2022 Kia Rio Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2022 Kia Rio ranks 17th of 19 model years with a complaint index of 11 and earns a Best verdict. It has 11 complaints, one recall for a steering column bolt, and no do-not-drive recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 11/100
- #17 of 19 Rio years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 33 city / 41 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2022 Kia Rio problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly sinks to the floor when slowing from 60 mph, sometimes requiring the emergency brake to stop.
- ABS system reportedly cuts in and out, especially going downhill, making braking feel unsafe.
- Rearview camera reportedly turns on and off intermittently and can show a blank or distorted image, eventually failing at 72,000 miles.
- Hood reportedly popped open and hinges cut into the fenders after a low-speed collision.
- Trunk shocks reportedly detached from the latch after a loud bang at 69,000 miles, causing the lid to fail to stay open.
- Power steering reportedly stopped working during a low-speed parking maneuver, alongside a slow-reacting fuel gauge.
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?
- NHTSA data shows only 11 complaints for the 2022 Rio, giving it a complaint index of 11, the third-lowest of all 19 Rio model years and a Best verdict relative to other years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2022 Kia Rio?
- Brakes is the top-reported problem area, accounting for 18% of complaints, tied with Collision Avoidance & Cameras and Structure & Body issues, each also at 18%.
- Does the 2022 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 22V304000) covers a steering column bolt that may not be secured properly, which can let the column detach from the steering rack. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2022 Rio compare to other Rio years to avoid?
- Years like 2013 (complaint index 100), 2015 (89), 2016 (83), 2006 (78), and 2020 (94) are rated Avoid, while the 2022 model's index of 11 makes it one of the better years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2022 Kia Rio?
- The 2022 Rio gets an EPA-rated 36 mpg combined (33 city / 41 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,800.