Kia Rio Best and Worst Years (2010–2023)
Avoid the 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2020 Kia Rio, which carry Complaint Index scores of 100, 92, 85, and 77. The 2013 model year is worst, with 153 complaints dominated by engine problems and fires. Best years are 2011, 2021, 2022, and 2023, each scoring 23 or below.
Avoid 2013Avoid 2015Avoid 2016Avoid 2020Best 2011Best 2021Best 2022Best 2023
- Model years
- 14
- 2010–2023
- NHTSA complaints
- 583
- Recall campaigns
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 59
- Fires reported
- 64
- Top problem area
- Engine
Rio Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Kia Rio problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 54 | 26 | 9 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 30.5 | — |
| 2011 | Best | 23 | 24 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 30 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 62 | 54 | 3 | 9 | 1 | Engine | 31.5 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 153 | 8 | 18 | 1 | Engine | 32 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 69 | 52 | 7 | 8 | 1 | Engine | 30 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 92 | 52 | 4 | 10 | 1 | Engine | 30 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 85 | 77 | 7 | 5 | 2 | Engine | 31 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Good | 46 | 31 | 3 | 6 | 2 | Engine | 31 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Good | 31 | 28 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 32 | — |
| 2019 | Good | 38 | 21 | 4 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 32 | — |
| 2020 | Avoid | 77 | 27 | 3 | 5 | 1 | Electrical System | 36 | — |
| 2021 | Best | 8 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Steering | 36 | — |
| 2022 | Best | 15 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 36 | — |
| 2023 | Best | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 36 | — |
Rio years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Kia Rio Index 100 · 153 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2013 Rio has the highest complaint volume of any year, 153 complaints, and ranks worst overall with a Complaint Index of 100. Engine problems make up 39% of complaints at a median 70,000 miles, including reports of hood fires and smoke from the engine bay. Airbags failed to deploy in some crashes, and electrical system complaints included a fire while the vehicle was stopped. NHTSA lists a brake-related park-outside recall covering this model year. Owners describe fires occurring with little or no dashboard warning.
2013 engine problems →2013 airbags problems →2013 electrical system problems →
2015 Kia Rio Index 92 · 52 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2015 Rio ranks second worst with a Complaint Index of 92 across 52 complaints. Engine issues account for 56% of complaints at a median 79,553 miles, and owners reported cases of smoke and fire from the engine compartment along with sudden loss of power while driving. Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes, in one case at only 450 miles. Brake failures were also reported, including one where the emergency brake had to be engaged. A park-outside brake recall applies to this year.
2016 Kia Rio Index 85 · 77 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2016 Rio has a Complaint Index of 85 from 77 complaints and carries two recalls, one for brakes and one for a trunk latch that may crack and prevent opening from inside. Engine complaints are 55% of the total at a median 60,000 miles, with owners describing a vehicle catching fire shortly after being parked. Airbags failed to deploy in rear-end and low-speed crashes. One owner reported an engine fire and said the vehicle was not on Kia's recall list despite the complaint.
2020 Kia Rio Index 77 · 27 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2020 Rio has a Complaint Index of 77 from 27 complaints, along with 3 reported deaths, the only avoid year with fatalities noted. Electrical system issues are the top area at 22% of complaints, followed by engine and transmission/powertrain problems each at 19%. Owners reported stalling followed by sudden acceleration, a seat belt that detached from its base during a crash, and a melted gear shaft linked to an electrical failure. A brake master cylinder recall covers 2020-2021 Rio vehicles due to sharp edges that can damage the seal and reduce braking performance.
Most common Kia Rio problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine243 (42%)
- Brakes104 (18%)
- Other99 (17%)
- Electrical System94 (16%)
- Airbags91 (16%)
- Steering34 (6%)
- Fuel System33 (6%)
- Structure & Body31 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain31 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires19 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Kia Rio should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2020 Kia Rio. The 2013 model year ranks worst with a Complaint Index of 100 and 153 complaints.
- What is the best year for the Kia Rio?
- The 2011, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Kia Rio rank best, with Complaint Index scores of 23, 8, 15, and 0 respectively, the lowest among all model years covered.
- Does the Kia Rio have engine problems?
- Engine is the top problem area across all Rio model years, accounting for 243 of 583 total complaints, or 42%. It is especially prominent in the 2013, 2015, and 2016 model years.
- Are there recalls on the Kia Rio?
- NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns across Kia Rio model years, including a brake master cylinder recall for 2020-2021 vehicles and a trunk latch recall for 2016-2017 vehicles.
- Is the 2020 Kia Rio reliable?
- The 2020 Rio is one of four years to avoid, with a Complaint Index of 77 and 3 reported deaths, more than any other Rio model year in the data.