parking brake when it slowed down and then once stopped, my son and I jumped out of the vehicle and within 3-5 seconds, the entire car was overcome with fire which then…
    NHTSA complaint #11600593 · source
  5. Filed May 21, 2024190,000 miGABody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while attempting to open the trunk with the key fob, the trunk failed to unlock or open. In addition, the contact engaged the emergency gear, and the trunk would not open. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11590009 · source
  6. Filed Apr 17, 2024OKElectrical System
    No parts available to fix hydraulic electronic control unit HECU. Been told this since December 2023. Received another letter dated 4/10/3024. The remedy is now available. Being told again there are no parts. Went by another car insurance company. Being told I cannot get a quote because of repair problems with recalls.
    NHTSA complaint #11583448 · source
  7. Filed Apr 3, 2024CABrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a…
    NHTSA complaint #11580877 · source
  8. Filed Mar 19, 2024AZBrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet…
    NHTSA complaint #11578348 · source

Compare the 2017 Kia RIO with another vehicle →

Other 2017 Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology