2012 Kia Rio Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
56/100
#9 most-complained of 19 Rio years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Kia Rio has 54 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 56 out of 100 — #9 highest of 19 Rio model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (29 complaints, 54% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes, 9 fires, and 4 injuries.
- Complaints
- 54
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 9
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 31.5
- 28.5 city / 36.5 hwy
Top 2012 Kia Rio problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine29 (54%)
- Airbags12 (22%)
- Fuel System8 (15%)
- Brakes7 (13%)
- Electrical System6 (11%)
- Other5 (9%)
- Seat Belts3 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (6%)
2012 Kia Rio recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
2012 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28.5 MPG
- Highway
- 36.5 MPG
- Combined
- 31.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,075
- 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.
2012 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Kia Rio a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Kia Rio ranks #9 of 19 among Rio model years (Complaint Index 56/100, verdict: Caution). It has 54 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Rio?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (29 complaints), airbags (12 complaints), and fuel system (8 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 64,000 miles.
- Does the 2012 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Kia Rio, most recently reported 2023, covering brakes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Kia Rio?
- EPA rates the 2012 Kia Rio at 31.5 MPG combined (28.5 city / 36.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,075. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.