2010 Kia Rio Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 Kia Rio has a complaint index of 50, ranking 10th out of 19 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Airbags are the top problem area with 12 complaints (46% share), tied to 8 crashes, but the year has zero recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #10 of 19 Rio years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 26
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 8
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 27.5 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
Top 2010 Kia Rio problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags12 (46%)
- Engine5 (19%)
- Brakes4 (15%)
- Electrical System4 (15%)
- Other4 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (12%)
- Fuel System2 (8%)
- Structure & Body2 (8%)
- Steering1 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in crashes, including rear-end collisions, rollovers, and single-vehicle accidents, leaving occupants with neck, back, and shoulder injuries.
- Some owners said the steering wheel pulled or merged the vehicle into the next lane at highway speed, with dealers unable to find a fault after multiple visits.
- Owners described the anti-lock braking system engaging unexpectedly during normal brake application, a condition dealers could not diagnose or repair.
- One owner reported a suspected brake failure that led to a head-on crash and resulted in ongoing injuries.
- A tire was found out of round and could not be balanced, causing abnormal bouncing at various speeds.
- One owner reported that the rear brakes locked up intermittently, especially in wet or morning conditions, creating a hazard on the road.
2010 Kia Rio recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2010 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27.5 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 30.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,125
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Kia Rio reliable?
- It carries a Caution verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, with a complaint index of 50 that ranks 10th out of 19 Rio model years. Airbag non-deployment is the most reported issue.
- Does the 2010 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2010 Kia Rio.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2010 Kia Rio?
- Airbags are the top problem area, with 12 complaints making up 46% of all reported issues and involving 8 crashes.
- What year Kia Rio should I avoid instead of 2010?
- Based on complaint index, the 2013 (100), 2020 (94), 2006 (78), 2016 (83), and 2015 (89) Rio model years rank worse and carry Avoid verdicts.
- How does the 2010 Kia Rio compare to the 2011 model?
- The 2011 Kia Rio has a much lower complaint index of 17 and earns a Best verdict, compared to the 2010's complaint index of 50 and Caution verdict.