2012 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Kia Rio: 1 recall, 54 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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 the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (24): the most common themes are fire / smoke (10), noise or vibration (5), stalls / loses power (4).
- Airbags (12): the most common themes are warning light on (4), fails to deploy (3).
- Fuel & propulsion (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), leaks (2).
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are fire / smoke (4), electrical failure (3).
The 2012 Kia Rio has 54 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 54). Complaints peaked in 2020 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 64,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (24 complaints, 0 recalls), 2013 (153 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 31 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
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 2012 Kia Rio.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Kia Rio have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Rio problems?
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (24), airbags (12), fuel & propulsion (7).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Rio get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Kia Rio repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.