2012 KIA RIO

1 recalls, 73 complaints - 182 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2... Read more

1,730,192 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

73 total complaints 5 crashes 11 fires 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	19
AIR BAGS	10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6
SEAT BELTS	3
SERVICE BRAKES	3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	2
WHEELS	2

Incident date: Jan 15, 2025

Trailer Brake Module Failure message at start up. I no longer have any trailer brake function. I was towing when this happened.

Incident date: Jan 15, 2025

Electronic power steering failed in a turn, and required a lot of force to make the turn, the eps had water in it after a flood, the part is backordered

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

Tried to turn on vehicle one morning and it would not start due a parking brake error message & a warning light on the dashboard. The message on the screen behind the steering wheel stated “park brake fault service now” and there was a clicking noise heard coming from underneath the truck. I tri... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2026

New Jeep, 1500 miles on it. While driving, it did an automatic update in the computer system. Following the update, the screen kept jumping information all over, constantly moving. I called jeep and they said bring it in same day. Following two shutdowns, the screen appeared normal. On 3 consecutiv... Read more

Incident date: Oct 11, 2025

•Battery not charging •“Service Hybrid System” message •Hybrid system malfunction warnings •Repeated system shutdowns or warnings related to propulsion

Incident date: Jul 30, 2025

The sunroof glass appears to have exploded or burst open. The vehicle was parked at the time of the incident. The owner had driven the vehicle just two hours prior and returned to it to find that the sunroof had burst upwards sending glass on top of the remain parts of the sunroof and all over the... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

The car has shut down unexpectedly for at least six times while driving at roads and highways. When this happens, engine stalls and nothing works and all alarms and check lights turn on and activated. Driver has to pull the car to the roadside which cannot be imagined when in a highway with all c... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2024

The chest clip slides very freely along the harness and the clip seams to unclasp to the point my 2 year old can slide and undo the clip and freely break out of the car seat which is a extreme safety hazard.

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall re... Read more

Incident date: Feb 29, 2024

The contact’s friend owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact’s friend received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the friend was leaving the store and drivin... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 19, 2024

The hybrid power system has stopped all together twice while driving once back in May 2021 and again in December 2022, the car has just under 50,000 miles. Both times this has happened the car was actively being driven, and has caused us to pull over on the side of the highway because there is no wa... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2023

I received a recall notice for this RV last year. I have since contacted Grand Design and they said I need to go to my dealer to have the awning recall addressed. The dealer is unwilling to perform the recall as they are too busy selling brand new RVs. I contacted Grand Design again and told them th... Read more

Incident date: Jun 21, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that after the niece had park and exited the vehicle smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to scene to extinguish the flames. During the incident the vehicle was destroyed and towed ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 31, 2022

Check engine light comes on. I pull the code of p050a. I looked that up and there is a Techincal Service Bulletin, from Kia on this problem of Cold start idle air control system performance. Kia only put out a recall on the Kia Soul and not the Kia Rio. They have the exact same engine and compute... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2020

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the RPMs was rising to the red line immediately. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was transmission maintenance needed on the vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2021

Will not start early morning, use about 3 quart oil a week, before warranty ran out Kia dealer check out and said to drive it another 900 miles, which made no sense, and bring back in Then they said it was out of warranty, what a scam Kia dealership is.they had overfill oil level 3 times before this... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2020

2012 KIA RIO, NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO ANY RECALL, AND HAVING BEEN MAINTAINED CORRECTLY, IS EXPERIENCING DANGEROUS LEVELS OF OIL CONSUMPTION. CURRENT MILAGE 108,000. TWO WEEKS AGO I SENT THE ATTACHED LETTER VIA CASE TO KIA CONSUMER CUSTOMER AFFAIRS SEEKING SAFETY ADVICE FROM THE COMPANY RELATING... Read more

Incident date: Dec 2, 2020

Incident date: Aug 11, 2020

I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WHAT SEEMS TO BE OIL COMING FROM THE ENGINE, POOLING ON TOP OF THE BLOCK BUT ALSO LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR SO. THE WALLS AROUND THE ENGINE, MAINLY ON THE LEFT SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE WERE SATURATED WITH PRESUMABL... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2020

Incident date: Aug 26, 2020

I WAS DRIVING AND CHECH ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON . I HAD IT TESTED AND IT WAS THE KNOCK SENOR. I LOOKED IT UP AND THEIR WAS A RECALL I PURCHASED THE CAR 9/02/2019

Incident date: Dec 28, 2016

I CAN NOT BELIEVE I TOOK THIS MUCH TIME TO ACTUAL FILE A COMPLAINT ON THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS ON MY KIA. MY 2012 KIA RIO SX HATCHBACK HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE IT REACHED THE 70,000 MILE MARK. I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS AND RECORDS FOR EVERY OIL CHANGE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW BACK IN LATE 2011. OIL HA... Read more

Incident date: Dec 28, 2016

Incident date: Apr 2, 2020

I'M AT 96K MILES. THE MECHANIC PULLS CODES FOR THE AIRBAGS. THEY ARE SHOWING A DEFECT AND THE REASON IS UNKNOWN. I'M ALSO HEARING A RATTLING IN THE ENGINE. WE ARE DISCOVERING IT IS COMMON IN KIA RIO AND THE REASON KIA GIVES IS WE ARE GETTING OUR OIL CHANGES DONE AT PLACES OTHER THAN THEM. I USED ON... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2020

Incident date: Feb 19, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED AND FLAMES STARTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALL OCCUPANTS... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 2, 2020

LOSS OF RPM IN CARS TACHOMETER DURING DRIVING, THEN LOSS POWER, THEN CAR STALLED AT IDLE. NOW THE CAR DOESN'T START (WORK) ANYMORE DURING IGNITION. CAR NOW TOTALLY FAILED TO START.

Incident date: Feb 17, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 25 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMI... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Nov 17, 2019

BRIEF LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL ALONG WITH ENGINE OVERSPEED POSSIBLY DUE TO DIRTY ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN CONNECTOR AT ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY -- RESTORED PROPER OPERATION VIA FLUSHING OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN CONNECTOR WITH 100% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL AEROSOL SPRAY -- VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN INTO A CR... Read more

Incident date: Nov 17, 2019

Incident date: Mar 13, 2019

ABOUT 3 MTHS AGO STARTED USING OIL 3 QTS EXTRA THE WENT TO A QT A WEEK, NOW USING A QUART EVERY OTHER DAY, HAVE HAD PEOPLE CHECK. CANT FIND OUT WHERE OIL IS GOING, HAVE PARKED IT, ALSO, AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 4MTHS AGO, KIA RIO HAS 114,000. THE CALIBER FROZE UP AT 88,000 THE BRAKE PADS KEPT WEAR... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2019

Incident date: Feb 17, 2014

CAR PAUSES AND THEN EXHILARATES WHEN DRIVING OR BACKING UP FOR EXPLANATION AND ALSO WANTS TO STALL WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS WHEN TRYING TO GET ON HIGHWAY..

Incident date: Jul 12, 2018

"TAKATA RECALL" CAR AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT.

Incident date: Feb 5, 2019

REPLACED CADALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR DEC 2017, AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON NOW WITH DIAGNOSTICS SAYING SAME THINGS AGAIN. OIL NEEDS TO BE PUT IN CAR EVERY WEEK OR TWO. FED UP WITH THIS CAR

Incident date: Nov 1, 2018

I HAVE A 2012 KIA RIO AND OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS THE OIL LIGHT SPONTANEOUSLY COMES ON AND TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT INTO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID A CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH INDICATED THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL. I WAS TOLD I NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW, ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2018

Incident date: Dec 30, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE AND BLACK SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE TAIL PIPE. ALSO, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER UNTIL IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (SOUTHSIDE K... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 30, 2017

ENGINE FAILURE WILL DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND OIL LEAKED OUT OF THE CAR AND IT BLEW UP.

Incident date: Sep 21, 2017

AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON, CAR HAS LITTLE OVER 87,000 MILES STRICTLY DEALER MAINTENANCE NO RHYME OR REASON TO EXPLAIN THE LIGHT. NO ACCIDENTS NO LIQUIUD SPILLS ON ANY SEATS DEALER STATED COST COULD BE UP TO $2000.00 DEPENDING ON WHAT THE $245.00 DIAGNOSTIC SNOWS. I CAN NOT U UNDERSTAND HOW A SAFETY FEAT... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2017

CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, RPM'S REVVING WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY. COULD NOT GET CAR TO SLOW DOWN SO HAD TO STEER CAR INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. PROBLEM EXISTED BEFORE THE ACCIDENT DOING THE SAME THING(RPM'S REVVING) IN PARK OR REVERSE OR ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS PE... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 1, 2017

THIS IS MY SECOND POST. MY FUEL SYSTEM HAS BEEN ACTING UP THE LAST 1-2WKS. I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING ONE DAY THAT THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE NEEDLE MOVED TO EMPTY ON MY DASHBOARD. I HAD PUT A FULL TANK OF GAS IN MY CAR LESS THAN 24HR EARLIER AND ONLY DRIVEN 20MI. SO I WAS QUITE ALARMED. I STOPPED ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2017

MY AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A LITTLE OVER TWO WEEKS NOW. I WAS HOPING THE ISSUE WOULD CORRECT ITSELF AND IT DIDN'T. SO I BROUGHT IT TO A DEALER YESTERDAY. THE PRICE THEY QUOTED FOR PARTS IS 913 FOR AN OSC MAT AND 296 FOR A CLOCK ASSEMBLY PART. THAT'S OVER 1000, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. I AM ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2016

DRIVING CAR AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. GOT OUT ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY LIFTED HOOD AND EVERYTHING WAS ON FIRE. PEOPLE ASSING BY ALONG WITH HERO AND FIRE DEPT MADE SURE FLAMES WERE PUT OUT . I NEVER MADE ANY MODIFICATION TO VEHICLE AND WE KEEP IT SERVICED. FEEL LIKE PROBLEMS ARE WITH MANUFACT... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 3, 2016

Fire

Incident date: Sep 3, 2016

Fire

Incident date: Mar 30, 2012

THE REAR END OF THE CAR MAKES A WEIRD WHOP WHOP SOUND WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO CHARPER THEY TOLD ME ALL THE KIA RIOS DO THIS. I FEAR THAT A REAR WHEEL IS GOING TO EVENTUALLY COME OF OR BLOW SOMETHING. CANT EVEN ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 30, 2012

Showing 50 of 73 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA RIO

2012 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	11.6%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 KIA RIO

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	36.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	29.0	37.0	32.0	Regular	$1,950

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA RIO

182 manufacturer communications from 106 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	30
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	17
160000 STRUCTURE	13
350000 EQUIPMENT	13
010000 STEERING	12
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	11
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	8
100000 POWER TRAIN	8

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indic

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

160000 STRUCTURE

010000 STEERING

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022M

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2307) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

010000 STEERING

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC264): This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OVERHEAD CONSOLE SUNGLASS DOOR-LATCH REPAIR - This bulletin provides information to repair the overhead console lamp assembly and sunglass door latch on some 2012-2023MY model vehicles listed in the table below,

330000 INTERIOR LIGHTING

163400 STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

171200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventive measure, to apply anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia previously sent a letter for a steering wheel lock device, and their vehicle is equipped with a factory burglar alarm and is ther

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventive measure, to apply anti-corrosion material to the underbody c

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventive measure, to apply anti-corro

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign (SC264).

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC264) - This bulletin provides information to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components on certain 2012-2017MY Rio (UB) and 2017-2018

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2307) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Mod

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: LOW OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE AFTER GAMMA 1.6L GDI SHORT BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information equipped with a Gamma 1.6L GDI regarding a 'low oil pressure' concern during engine idle on vehicles engine due to a

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

160000 STRUCTURE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON - DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the

140000 AIR BAGS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON ??A?A? DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the driver??A?A?s airbag clock spring assembly on some 2012-2013MY Ri

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION - NOTICE TO RIO OWNERS - This document is notice to the owners of the 2012-2013 MY Kia Rio vehicles of the warranty extension on the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileag

350000 EQUIPMENT

140000 AIR BAGS

WTY017: REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT - This document is the request for reimbursement form for 2012-2013 MY Kia Rio vehicle owners to submit to Kia in the event they have already paid for repairs covered under the extended warranty program.

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION - NOTICE TO DEALER PRINCIPALS - This document is notice to the dealer principals of the warranty extension on the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly on 2012-2013 MY Rio and 2014-2015 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehic

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION - NOTICE TO DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS - This document is notice to the dealer parts and service managers of the warranty extension on the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly on 2012-2013 MY Rio and 2014-20

350000 EQUIPMENT

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY EXTENSION: QA - This document is the frequently asked question and answer document for the warranty extension (WTY017) on the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

350000 EQUIPMENT

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform a partial repair on the trunk latch base sub assembly on the certain Forte, Rio and Optima vehicles, which may exhibit a difficult-to-close/latch concern with the trunk lid.

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibi

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor D

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of t

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TSB: AIR DRAIN CASE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the Air Drain Case on some 2014-2018MY Soul (PS), produced from July 21, 2013 through June 1

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB - ECU UPGRADE ? DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised and is no longer a Service Action. bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

062200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

TSB - A/C FAN CONTROL LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND COOLING FAN/COOLING FAN RESISTOR INSPECTION OR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect, and if necessary, replace the cooling fan resistor and/or the cooling fan motor, and t

350000 EQUIPMENT

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

TSB - CANISTER CLOSE VALVE INSPECTION AND AIR DRAIN CASE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and if necessary, replace the Air Drain Case on some 2014-18MY Soul (PS), produced from July 21, 2013 through June 1, 201

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

TSB - CANISTER CLOSE VALVE (CCV) REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the Canister Close Valve (CCV) on some 2012-2017MY Rio (UB) vehicles, produced from June 21, 2011 through March 28, 2016, which may exhibit the e

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

106200 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic tr

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations.

103400 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

PITSTOP - SHIFT LOCK INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE - Some 2012-2017MY Rio (UB) vehicles may exhibit a shifter that will intermittently not shift out of Park. This bulletin gives information on how to troubleshoot the issue.

Showing 100 of 182 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA RIO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2000.WHEELS... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 12 AND OCTOBER 18, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFA... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SE... PTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSE... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

AIR BAG NON DEPLOY

THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 82 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS.OF THE 82 REPORTS, ONLY ONE INCIDENT, THE FATAL CRASH THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE CRASH IN WHICH THE AUTOMOTIVE RESTRAINT CONTROLLE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FRONTAL CRASH

IN ADDITION TO THE DECEMBER 2001 FATAL CRASH REPORTED TO ODI THAT PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR OPENING PE02-022, KIA PROVIDED ODI 29 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF ALLEGATIONS OF NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN A CRASH.NO ADDITIONAL FATAL CRASHES ARE REPORTED.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO CONDUCT FUR... Read more

KIA RIO - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA RIO across all model years (2001, 2022).

27 Total Recalls

1,809 Total Complaints

6 Investigations

229 Reported Crashes

111 Reported Fires

14 Reported Deaths

KIA RIO - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2023	0	20	View
2022	1	12	View
2021	2	23	View
2020	1	37	View
2019	1	29	View
2018	1	39	View
2017	2	37	View
2016	2	110	View
2015	1	69	View
2014	1	74	View
2013	1	218	View
2012 (current)	1	73
2011	0	32	View
2010	0	38	View
2009	0	54	View
2008	1	57	View
2007	1	64	View
2006	1	89	View
2005	1	46	View
2004	2	53	View
2003	3	103	View
2002	1	171	View
2001	3	355	View
2000	0	4	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 KIA RIO

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA RIO

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 KIA RIO

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA RIO

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA RIO

KIA RIO - All Years Overview

KIA RIO - Year by Year

Other KIA Models