2017 Kia Rio Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Kia Rio has 31 complaints and a complaint index of 39, ranking 12th of 19 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, capped because of a Park Outside recall despite a moderate complaint index. Engine problems, including fires, are the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 39/100
- #12 of 19 Rio years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 31
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 31
- 27 city / 36 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2017 Kia Rio problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine11 (35%)
- Brakes7 (23%)
- Other6 (19%)
- Airbags3 (10%)
- Electrical System3 (10%)
- Structure & Body3 (10%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
- Steering1 (3%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine loses power suddenly while driving around 40 to 70 mph, sometimes followed by smoke or fire from the engine compartment.
- Some engine-related fires occurred at highway speed and spread into the cabin, forcing occupants to escape through windows.
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes at highway speed, resulting in serious injuries despite significant vehicle damage.
- Brakes reportedly stopped working during a fire event, requiring use of the parking brake to stop the vehicle.
- Trunk latch mechanism failed to open from outside, key, or interior emergency release, sometimes recurring on the same vehicle.
2017 Kia Rio recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
- NHTSA 23V594000Aug 24, 2023Structure & Body319,436 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
2017 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 31 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,100
- 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.
2017 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Kia Rio reliable?
- NHTSA lists 31 complaints for the 2017 Rio with a complaint index of 39, ranking 12th out of 19 model years. It receives a Caution verdict due to a Park Outside recall, not the complaint count alone.
- What problems does the 2017 Kia Rio have?
- Engine issues make up 35% of complaints, including reports of stalling and engine fires, with a median failure mileage of 105,500 miles. Brakes account for 23% of complaints, and airbags account for 10%, tied to three crashes.
- Does the 2017 Kia Rio have a recall?
- Yes, two recalls: one for brakes affecting multiple Kia models including 2012-2017 Rio, which requires owners to park outside away from structures, and one for a trunk latch base that may crack on 2016-2017 Rio vehicles.
- How does the 2017 Rio compare to other Rio years?
- The 2017 Rio's complaint index of 39 is better than Avoid years like 2013 (100), 2016 (83), and 2015 (89), but worse than Best years like 2021 (6), 2022 (11), and 2023 (0).