MotorDeets

2019 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2019 Kia Rio: 1 recall, 22 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
22owner complaints
4mention a crash
32best combined mpg
2019 Kia Rio
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #21V622000 · 2021 · 253,074 vehicles

What's wrong: The trunk latch May become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "internal trunk release."

Why it matters: A person inside the trunk compartment May become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Other / unknown8
Engine6
Airbags3
Steering2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Suspension1
Brakes1
Stability control1

What owners describe

The 2019 Kia Rio has 22 owner complaints, ranking #20 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (well below the 54 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 4,450 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (28 complaints, 1 recalls), 2020 (27 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive283732Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive293732Regular

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 2019 Kia Rio.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2019 Kia Rio manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2019 Kia Rio manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2019 Kia Rio manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2019 Kia Rio manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2019 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2019 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 2019 Kia Rio problems?

Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (8), engine (6), airbags (3).

What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Rio get?

EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2019 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.

Other Rio years

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