Small car
2021 Kia Rio: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Not rated yet
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2021 Kia Rio with NHTSA, and it has 2 recalls. We don't rate it yet: a rating needs sales figures to turn complaints into rates.
Owner complaints
23
filed with NHTSA
Recalls
2
on record
Fuel economy
36 mpg
best version, EPA combined
Fuel, 5 years
$5,667
12,000 mi a year, $3.40/gal
What owners complain about most
Engines and fuel economy
| Version | Drive | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 mpg |
Recalls
Steering › ColumnMay 5, 2022 · campaign 22V304000
Kia 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master CylinderDec 1, 2021 · campaign 21V936000
Kia 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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before you buy
Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.
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Other years of the Kia Rio
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Not rated yet |
| 2022 | Not rated yet |
| 2021 | Not rated yet |
| 2020 | Not rated yet |
| 2019 | Not rated yet |
| 2018 | Not rated yet |
| 2017 | Not rated yet |
| 2016 | Not rated yet |
| 2015 | Not rated yet |
Questions people ask
What problems does the 2021 Kia Rio have?
Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA: steering (4), brakes (3), driver-assist & stability (3). We don't rate it yet, so this count isn't a reliability score: popular cars get more complaints.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Rio have?
2 recalls on record with NHTSA.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Rio get?
Up to 36 mpg combined (EPA), depending on the engine.