NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia Rio
Data refreshed October 25, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Rio.
Complaints
1,340
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
152
Crashes
167
Fires
98
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
Performance issue
Fluid issue
Braking behavior
Access/entry issue
Vibration/harshness
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Steering behavior
Starting behavior
Lighting behavior
Smell
Electrical issue
Ride/handling behavior
Driver assistance issue
HVAC behavior
Powering on/off behavior
Recent change
Wiper/washer behavior
Infotainment behavior
Electrified system issue
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2016 KIA RIO
Filed Oct 22, 2026
ON 9/21/2026 AT 3:18AM WAS GETTING OFF TURNPIKE Becker rd. 128 CAME TO A STOP LIGHT WHEN a truck plowed in the back of me then took off. hit me so hard the car shut off. i started the car back up after a few minutes did not see anyone and drove home.
2016 KIA RIO
Filed Oct 19, 2026
While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly began bucking, lost power, and lost oil. The engine compartment immediately caught fire. The fire was entirely non-collision related and required immediate extinguishing. The incident was logged by the Washington State Patrol. The vehicle was towed and subsequently inspected by a certified Kia dealership. The Kia dealership technicians officially diagnosed the cause of the fire as a catastrophic internal engine failure, specifically noting…
2022 KIA RIO
Filed Oct 16, 2026
The rear camera fails to function most of the time. It is a safety issue because I am unable to see cars or objects behind me when I am backing up. I am also unable people passing behind me when I am backing out of a parking space in a parking lot.
2019 KIA RIO
Filed Oct 8, 2026
The trunk latch is broken which is a known recall for KIA but not for my car model. There is no way to access the trunk otherwise. Now my tail light is out and cannot be fixed because I cannot access the trunk. There is NO OTHER WAY TO ACCESS THE TRUNK.
2005 KIA RIO
Filed Oct 5, 2026
On [XXX], while driving my 2005 Kia Rio northbound on [XXX] across the [XXX], I was coming from a meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, and heading toward Jeffersonville, Indiana. While I was driving, the hood (bonnet) of my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly flipped up and slammed into the windshield. The hood struck the windshield with such force that it completely shattered the windshield and became lodged against it, completely obstructing my forward view. The impact was also severe enough to…
2020 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 30, 2026
My 2020 Kia Rio S caught fire spontaneously while parked and unattended for 5 hours at my work parking lot. The vehicle was turned off and had not been involved in a collision. I was notified of the fire after it had already started. The fire caused catastrophic damage to the passenger compartment and resulted in a total loss of the vehicle. Component/system suspected: The exact component that initiated the fire has not yet been determined. Based on the circumstances, I am concerned about a…
2022 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 21, 2026
My ABS system goes in and out making my breaks really unsafe especially going downhill. Cruise control goes at whatever speed it wants. I set it for 73 on the interstate which has a speed limit of 70 and I look down and my car is SET to 73 BUT my actual gage is going up into the 80's! I use my cruise to keep me from getting tickets... And my cruise in this car isn't helping. I selected other. Because sometimes my radio screen does not work. & Sometimes it comes on but when I put my car in…
2012 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 13, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Rio, which currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I first became aware of these problems at approximately 120,000 miles. The vehicle has excessive oil consumption despite being consistently and properly maintained. I have been meticulous about maintenance because the vehicle has a lifetime powertrain warranty, and I have documentation and receipts for required maintenance, including regular oil changes and other scheduled services. On…
2014 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 7, 2026
Webwas deiving down the road and flames started shooting from underneath the hood we stopped car jumped out and looked back an whole front of car was on fire it burnt most of car
2012 KIA RIO
Filed Aug 6, 2026
I went to honk my horn as someone was backing up and didn’t see me as we were on an incline . This vehicle sits low and they were in a jeep. Due to the failure of my horn, I was unable to give a warning and they hit my car. No airbag was deployed and my seatbelt/airbag light is on. No injuries reported thankfully. I was told these things were related and repairs needed which is going to be extensive. The airbag may not deploy and horn does not work. I consider this a definite safety issue.