NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia Rio
Data refreshed May 30, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Rio.
Complaints
1,281
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
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
Starting behavior
Steering behavior
Smell
Lighting behavior
Electrical issue
Ride/handling behavior
HVAC behavior
Driver assistance issue
Powering on/off behavior
Recent change
Wiper/washer behavior
Infotainment behavior
Electrified system issue
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
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
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
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…
2017 KIA RIO
Filed Mar 27, 2026
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 cabin were…
2018 KIA RIO
Filed Mar 26, 2026
The first problem part is the airbag. The clockspring was fixed twice under warranty. Then the dealership said they wont keep doing it and blamed me wrongly. I had a private mechanic repair the same part twice due to the code it was giving but it turns out thats not what's wrong with it. The entire airbag and electrical components are bad, that is why the two repairs the dealership as well as the private mechanic made did not work. We also have some engine problems they wont continue to fix…