3KPA25AD0ME3799472021 KIA RioLX, S
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
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
- 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
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸Steering system recall
- ⚠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.
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.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
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.
Average repair completion across 2 recalls is ~76%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
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
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...
~24% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
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...
~24% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
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.
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.
33% of complaints filed in Jan & Mar — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
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.
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.
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $36,381 (~$606/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
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.
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.
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
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.
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 3KPA25AD0ME379947 |
| Model Year | 2021 |
| Make | KIA |
| Model | Rio |
| Trim | LX, S |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Doors | 5 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.6 |
| Horsepower | 120 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | KIA MEXICO S.A. DE C.V. |
| Assembly Country | MEXICO |
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 Count | 2 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 15 |
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.