Power
Fuel (combined)
What owners say
Overview
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on generation and purchase context. The Rio is consistently described as an affordable, basic, and economical mode of transportation, appreciated for its low purchase price, good fuel economy, and inclusion of modern features like Apple Car
Best version
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or version. Discussions indicate a preference for later models (2020+) for updated safety features and technology, such as the backup camera and heated steering wheel foun
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 26 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2018 | 27 | 1 | engine |
| 2017 | 31 | 2 | engine |
| 2015 | 52 | 1 | engine |
| 2011 | 24 | 0 | engine |
| 2005 | 36 | 1 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2002 | 158 | 1 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2000 | 3 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices7 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2020 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 21V936000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
2018 · latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchcampaign 21V622000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, 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 num
2017 · latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchcampaign 23V594000
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 St
2017 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 23V652000
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 elect
2015 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 23V652000
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 elect
2005 · child seatcampaign 05V557000
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS WILL NOT FULLY LATCH ONTO THE LOWER LATCH ANCHORS LOCATED BETWEEN THE REAR SEAT BACK AND REAR SEAT CUSHION BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE BETWEE
2002 · fuel system, gasoline:deliverycampaign 04V179000
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE OF THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE OR CRACKING DURING REMOVAL OF THE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING SECURING THE MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE, OR WHEN FORCE IS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR
Specifications
Generation
1.6 MPI (120 Hp) i-CVT
From 2020-2026
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