Kia Rio problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every Rio from 2000 to 2023: 1,292 owner complaints and 27 recalls across 24 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (223), 2013 (153), 2002 (128). Best fuel economy: 36 mpg combined (2023).
Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 3 | – | |
| 2001 | 3 | 223 | 26 | |
| 2002 | 1 | 128 | 26 | |
| 2003 | 3 | 74 | 26 | |
| 2004 | 2 | 38 | 26 | |
| 2005 | 1 | 37 | 25 | |
| 2006 | 1 | 74 | 29 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 46 | 29 | |
| 2008 | 1 | 46 | 29 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 39 | 30 | |
| 2010 | 0 | 26 | 31 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 24 | 30 | |
| 2012 | 1 | 54 | 32 | |
| 2013 | 1 | 153 | 32 | |
| 2014 | 1 | 52 | 30 | |
| 2015 | 1 | 52 | 30 | |
| 2016 | 2 | 77 | 31 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 31 | 31 | |
| 2018 | 1 | 28 | 32 | |
| 2019 | 1 | 22 | 32 | |
| 2020 | 1 | 27 | 36 | |
| 2021 | 2 | 15 | 36 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 11 | 36 | |
| 2023 | 0 | 12 | 36 |
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Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Kia Rio.
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Kia Rio?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (223), 2013 (153), 2002 (128).
How many recalls has the Kia Rio had?
Across 2000–2023, NHTSA lists 27 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).