2017 KIA RIO

2 recalls, 37 complaints - 89 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Defect Description

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 Mot... Read more

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

319,436 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

37 total complaints 5 crashes 2 fires 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	6
ENGINE	6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5
STRUCTURE:BODY	3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3
SEATS	2
SERVICE BRAKES	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)	1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK	1
STEERING	1

Incident date: May 29, 2026

While driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph with my child in the vehicle during rush-hour on May 21, 2026, my 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring (105,746 miles) suddenly dropped speed, and began backfiring and stopped responding to the gas pedal. The check engine light flashed and the vehicle... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2026

While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2.5L), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [Insert exactly what happened here—for example: 'The brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'The brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of br... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

Paint is peeling in several separate area's on the truck

Incident date: Feb 6, 2025

Car started to misfire and sometimes accelerate by itself ended up spending over to 3000 on mechanic and dealership to ended up have to rebuild the ECM because dealership after pay them close to 2000 said the ECM was discontinued so it was nothing they can do about it so my local mechanic ended up s... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2024

Trim is coming off below windows. Can be a hazard if it comes off in traffic and flys into another vehicle.

Incident date: Jul 3, 2024

For about six months my service lights have been lighting up. For the same amount of time I have noticed that my car begins to "stink" after running for a minute or two. I took it into the dealership and the service advisor states that I have three of four fuel injectors that have failed. I asked th... Read more

Incident date: May 21, 2024

Crack head leaking oil

Incident date: Apr 12, 2024

My wife and the kids we're stranded for hours because of the ESL systems lock the steering wheel and did not allow the car to start or steering wheel to move. She smelled something and pulled over and turned car off. No lights, no way to charge cell phone because no power to the car at all. My famil... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V875000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to multiple local dealers in the area to repair the vehicle under the recall; however, the parts to complete the recal... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The contact that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the clock spring was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V483000 (Air Bags) in 2022; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 22, 2024

I was t-boned by a f-150, airbags didn’t deploy and my seat belt didn’t lock. With no safety features deploying, I sustained injuries. No one wants to inspect it, due to there being no fatalities or permanent dismemberment. There were no warnings or lights on prior to the accident, the sea... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 4, 2024

At [XXX] am on [XXX] the alarm sounded on my car that was parked beside my front porch. I was confused ; as I never locked my car and did not understand why my alarm would be going off. I opened the front door and the front of the car and underneath the engine was in flames. It was burning under t... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side doors failed to close properly. The contact had to forcefully close the doors. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the front driver's and passenger's door welds had f... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2023

IT SEEMS ALL DOOR LOCKS ARE BUZZING AND HAVE DIFFICULTY OPENING/CLOSING. IT HAPPENS DURING UNLOCKING AND LOCKING OF DOORS USING EITHER THE REMOTE KEY OR REGULAR KEY. ALSO MAKES BUZZING NOISE WHEN RUNNING THE 1ST 0-10MPH (FROM MOST FULL STOP). IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN ON THE DRIVER AND RIGHT PA... Read more

Incident date: Dec 12, 2023

On two different occasions and in two different places my vehicle stalled.Once on a highway in a traffic jam and once coming off a highway exit on my way home. In both cases the vehicle simply lost power. It is a 2019 Pacifica Touring L. I looked it up and saw similar complaints concerning the hyb... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle and the steering wheel was vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that his daughter depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The c... Read more

Incident date: Sep 6, 2022

On, June 24th and July 15th my vehicle experienced multiple errors while driving. Indicator lights stated the following: stability control disabled, dash cam disabled, traction control disabled, regenerative braking disabled, emergency braking disabled. On July 15th the front motor was disabled, cau... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2023

UNKNOWN; once the car started, it would not accelerate, the EPC and Engine warning lights came on; car still starts up The Tire Pressure sensor light has been going off/on, regardless of the tire pressure being correctly set

Incident date: May 13, 2023

Was not able to change automatic transmission gear to R (Reverse) w/o restarting the engine. (the brake pedal is firmly pressed for sure) For all three cases: 1) D (Drive) to R or 2) P (park) to R or 3) N to R. The only way to change to R was: 1) move gear to P 2) shutoff the engine, 3) restart ... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2023

A couple of years ago my passenger head restraint deployed while parked and would not reset. I was charged $652.00 to re place. Chrysler later reimbursed me for this expense and extended my warranty for this for one year. Two days ago the driver side activated while the car was parked. That mean... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2023

Active headrest deployed without collision

Incident date: May 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Eos. The contact stated while having a routine check at the dealer, the mechanic informed the contact that the horn was not functioning and that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2022

* Eyesight disabled and Thermal Control Valve-P26A3 diagnostic code. Vehicle is available upon request. * Eyesight immediately disabled and maintaining that all safety features are disabled. Safety features that are relied upon, disengaged, and aborted for literally a Subaru known engine issue (TSB... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2022

The trim between rear quarter panels and side rear windows becomes loose and not attached at one end and falls of the cars which might be a hazard for pedestrians at higher speeds.

Incident date: Feb 10, 2023

Chevy Equinox turned off while in the turn lane. Car would not turn back on. No warning was shown prior to the incident but now there is a solid check engine light. upon googling it seems other chevy's have a fuel pump flow issue causing cars to stall and not turn on. chevy upon inquiring if our ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2022

Unknown- trunk won’t open even after pulling the inside emergency cord

Incident date: Nov 7, 2022

steering wheel would not lock into place, moved up and down from dash, once dash was removed to see steering column was not connected, top brackets came loose inside dash, bottom of column was never bolted in place from assembly, dealship will not cover/ help and states new column is needed and quot... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2021

Vehicle caught on fire.

Fire

Incident date: Sep 11, 2021

My Rio's trunk latch mechanism has failed for the second time. I know there may be recalls for other model years. But 2017 models may also be affected. The trunk latch mechanism will fail without warning. The remote release will not open the trunk, the key/lock will not open the trunk. Most wor... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO LOCK SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LOCK WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2019

THE TRUNK IS NOT ABLE TO BE OPENED MANUALLY, EXCEPT THROUGH THE KEY FOB. WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE THE TRUNK, THE LATCHING MECHANISM WILL NOT ENGAGE AND THE TRUNK IS UNABLE TO LATCH SHUT. BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Incident date: Jun 15, 2019

THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR HIT A FENCE KNOCKED IT DOWN & HIT A TREE IT IS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

Crash

Incident date: Aug 24, 2018

WAS ENVOLVED IN A WRECK TO WHERE I WENT OFF THE ROAD HIT A STOP SIGN,,A TELEPHONE BOX,,A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOW MY WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE,,I GOT A BUSTED UP KNEE A SPRANG SHOLDER NECK AND BACK

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Aug 24, 2018

WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Aug 24, 2018

WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE

Crash 2 injured

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2017 KIA RIO

2017 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, 2017 KIA RIO

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	36.0	30.0	Regular	$2,050
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	36.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000

CO2 Emissions: 292.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 2017 KIA RIO

89 manufacturer communications from 52 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	18
160000 STRUCTURE	12
010000 STEERING	10
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	8
350000 EQUIPMENT	5
116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE	4
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	3
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING	2

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

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

010000 STEERING

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

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

160000 STRUCTURE

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

010000 STEERING

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

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

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

010000 STEERING

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

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

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

171200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

163400 STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

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: 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

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: 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: 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

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

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

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

160000 STRUCTURE

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

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

350000 EQUIPMENT

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.

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

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

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL SMELL ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND CHARCOAL CANISTER REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and replace the evaporative system charcoal canister

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

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

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

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

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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB - DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC17) - Revised - This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicle

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

1,821 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	15	View
2021	2	23	View
2020	1	40	View
2019	1	29	View
2018	1	42	View
2017 (current)	2	37
2016	2	110	View
2015	1	69	View
2014	1	75	View
2013	1	218	View
2012	1	75	View
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

2017 KIA RIO

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2017 KIA RIO

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2017 KIA RIO

Technical Service Bulletins, 2017 KIA RIO

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA RIO

KIA RIO - All Years Overview

KIA RIO - Year by Year

Other KIA Models