Sedan · Gas
Kia Rio 2012-2017 (UB)
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- Price
- $14,165–$20,300
- MPG
- 31
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Poor driving fun
How it scores for you10 scores
Cheap, frugal transportation that does nothing beyond the minimum — and its engine-complaint record says inspect carefully before trusting one.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; 1 of its 2 recalls was serious. About 17% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -4 points for its wider reputation.
4-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,100 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 70% of cars we track.
13.7 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 12% of other sedans we track.
Usable for four adults short-term; the 13.7 cu ft trunk is decent for the class.
Light and tossable in city traffic; 138 hp and budget suspension end the story there.
UVO basics on upper trims; safety tech essentially absent.
Thin seats and prominent road noise — subcompact economy at its most basic.
Typical resale value for a sedan.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls5 recalls
5 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2015–2017
- Engine — 19 complaints (2016)
- Recall — Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: LATCH (2017)
- Engine — 17 complaints (2015)
2017
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: LATCH23V594000
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 Mot
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V652000
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
- Complaint clusterEngine7 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The engine of my Kia Rio 2017 is the system that is failing it is sudden with no warning and has been diagnosed by Kia themselves stating that the engine will seize. My safety is put at risk because the car may seize while in traffic causing difficulty steering and breaking. This problem was first c
- Complaint clusterBrakes7 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
My son and I were driving home from work on IH-35 and I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. Then within seconds, flames appeared moving quickly towards the windshield. I attempted to move to the shoulder and after doing so, I was unable to stop since the brakes were no longer working. I had to
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other6 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
2016
- RecallLatches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: LATCH23V594000
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 Mot
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V652000
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
- Complaint clusterEngine19 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
My car is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Upon inspection, it was determined that the issue lies with my catalytic converter. I have discovered that this problem has been reported in other Kia vehicles. The information I found suggests that the oil I am using is being bypassed by the catalyt
- Complaint clusterBrakes14 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
We were doing a lot of stop and go driving in warm weather. I noticed braking seemed to be normal at first but just before the accident I press the brake and the pedal went to the floor and the vehicle wouldn’t . I hit the car in front of me. My vehicle was presumably totaled. There was lots of flui
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other13 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car is consuming a lot of oil and I have to add it on a weekly basis. The catalytic converter has already been replace once and is on the verge of having to be replaced again because of this issue. I just bought the vehicle last year. I see that there was a previous campaign with this same issue
- Complaint clusterElectrical8 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving when my Kia stalled and shut off but was still playing music and driving. So I pulled over and then my Kia caught on fire and went up in flames.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain5 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics
2015
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V652000
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
- Complaint clusterEngine17 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Engine making noise and smelling like it’s burning. Towed to mechanic said oil was not there despite recent oil change and said sparks of metal was on oil dipstick. Now being told needs new engine after recall oiece completed and the car has less than 110k miles. Kia will not honor an engine replace
- Complaint clusterBrakes11 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and evacuate the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed flame ju
- Complaint clusterElectrical8 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
tHE ENTIRE CAR FAILED. cAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE CONSOLE AND PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING ON 1-15 . 8.15.2025 . Car filled wit black moke and fire.l was driving blind. brakes failed, power failed, burning the entire time. I somehow got out of burning vehicle and ran about 100 yards and watched the
- Complaint clusterAirbags5 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS LOCKED, BUT F
Cost to own$15,300 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$14,165–$20,300
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,100/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
27
Highway MPG
36
Combined MPG
31
Horsepower
138 hp
Doors
4
Length
171.7 in
Width
67.7 in
Height
57.5 in
Wheelbase
101.2 in
Curb weight
2,493 lb
Cargo volume
13.7 cu ft
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