2022 Kia Rio Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
15/100
#12 most-complained of 14 Rio years
The 2022 Kia Rio ranks 12th of 14 model years by complaint volume, with a Complaint Index of 15 and just 11 complaints logged, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other Rio years. It carries one recall for a steering column bolt.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 33 city / 41 hwy
Top 2022 Kia Rio problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other3 (27%)
- Brakes2 (18%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (18%)
- Structure & Body2 (18%)
- Electrical System1 (9%)
- Engine1 (9%)
- Fuel System1 (9%)
- Steering1 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (9%)
What owners report
- Brake pedal can travel to the floor and fail to stop the vehicle, sometimes requiring the emergency brake, including one case where the car rolled forward from a stop.
- ABS system reportedly cycles in and out unpredictably, especially going downhill, making braking feel unsafe.
- Rearview camera intermittently turns on while driving or shows a blank or distorted image in reverse before failing entirely.
- Power steering reportedly stopped working suddenly during a parking maneuver.
- Hood latch reportedly failed to hold after a frontal impact, allowing the hood to fly up and hinges to cut into the fenders.
- Trunk shocks reportedly detached from the latch after a loud bang, leaving the trunk lid unable to stay closed.
2022 Kia Rio recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V304000May 5, 2022Steering30 vehicles
Steering:column
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
2022 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 33 MPG
- Highway
- 41 MPG
- Combined
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,800
- 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.
2022 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Kia Rio reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Rio has only 11 complaints and a Complaint Index of 15, ranking 12th out of 14 Rio model years, which earns it a "Best" verdict relative to other years.
- Does the 2022 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 22V304000) covers a steering column u-joint bolt that may not be secured properly, which could let the steering column detach from the steering rack. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the most reported problem area for the 2022 Kia Rio?
- Brakes is the top problem area, tied with Collision Avoidance & Cameras and Structure & Body, each accounting for 18% of complaints.
- What year Kia Rio should I avoid instead of 2022?
- Among other years, 2013 (Complaint Index 100), 2015 (92), 2016 (85), and 2020 (77) carry "Avoid" verdicts, while 2022 with an index of 15 is rated "Best."
- How much does it cost to fuel a 2022 Kia Rio?
- EPA rates the 2022 Rio at 36 mpg combined (33 city / 41 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,800.