Kia Rio problems by year
1,245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 24 Kia Rio model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Fewer complaints | 12 | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Fewer complaints | 10 | 1 | — | |
| 2021 | 15 | 2 | — | |
| 2020 | 26 | 1 | Unknown OR Other | |
| 2019 | 21 | 1 | Unknown OR Other | |
| 2018 | 28 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2017 | 31 | 2 | Engine | |
| 2016 | 77 | 2 | Engine | |
| 2015 | 52 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2014 | 51 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2013 Most complained | 153 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2012 | 52 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2011 | 24 | 0 | Engine | |
| 2010 | 26 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 2009 | 39 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 2008 | 46 | 1 | Air Bags | |
| 2007 | 46 | 1 | Air Bags | |
| 2006 | 74 | 1 | Air Bags | |
| 2005 | 36 | 1 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2004 | 38 | 2 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2003 | 74 | 3 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2002 Most complained | 128 | 1 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2001 Most complained | 223 | 3 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2000 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Kia.