Kia Rio years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia Rio years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 10 (153 complaints). 2013 through 2014 are in that same range. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 1 (from 28 complaints), 2017 at 1 (from 31 complaints), and 2022 at 2 (from 11 complaints). On the 2013 Kia Rio, 28 of 153 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
Kia Rio reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia Rio. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 → | 4 | 12 | 0 | Electrical system | 36 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 2 | 11 | 1 | Back-over prevention | 36 |
| 2021 → | 4 | 15 | 2 | Service brakes | 36 |
| 2020 → | 5 | 27 | 1 | Engine | 36 |
| 2019 → | 2 | 21 | 1 | Air bags | 32 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 1 | 28 | 1 | Engine | 32 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 1 | 31 | 2 | Engine | 30.7 |
| 2016 → | 3 | 77 | 2 | Engine | 30.7 |
| 2015 → | 2 | 52 | 1 | Engine | 30.3 |
| 2014 → | 7 | 52 | 1 | Engine | 30.3 |
| 2013 → Most | 10 | 153 | 1 | Engine | 31.7 |
| 2012 → | 3 | 54 | 1 | Engine | 31.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 5W-30 (1.6L Gamma) · 3.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 185/65R15 to 195/55R16 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 23V652000. 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. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. 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.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 (1.6L Smartstream) · 4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 185/65R15 to 195/55R16 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 21V936000. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance. Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Rio years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 1 (from 28 complaints), 2017 at 1 (from 31 complaints), and 2022 at 2 (from 11 complaints).
Which Kia Rio year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 10 (153 complaints). 2013 through 2014 are in that same range. On the 2013 Kia Rio, 28 of 153 complaints name Engine.
How do Kia Rio owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia Rio years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2018 on, complaints per year fall.
What oil does a Kia Rio take?
YB (2012-2017) 1.6L Gamma: 5W-20 or 5W-30. YB2 (2018-2023) 1.6L Smartstream: 0W-20. Confirm the manual.
What does NHTSA campaign 21V936000 cover on later Rio?
Certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles: the brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
When did the YB2 Rio generation start?
Model year 2018 (through 2023 on this site).