2018 KIA RIO

1 recalls, 42 complaints - 98 TSBs

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

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

Remedy

Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

253,074 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

42 total complaints 5 crashes 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
POWER TRAIN	7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	7
ENGINE	6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	3
STEERING	3
AIR BAGS	2
TIRES:SIDEWALL	2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH	1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	1

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

My 2019 Genesis G90 (3.3L twin-turbo) previously received Recall 019G for the left turbocharger oil feed pipe at a authorized Genesis dealership. At approximately 137,508 miles, the right side turbocharger oil feed pipe failed. I experienced an engine oil leak, a strong burning oil smell, smoke from... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

The left rear internal "top-hat" parking brake shoes suffered a total manufacturing bonding failure, causing the friction lining to completely delaminate and detach from the metal backing plates inside the rotor hub. This triggered Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C060B (Left Park Brake Actuator Circui... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2024

Driving at 70mph on the freeway when the rear windshield blew out. Seemingly for no reason. Didn't sound like anything hit the windshield, just the pop of the glass. Seems like a defective windshield.

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

Vehicle: 2018 Honda Accord On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] PM, I was driving on [XXX] [XXX] at approximately 35 mph. The weather was clear and the road was dry. A vehicle ahead of me began turning into [XXX] N. My vehicle’s Collision Mitigation Braking System / automatic emergency braking sy... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Oct 25, 2025

As I was driving,making a right turn and with out warning my steering wheel before excessively hard to control, turn. Because of the sudden wheel tightening as I was making this right turn I almost collided with a vehicle in next lane on highway. My brakes were in good standing but I had to really s... Read more

Incident date: Oct 25, 2025

Incident date: Mar 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle due to a potential fire risk. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign N... Read more

Incident date: Mar 8, 2023

Incident date: Jan 22, 2026

Air bags did not deploy during accident Black box did not record any incident occurred and vehicle was totaled vehicle black box data was downloaded by manufacturer representative accident report was submitted On October 28 2025 a deer ran in front of us and we hit it at approximately 55mph vehicle ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 22, 2026

2018 Honda Odyssey (10-speed automatic transmission) What happened: The vehicle is experiencing intermittent loss of reverse and delayed gear engagement from a stop. When shifting into reverse or drive, the engine revs but the vehicle does not immediately move, then jerks into gear. The issue is wo... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2023

Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Spark, odometer <79,000 miles Component that failed: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) – pulley damage causing complete loss of propulsion.What happened: While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost all motive power with no ability to accelerate. The transmission would n... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2025

While driving, Jeep stalled out/became unresponsive, D started flashing on gear shift panel and dashboard, check engine light came on and dashboard message said: "shift to P to start" "Press brake & Push button to start" While jeep was already ON and was driving. Very dangerous!! This happened 4x i... Read more

Incident date: Oct 4, 2025

Moonroof/sunroof shade came off tracks upon normal use (opening) and is loose. The shade falling down impairs visibility of the road.

Incident date: Aug 26, 2025

The car turned off while driving on the highway. The car just recently within the last year or so started giving us electrical problems. The mechanic on August 14, 2025. Replaced the alternator, the second within 3 years. The battery replaced twice within 3 years, as well. Internal dashboard light... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2025

4wd service light on. Four wheel drive will not work. Makes noises once and awhile. Vehicle parking brake came on and would not work. Was spinning on ice snow and parking brake activated.

Incident date: Mar 5, 2025

The backup camera on my F150 starting glitching and would not display a clear picture of what was behind the vehicle. Below is what was on the invoice: C/S VEHICLE'S BACKUP CAMERA INOP. THE SCREEN IS BLANK WHEN IN REVERSE.CHECK AND ADVISE 24E12 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PCM REPROGRAMMING 2 new w... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2024

Sudden power electrical failure while driving on a city avenue. The car suddenly had no power, the engine goes off, the sterring become very stiff and there was a message saying electrical system error

Incident date: Apr 19, 2024

Alerting to shift to park and not turning off while vehicle is already in park

Incident date: Apr 19, 2024

Subject: Kenda/Loadstar Radial Tire ST205/75R14D on 17' Gulf Stream Vista Camper Mode of failure: Sidewall bulged out over 2" with size of softball/4". Safety risk: At the time I noticed the left side trailer tire bulge, I was traveling at 60mph on a limited access highway towing trailer with a Ford... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2024

Incident date: Feb 14, 2024

coolant bypass valve issue under 60k miles.

Incident date: Feb 21, 2024

My transmission went out and is set to be fixed by Nissan at my cost! No warning....just was driving my daughter home from girl scouts and the transmission went out going 35mph.

Incident date: Dec 28, 2021

While driving in traffic the check transmission light came on and car would no longer accelerate coming to a stop in traffic. Gears were not recognized per dash lights. Towed to shop for transmission repair which failed again within a six month time frame when once again while driving check engine l... Read more

Incident date: Dec 28, 2021

Both tail lights fail. I just bought this vehicle at Ewald Automotive in Oconmowoc Wi a month ago with 100k and I know they were aware of the problem and so is GMC. I am not paying 900 bucks for each tail light. They are absolute junk. The left side someone already messed with it because there is el... Read more

Incident date: Jan 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and lunged forward. The contact then stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle started losing motive power and decelerated. No warning lights were illuminated. Ad... Read more

Incident date: Jan 11, 2023

When is some one going to do something about the faulty steering column in 2006 Ford F150 pick ups and similar model years? It is all over the internet about the grinding and catching of the steering column. In some cases can't steer at all. There is tons of information on this problem. I have a 200... Read more

Incident date: Jan 11, 2023

Excessive oil consumption. Oil level is below the dipstick before 3000 miles since last oil change. This issue can lead to engine seizure and vehicle stopping ing traffic. This issue has been identified and recalled in Canada but not yet in the United States.

Incident date: Nov 22, 2022

My vehicle was stolen while parked with a club on the steering wheel then damaged and abandoned. I was without a vehicle for a month during repairs. It has been reported on the news that Kias are easily stolen due to the type of ignition system. A recall to fix this is need immediately!

Crash

Incident date: Jul 1, 2021

Excessive oil consumption 1 quart every 1000 miles. The brake light socket overheats causing fast bulb burn outs.

Incident date: Jul 1, 2021

Excessive oil consumption 1 quart every 1000 miles. The brake light socket overheats causing fast bulb burn outs.

Incident date: Feb 10, 2022

I received notice on 2/10/22 that there was a remedy part for my 2018 Kia Rio. The letter said it was a recall part involving a latch that opens my trunk from the inside. I tried repeatedly since then to make an appointment at Glendale, CA or Alhambra, CA Kia dealerships thru the Kia website but the... Read more

Incident date: Jan 25, 2022

My vehicle was recalled for a "interior trunk release" issue. My trunk will not open at all anymore. Kia's website does not allow me to schedule an appointment due to glitches on website. I also tried calling Kia and got no answer.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that th... Read more

Incident date: Oct 2, 2021

On 10/02/2021 - Was at a stop, put car in drive press the peddle car accelerated at high speed, miss another car and hit tree. Accident cause by acceleration issue with KIA Rio. Need advice on how to get KIA to replace total vehicle. Auto Insurance is just calling it a accident.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Oct 2, 2021

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Oct 2, 2021

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 2, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated while attempting to open the rear trunk a clicking noise was heard coming from the trunk as the trunk failed to open. The contact attempted multiple times to open the trunk but it would not open. The contact took their vehicle to a local dealer who... Read more

Incident date: Dec 27, 2020

I HIT A DEER HEAD ON GOING 74 MPH ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE. SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

Crash

Incident date: Jul 18, 2018

OUR 2018 KIA RIO WAS BOUGHT NEW. I WAS TRAINING MY WIFE TO PARALLEL PARK WHEN IT HAD ONLY 100 MILES ON IT. AS SHE KEPT REPEATING THE PROCEDURE OF PARALLEL PARKING, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT ALLOW MOVEMENT UNTIL THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL COOLED DOWN. WE THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2019

ON TWO OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE (IN MOTION) HAS GOTTEN SMOKE, I SMELLED BURNT, AND IT WAS ELECTRIC SHOCK WHEN I TOUCHED THE BOARD, I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED IT TO THE AGENCY THAT CORRESPONDS TO ME, HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT SOLVED MY PROBLEM, I AM AFRAID THAT IT COULD BURN MY VEHICLE, MY PHONE NUMBER IS [XXX]... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2019

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2018 KIA RIO

2018 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Rollover Risk	0.0%

Safety Technology

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

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

EPA Fuel Economy, 2018 KIA RIO

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	37.0	32.0	Regular	$1,900
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	29.0	37.0	32.0	Regular	$1,900

CO2 Emissions: 280.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 KIA RIO

98 manufacturer communications from 56 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	23
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	13
010000 STEERING	9
160000 STRUCTURE	7
350000 EQUIPMENT	5
116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE	4
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3
117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL	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

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

220000 SEATS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL SEAT TRACK REPLACEMENT FOR INOPERATIVE FRONT SEAT - 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.

160000 STRUCTURE

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

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

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

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

171200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

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,

163400 STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

330000 INTERIOR LIGHTING

160000 STRUCTURE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

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

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

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - 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 bulletin provides inform

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)

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

350000 EQUIPMENT

PITSTOP: Potential Low Oil Pressure Due to Dowel Pin Not Fully Seated (PS671) - This Pitstop provides information regarding a potential low oil pressure warning light 'ON' on some 2018MY Rio (SC) vehicles, produced from August 3, 2017 thro

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most Kia vehicles. If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be i

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

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

010000 STEERING

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

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to extracting ??A?A?in use performance tracking??A?A? emi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting "in use performance tracking" emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in C

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TSB: SERVICE ACTION: A/C REFRIGERANT OVERFILL (SA372) - This bulletin provides the procedure to recover and recharge the air conditioning system on certain 2019MY Niro Hybrid (DE HEV) and Niro Plug-in Hybrid (DE PHEV) vehicles, produced fro

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

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

PITSTOP - TPMS LAMP ON, TRUNK OPEN LAMP ON, AND/OR AUDIO SYSTEM INOPERATIVE - This Pitstop provides information regarding an inoperative Audio system, TPMS lamp ON, Trunk Open warning lamp ON (even while the trunk is closed), and/or Master

114400 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

PITSTOP - CLOCK CONCERNS ON UVO eSERVICES (UVO 3.0) - This Pitstop contains information regarding possible concerns with the clock on UVO eServices (UVO 3.0) head units installed on 2017-2018MY vehicles.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB - SERVICE ACTION: SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT (SA342) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the spark plugs on some 2018MY Forte (YDm), produced from November 21, 2017 through April 12, 2018, and 2018MY Rio (SC) vehicles, both pr

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

TSB - DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions da

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

PITSTOP - RATTLE NOISE FROM REAR OF THE VEHICLE (PS551) - This Pitstop contains information regarding a rattle type noise heard from the rear of the vehicle when closing a door or trunk on some 2016MY-2018MY vehicles.

175200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK

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

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

TSB - DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

PITSTOP - TPMS LAMP ON AND/OR TRUNK OPEN LAMP ON AND/OR AUDIO SYSTEM INOPERATIVE DURING PDI -This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This Pitstop co

114400 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

PITSTOP - TPMS AND/OR TRUNK OPEN LAMP ON DURING PDI - This Pitstop contains information regarding the TPMS lamp ON and Trunk Open warning lamp ON, or Master Warning Mode lamp ON in the cluster during PDI, even while the trunk is closed.

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

TSB - ANTENNA POLE LOCATION DURING TRANSPORT - This bulletin provides information regarding the shipping location of the antenna pole in all 2018MY Forte (YDm) 5 Door SX and all 2018MY Rio (SC) vehicles at delivery to dealers and Transporta

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB - RIO (SC) FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKET INSTALLATION - This bulletin provides information regarding the installation of the front license plate bracket on 2018MY~ Rio (SC) vehicles.

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 (current)	1	42
2017	2	37	View
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

2018 KIA RIO

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2018 KIA RIO

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2018 KIA RIO

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 KIA RIO

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA RIO

KIA RIO - All Years Overview

KIA RIO - Year by Year

Other KIA Models