2022 Kia Rio: common problems and reliability

An average Rio year.

11 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2022 Rio?

The 2022 Kia Rio has 11 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and latches/locks/linkages. Owners most often flag concerns about long-term reliability of newer powertrains: specific worry about the ivt (cvt) transmission in post-2020 models compared to the older 6-speed automatic. isolated report of an engine defect (oil consumption) in a 2016 optima, used to illustrate broader brand concerns.

Safety record for the 2022 model year

11
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2022 Kia Rio vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Rio years only. How we score it

Is 2022 a good year for the Rio?

Across the 23 Rio model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2000) to 227 (2001). With 11 complaints, the 2022 Rio sits below the model's median of 46.

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

service brakes
2
latches/locks/linkages
2
forward collision avoidance
1
back over prevention
1
engine
1

Recalls affecting the 2022 Rio

steering:column

Campaign 22V304000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on generation and purchase context.

  • RecurrentConcerns about long-term reliability of newer powertrains

    Specific worry about the IVT (CVT) transmission in post-2020 models compared to the older 6-speed automatic. Isolated report of an engine defect (oil consumption) in a 2016 Optima, used to illustrate broader brand concerns.

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 $10,249–$14,795 across 2013 to 2023 model years.

Other Rio model years

Compare every Rio year side by side to see how 2022 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Rio against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy