Rio (5th)
Engine Reliability Comparison
GammaII 1.6MPI+CVT
1.6L 4-cyl / 113 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Rio regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. 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."
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2023 Kia Rio problems?
The 2018-2023 Kia Rio has accumulated 123 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Steering, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Rio engine is most reliable?
The 2018-2023 Kia Rio was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2018-2023 Kia Rio a good used car?
The 2018-2023 Kia Rio can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 123 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2023 Kia Rio have?
The 2018-2023 Kia Rio has 123 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2018-2023 Kia Rio?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2023 Kia Rio vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Rio?
Before buying a used Kia Rio, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Steering, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 123 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.