2018-2023 Kia Rio Reliability Score: 8.6 out of 10

114 NHTSA Complaints

3 Recalls

8 Fire Reports

14 Crash Reports

Data covers 2 NHTSA model names

RIORIO 5

Reliability Score

8.6 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar subcompacts

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 41 powertrain complaints. A typical subcompact fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 90.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall41 complaints against about 90 for similar vehicles

8.6

Last three years28 complaints against about 59 for similar vehicles

8.5

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced13 complaints against about 24 for similar vehicles

8.4

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year

20188.2
20198.8
20208.7
20218.8
20228.9
20238.8

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

GammaII 1.6MPI+CVT

1.6L 4-cyl / 113 hp

109 complaints 15.0 per year Gasoline

6 fire reports

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

other

steering

safety systems

electrical

Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data

These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Kia Rio Unidentified Engine

5 complaints 1.7 per year

2 fire reports 3 fatalities

View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical

wheels tires

exterior

engine

interior

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.

Engine: 33 owner complaints

Steering: 15 owner complaints

Electrical System: 15 owner complaints

Safety Systems: 14 owner complaints

Transmission: 12 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2018-2023 Kia Rio

On a used 2018-2023 Kia Rio, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (33), the steering (15) and the electrical system (15). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. 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 33 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Rio about the engine.
Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Rio about the steering.
Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Rio about the electrical system.
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 14 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Rio about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Rio about the transmission and drivetrain.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2018-2023 Kia Rio

Recalls (3)

22V304000May 5, 2022serious

Steering

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.

21V936000Dec 1, 2021serious

Service Brakes

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.

21V622000Aug 9, 2021serious

Latches/Locks/Linkages

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."

All Generations

2nd2001-2005 3rd2006-2011 4th2012-2017 5th2018-2023

Alternatives in Subcompact

2 engines / 47 complaints

2 engines / 108 complaints

3 engines / 269 complaints

2 engines / 759 complaints

2 engines / 448 complaints

3 engines / 192 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2018-2023 Kia Rio complaints?

Owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2023 Kia Rio. The systems they name most often are the engine, the steering and the electrical system.

Is the 2018-2023 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 114 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2023 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 2018-2023 Kia Rio have?

NHTSA has 114 owner complaints on file for the 2018-2023 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 2018-2023 Kia Rio?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2018-2023 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 steering and the electrical system, 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.

Does the Rio have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2018-2023 Kia Rio. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 114 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.