2014 Kia Rio Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
69/100
#5 most-complained of 14 Rio years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2014 Kia Rio has 52 NHTSA complaints and a Complaint Index of 69, ranking 5th worst of 14 model years, with a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 48% of complaints, and 1 recall covers the brakes.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 8
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 27 city / 36 hwy
Top 2014 Kia Rio problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine25 (48%)
- Brakes10 (19%)
- Airbags7 (13%)
- Other7 (13%)
- Electrical System6 (12%)
- Structure & Body6 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (12%)
- Fuel System4 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment catches fire, sometimes producing thick white smoke through the air conditioning system before flames appear.
- Vehicle catches fire while parked with the emergency brake engaged, rolling down the street and hitting a telephone pole.
- Airbags fail to deploy in low-speed rear-end and side-impact collisions, including curtain airbags during a side-swipe.
- A hole reported in the engine block matches patterns described in other Kia engine recalls, leading to a fire while driving.
- Electrical system produces a popping sound and smoke under the hood before an engine fire starts.
- Seat belt fails to release after a crash, pinning an occupant while airbags on both sides fail to deploy properly.
2014 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.
2014 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 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.
2014 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Kia Rio reliable?
- NHTSA lists 52 complaints for the 2014 Rio and a Complaint Index of 69, ranking it 5th worst among 14 model years of the Rio, earning a Caution verdict relative to other years.
- What is the main problem with the 2014 Kia Rio?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, making up 48% of complaints (25 of 52), including 6 reports involving fire, with a median mileage at failure of 60,000.
- Does the 2014 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2014 Rio, covering the brakes, with an instruction to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
- How does the 2014 Kia Rio compare to other Rio years?
- With a Complaint Index of 69, the 2014 Rio ranks better than the 2013 Rio (100, Avoid) and 2015 Rio (92, Avoid) but worse than the 2017-2019 and 2021-2023 Rio years, which are rated Good or Best.
- Are there fire risks with the 2014 Kia Rio engine?
- NHTSA complaints report 6 fire incidents tied to the Engine problem area out of 25 engine-related complaints, with several describing smoke or fire starting under the hood.