2019 Kia Rio Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
38/100
#9 most-complained of 14 Rio years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2019 Kia Rio has a Complaint Index of 38, ranking 9th worst out of 14 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other Rio years. NHTSA lists 21 complaints, 1 recall, and top issues in the engine (7 complaints, 33% share).
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 32
- 28.5 city / 37 hwy
Top 2019 Kia Rio problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other9 (43%)
- Engine7 (33%)
- Airbags3 (14%)
- Brakes2 (10%)
- Steering2 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
- Electrical System1 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)
What owners report
- Engine block reportedly throws a rod, producing smoke and a stall with no ability to restart, sometimes with the oil light illuminating just before the engine locks.
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple head-on or T-bone crashes despite noticeable impact speeds, leaving occupants injured.
- Brakes reportedly disengaged briefly after being applied at a stoplight, preventing the driver from stopping in time and leading to a collision.
- Vehicle reportedly hesitated while shifting gears during acceleration from a stop, with no warning light present.
- Trunk latch failure with a buzzing actuator that prevents the trunk from opening and the emergency release from working, which owners say is not covered by the existing recall.
2019 Kia Rio recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V622000Aug 9, 2021Structure & Body253,074 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, 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 assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
2019 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28.5 MPG
- Highway
- 37 MPG
- Combined
- 32 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,050
- 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.
2019 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Kia Rio reliable?
- Relative to other Rio model years, the 2019 has a Complaint Index of 38 and ranks 9th worst out of 14 years tracked, which earns a 'Good' verdict. It has fewer complaints (21) than several other years like 2013 (153 complaints).
- What problems does the 2019 Kia Rio have?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is the engine, with 7 complaints (33% share) and a median failure mileage of 8,000. Airbags, brakes, steering, and transmission issues each account for additional complaints.
- Does the 2019 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 21V622000) covers a trunk latch that may become damaged and prevent the trunk from opening from inside on 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles.
- How does the 2019 Kia Rio compare to other years?
- The 2019 Rio's Complaint Index of 38 is lower than the worst year, 2013, which has an index of 100 and is rated 'Avoid.' Years like 2021, 2022, and 2023 rank better with indexes of 8, 15, and 0 respectively.