Kia Rio Recalls — All NHTSA Recall Campaigns

Q: How many recalls does the Kia Rio have?

The Kia Rio has 4 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, spanning model years 2006 through 2022. Individual vehicles may be subject to fewer recalls depending on their specific model year and production date.

Q: Is my Rio under recall?

Whether your specific Rio is subject to a recall depends on your vehicle's exact VIN, not just the model year. A recall may apply to a specific production date range or certain build configurations. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov/recalls to see which, if any, open recalls apply to your exact vehicle.

Q: What is the most recalled Rio year?

Based on NHTSA recall data, the 2006 Kia Rio has the most recall campaigns associated with it, with 1 campaign. However, this reflects recall campaigns for that model year — not necessarily the number of defects in vehicles built that year.

4 recall campaigns on record across 4 model years of the Kia Rio. Data sourced directly from NHTSA and updated daily.

Check Your Specific VIN — Free All Kia Recalls

Recall Campaigns

923

Owner Complaints

101

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

4 affected model years110 crash-involved complaintsMost recalled year: 2006

Affected Model Years

20221R · 9C 20201R · 21C 20121R · 31C 20061R · 36C

R = recalls · C = complaints. Click a year to see the full problems report.

Recall Breakdown by Component Category

Brakes2 campaigns (50%)

Airbag1 campaign (25%)

Steering1 campaign (25%)

Most Common Owner Complaint Areas — Kia Rio

ENGINE

121

AIR BAGS

107

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SERVICE BRAKES

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

POWER TRAIN

Based on 923 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years. 12 deaths and 101 injuries reported.

All Kia Rio Recall Campaigns

#12V2440002006 Kia RioAirbag

Issued: Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUC…

Risk: AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.

Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

#23V6520002012 Kia RioBrakes

Issued: Invalid Date

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

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…

Risk: 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…

#22V3040002022 Kia RioSteering

Issued: May 5, 2022

STEERING:COLUMN

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

Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.…

#21V9360002020 Kia RioBrakes

Issued: Jan 12, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.

Risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for …

Recalls by Component

1Airbag Recalls

#12V244000MY 2006

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIEN…

2Brakes Recalls

#23V652000MY 2012

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

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,…

#21V936000MY 2020

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, res…

1Steering Recalls

#22V304000MY 2022

STEERING:COLUMN

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to d…

Kia Rio Recall — Frequently Asked Questions

How many recalls does the Kia Rio have?

The Kia Rio has 4 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database, spanning model years 2006 through 2022.

Is my Rio under recall?

Recall applicability depends on your specific VIN — not just the model year. Some recalls cover only certain production date ranges or trim levels. Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckEngine or NHTSA.gov for an exact answer.

What is the most recalled Rio year?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2006 Kia Rio has the highest recall campaign count (1 campaigns). However, the total count of campaigns is not the same as the number of defects — some campaigns are issued as expansions of earlier recalls.

Does a Rio recall mean my car is unsafe to drive?

Not necessarily. Recalls range from critical safety hazards — where NHTSA advises against driving — to minor inconveniences like a label error. Check the consequence field of each recall to understand the severity. If your specific VIN is subject to an open recall, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Who pays for recall repairs on a Rio?

The manufacturer is legally required to pay for all recall repairs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer, regardless of whether you are the original owner or whether the vehicle is out of warranty.

Check Your Specific Kia Rio for Open Recalls

Model-level recall data tells you what campaigns exist. A VIN-specific check tells you exactly which ones apply to your vehicle — based on production date, serial number, and configuration.

Free VIN Check — Check My Rio

Kia Rio Problems & Complaints All Kia Recalls All Makes — Recall Center