2017 Kia Rio: common problems and reliability

The 2017 Kia Rio has 31 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. Owners most often flag lack of power and highway instability: described as feeling "dicey" on the interstate, lacking power for confident merging and passing. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2017 model year

31
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
3
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Kia Rio vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2017 a good year for the Rio?

Across the 8 Rio model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2000) to 158 (2002). With 31 complaints, the 2017 Rio sits about the same asthe model's median of 31.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
11
service brakes
7
hydraulic
6
electrical system
3
air bags
3

Recalls affecting the 2017 Rio

latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch

Campaign 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 insid

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

Campaign 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,

What owners say across generations

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…

  • Lack of power and highway instability: described as feeling "dicey" on the interstate, lacking power for confident merging and passing. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Excessive road and wind noise: noted as a characteristic of basic, economical subcompact cars. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Rio. See the full Rio owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Rio listings typically run $9,999–$14,479 across 2010 to 2023 model years.

Other Rio model years

Compare every Rio year side by side to see how 2017 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Rio against its rivals