Home/3KPA25AD0ME379947
VIN REPORT

3KPA25AD0ME3799472021 KIA RioLX, S

Risk Score
6
LOW RISK
out of 100
2 Found
2 campaigns
15
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
5 yrs
Made in MEXICO
D
Score: 68/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2021 KIA Rio was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 2 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 15 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 2 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
6/100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 1 detected
2 model-wide recalls on record
+6
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
KIA
Model
Rio
Year
2021
Trim / Series
LX, S
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.6L 120 hp
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Doors
5
Manufacturer
KIA MEXICO S.A. DE C.V.
Assembly
MEXICO
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Base MSRP
$16,900
Safety
D
Score: 68/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety18/30
Complaint History30/30
40/100Moderate
  • Brake system recall
  • Steering system recall
39/100
Moderate
8 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking
Moderate
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Steering
1 recall4 complaints
Brakes
1 recall2 complaints
Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEBStandard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Recalls
33/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
4 component(s) approaching service intervals within the next 20,000 miles. Factor routine maintenance costs into your ownership budget.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~60,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
MONITORCriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~60,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Water Pump service before 100,000 mi
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 5 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 5 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
MONITORModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~60,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) service before 100,000 mi
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
22 RECALLS

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 2 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~76%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

76%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

KIA Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
86%Fair

KIA completes recalls at a fair rate (86%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
20mo
#21V936000
Jan 2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

SummaryKia 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceReduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~76%

~24% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#22V304000
May 2022

STEERING:COLUMN

SummaryKia 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceLoss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~76%

~24% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

LONG-STANDING OPEN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
5.4yr open
STEERING:COLUMN
4.1yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

4 yrs ago
05/05/2022
01/12/2021
2 total campaigns
BrakesSteering
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
2 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

100% of complaints about "STEERING:COLUMN" were filed AFTER recall campaign 22V304000 (2022-05-05) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

STEERING:COLUMN
100% post-recall
Recall: 2022-05-050 before · 4 after#22V304000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
100% post-recall
Recall: 2021-01-120 before · 3 after#21V936000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

Complaints
Steering
1 crash4
Engine/Powertrain
4
Other
3
Brakes
1 crash2
Electrical
1
Safety Systems
1
2021
1
2022
6
2023
6
2025
2
367% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Declining -78%
2
Last 24 months
9
Prior 24 months
PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

33% of complaints filed in Jan & Mar — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
15HIGH VOLUME
2
Crashes
ODI #11707375UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Back up camera sometimes flips sides, so that obstacles on the right side of the car are shown on the left side of the camera screen. Sometimes the camera doesn't work at all.

ODI #11660866STEERING

Steering Gear Assembly completely broke at 81,000 miles. My daughter was backing up in a busy street at 5pm and lost 100 percent of steering control. Lucking cars dodged her and she didn’t get hurt or worse.

ODI #11555136POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Placed car in park got out to open a gate. Car took off forward even when shifter was in Park Position and almost ran a child over.

ODI #11540589ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION

Center Console Display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affected creating safety concern.

ODI #11520150SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

seatbelts in rear are inoperable/anti theft not working. Kia dealership told me that its not their issue about the anti theft. I have been told on 3 separate occasions that my seatbelts have been ordered but they haven’t!!!! No one is following up with me, when I call I get told “until they can get in contact with the dealership Kia the corporate company cannot do anything” have 2 kids Kia the dealership as well as the corporate company knows about this and no one is doing anything!! NO ONE CARES

ODI #11513877UNKNOWN OR OTHER

At speeds over 20 miles per hours there is a “flapping” noise that sounds like a bag or piece of paper that is blowing in the wind. Although I don’t know were the noise originates, I can hear it clearly from the driver’s side b-pillar. It is incredibly annoying and greatly diminishes what is otherwise a solid entry, level vehicle.

ODI #11512905STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE

On 3/19/23, as I was driving on a dry, straight, two lane road at the posted speed of 40mph, the car began to try to steer into oncoming traffic. I had to exert moderate force to keep the car in my lane. This continued continuously for about 1/2 mile. No low tire pressure indicator lights were illuminated, however the lane assist icon was on and green, indicating normal operation. Just as I was going to turn down a side street to check the tires manually, the steering returned to normal. However, the lane assist icon was now white, and as I drove the remaining approximately 2 miles home, the icon would change from white to green every 20 seconds or so. The car now operates normally. We took the car to the dealer today to be checked and they reported they could not replicate the issue. Attached is their report.

ODI #11500633UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contol post for lights, turn signal, and high beams is too sensitive. To control the lights, you twist the top of lever. To turn on turn signals, you flip the lever up or down. To turn on brights, the lever goes forward. To turn of lights, the lever is pulled back. The issue..... If you have brights on, when you pull lever back to dim lights, the top automatically twists to shut off the headlights entirely. DANGEROUS DANGEROUS DANGEROUS. My husband doesn't have this problem, but he has longer fingers and his fingers hit the lever more at the base where nothing twists. I have shorter women's fingers and they can't reach all the way down the lever. I have since adjusted how I dim the brights by reacing under the lever, (close to steering column), to pull the lever back. This is very uncomfortable and tends to cause me to make the turn signal come on, which could cause its own traffic accident. My remedy would be to make the headlights twist in the opposite direction for on off, or make the switch for headlights have a little more resistance.

ODI #11495434STEERING,SERVICE BRAKESCRASH

Having been complaining about a noise from under the front right tire, I was initially told it was a little piece of plastic and that got cut off. I was still hear the scraping and squealing and I kept check the from right tire because I thought that's where it was coming from. I mentioned this to every mechanic at kia and was told "that's just how 2021s sound". Finally after months of complaining the noise got louder and you could hear it was clearly something in steering. They schedules an appointment for Dec 7th on Mon Nov 28th. Said it was safe to drive when that night while working I was turning a corner, I heard a loud spring noise, the tire and wheel jerked. It was snowing, so the car slide, only sliding into the curb. The front right break seemed to be locked and when you turn the steering wheel makes even more noise. Haven't been told the issue, but I'm certain it is not safe and definitely shouldn't be on the streets until it's fixed.

ODI #11491460POWER TRAIN

I had driven my wife to her school about 5 miles and headed back to my work another 5 miles when i tried to accelerate pass car I lost almost all power barely making it up a slight hill I kept going trying to make it to my house barely going 10 miles an hour. I thought the transmission had let go cause while I had the gas peddle floored i went at best 10-15 miles an hour I eventually parked the car I knew it would never make it up another slight hill. It was rowed to a nearby dealer where they could find no problem telling me it was just some bad gas. This sounds like what I read about today with a couple of other models of Kia.

ODI #11480234STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The steering wheel column does not have a lock therefore someone broke into my car and tried to steal it and destroyed it, also no alarm went off when this happened.

ODI #11459319ENGINE

I was driving 60-70 miles an hour for 45 minutes then car lost all acceleration and engine light came on. I pulled over immediately turned the car off. Turned it back on drove 1/4 of a mile and same thing happened. I pulled over turned car off and had it towed to the dealership.

ODI #11448123SERVICE BRAKESCRASH

Vehicle failed to reduce speed effectively while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle during a left turn, which then caused the vehicle to turn widely and collide with the curb.

ODI #11446051ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle has less than 4000 miles and throttle body had to be replaced

ODI #11426082SERVICE BRAKES

On the way to work, I had the brake pedal pressed waiting for a traffic signal to change. After it changed to green, I released the brake pedal and depressed the gas pedal, only for the vehicle not to move forward - as if the brake was still being applied. I took my foot off the gas pedal, waited a second or two, then tried the gas pedal again and it still did not move. I was at the traffic signal for nearly 10 seconds with nothing touching the brake pedal and unable to drive forward. The vehicle did not turn off, display any warning lights, or any signs of other trouble. The parking brake was not applied and the vehicle was in Drive. After putting the vehicle in reverse and back into drive while still stopped at the traffic signal, the car resumed normal operation. The vehicle has less than 200 miles, bought brand new from the dealership a few days prior and has only gone for a car wash at the dealership aside from normal daily commute. The problem has not been reported to the dealership or manufacturer at the time of this report.

Annual complaints and reliability score for KIA Rio — recall years marked in red
03605010020212022202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 15 total NHTSA complaints filed over 4 years, with the worst year being 2022 (6 complaints, including 2 crash reports).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 96/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

The recalls (red dashed lines) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2022, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$0
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$1,300
Annual Maintenance
5-yr-old vehicle avg
$710
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$19,050

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

$36,381
~$606/mo over 5 yrs
$0.6/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$13,575
Maintenance
$8,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$3,306

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $36,381 (~$606/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

$6,000
Low
$7,000
Est. Value
$8,000
High

Based on original MSRP of $16,900 with sedan depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.

2 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,000
2 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$800
Total recommended deduction−$1,800
Suggested fair offer: ~$5,200
HIGH
Verify recall SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER has been repaired
Recall on record for: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactu
HIGH
Verify recall STEERING:COLUMN has been repaired
Recall on record for: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not b
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: STEERING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$2,140–$2,720/yr
~$178–$227/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard VehicleModerate surcharge risk
Very High theft risk model: +30% to comprehensive premium 5-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Very High
6.4× national average · 68/1,000 vehicles
Recovery rate:63%of stolen KIA Rios are recovered

KIA Rio has a Very High theft risk — 6.4× the national average. Insurance premiums are likely significantly above class average.

KIA has been fined $27M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2020: Failure to promptly conduct recalls for Theta II engine defect.

2020$27MFailure to promptly conduct recalls for Theta II engine defect

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VIN3KPA25AD0ME379947
Model Year2021
MakeKIA
ModelRio
TrimLX, S
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors5
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeFWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.6
Horsepower120

Manufacturer

ManufacturerKIA MEXICO S.A. DE C.V.
Assembly CountryMEXICO

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)3KP
Check Digit (Char 9)0
Model Year Code (Char 10)M
Plant Code (Char 11)E
Sequence (Chars 12–17)379947

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count2
NHTSA Complaint Count15
3
1
K
2
P
3
A
4
2
5
5
6
A
7
D
8
0
9
M
10
E
11
3
12
7
13
9
14
9
15
4
16
7
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
3
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
K
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
P
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
A25AD
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
0
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
M
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
E
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
379947
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Mexico
From VIN position 1 (3)
Model Year Character
"M" → 2021
Could also be 1991
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/27/2026, 6:53:35 PM.