2021 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Kia Rio: 2 recalls, 15 owner complaints and up to 36 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V936000 · 2021 · 87 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake master cylinder May have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
Why it matters: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022.
Steering Vehicle recall #22V304000 · 2022 · 30 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (4): the most common themes are steering problems (4).
- Brakes (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Kia Rio has 15 owner complaints, ranking #21 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (well below the 54 average). Complaints peaked in 2022 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old. Neighboring years: 2020 (27 complaints, 1 recalls), 2022 (11 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 41 | 36 | 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 2021 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 2021 Kia Rio have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 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 2021 Kia Rio problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (6), steering (4), brakes (3).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Rio get?
EPA ratings run up to 36 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (AV-S1)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 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.