Rio (4th)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
DOHC Gamma
1.6L 4-cyl / 138 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Kia Rio Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Kia Rio, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2012-2017 Kia Rio
On a used 2012-2017 Kia Rio, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (184), the brakes (83) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (64). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 184 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Kia Rio about the engine.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 83 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Kia Rio about the brakes.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Kia Rio about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 59 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Kia Rio about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 26 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Kia Rio about the fuel system.
Recalls (2)
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.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, 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."
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2017 Kia Rio complaints?
Owners have filed 418 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2017 Kia Rio. The systems they name most often are the engine, the brakes and the safety systems.
Is the 2012-2017 Kia Rio a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 418 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2017 Kia Rio. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2017 Kia Rio have?
NHTSA has 418 owner complaints on file for the 2012-2017 Kia Rio as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2012-2017 Kia Rio?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2012-2017 Kia Rio vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Rio?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the brakes and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Rio?
The 2017 Kia Rio received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.6% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 418 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.