Kia Rio Recalls: Every NHTSA Recall by Model Year
The Kia Rio has 11 NHTSA safety recalls across model years 2001–2022; the most recent is 23V652000 (Sep 25, 2023) for service brakes, covering 2012–2017 models. The 2003 model year has the most, with 3.
Recall repairs are free at Kia dealers. This list is model-level, so it can't tell you whether your car is affected or already fixed. For that, check your VIN.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns · Data pulled Nov 7, 2026 · By CarWhere Research
Most Rio recalls involve fuel system (2), latches, locks & linkages (2) and service brakes (2).
1 campaign carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning
- 23V652000 — service brakes (2012–2017): park outside, away from buildings, until repaired
Kia Rio recalls by model year
Campaigns that cover each model year. One campaign can cover several years, so it is counted once in every year it covers.
| Model year | Recalls | Main components | Per-year check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | steering | 2022 Rio recalls |
| 2021 | 2 | steering, service brakes | 2021 Rio recalls |
| 2020 | 1 | service brakes | 2020 Rio recalls |
| 2019 | 1 | latches, locks & linkages | 2019 Rio recalls |
| 2018 | 1 | latches, locks & linkages | 2018 Rio recalls |
| 2017 | 2 | service brakes, latches, locks & linkages | 2017 Rio recalls |
| 2016 | 2 | service brakes, latches, locks & linkages | 2016 Rio recalls |
| 2015 | 1 | service brakes | 2015 Rio recalls |
| 2014 | 1 | service brakes | 2014 Rio recalls |
| 2013 | 1 | service brakes | 2013 Rio recalls |
| 2012 | 1 | service brakes | 2012 Rio recalls |
| 2008 | 1 | air bags | 2008 Rio recalls |
| 2007 | 1 | air bags | 2007 Rio recalls |
| 2006 | 1 | air bags | 2006 Rio recalls |
| 2005 | 1 | child seat | 2005 Rio recalls |
| 2004 | 2 | child seat, fuel system | 2004 Rio recalls |
| 2003 | 3 | seat belts, child seat, fuel system | 2003 Rio recalls |
| 2002 | 1 | fuel system | 2002 Rio recalls |
| 2001 | 3 | wheels, fuel system | 2001 Rio recalls |
Biggest Kia Rio recalls
Ranked by the number of vehicles NHTSA lists for the whole campaign. That total often includes other models.
Rio model years: 2012–2017
Rio model years: 2016–2017
Rio model years: 2018–2019
Rio model years: 2001–2004
Rio model years: 2003–2005
All 11 Kia Rio recalls (newest first)
Sep 25, 202323V652000 PARK OUTSIDEService brakes2012–2017
Component: Service brakes
Rio model years: 2012–2017 · about 1,730,192 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Aug 24, 202323V594000Latches, locks & linkages2016–2017
Component: Latches, locks & linkages (trunk lid, latch)
Rio model years: 2016–2017 · about 319,436 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
The risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
May 5, 202222V304000Steering2021–2022
Component: Steering (column)
Rio model years: 2021–2022 · about 30 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Dec 1, 202121V936000Service brakes2020–2021
Component: Service brakes
Rio model years: 2020–2021 · about 87 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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.
The risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Aug 9, 202121V622000Latches, locks & linkages2018–2019
Component: Latches, locks & linkages (trunk lid, latch)
Rio model years: 2018–2019 · about 253,074 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: 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."
The risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
May 31, 201212V244000Air bags2006–2008
Component: Air bags (frontal, sensor/control module-inactive)
Rio model years: 2006–2008 · about 72,568 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUCH THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT WHETHER A CHILD PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY DURING A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT.
The risk: AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.
The fix: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Aug 4, 200606V294000Seat belts2003
Component: Seat belts (rear/other)
Rio model years: 2003 · about 32,257 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." WHEN USED WITH CERTAIN CHILD SEATS, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) FUNCTION IN THE REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES MAY DISENGAGE.
The risk: IF A CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI-KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Dec 12, 200505V557000Child seat2003–2005
Component: Child seat
Rio model years: 2003–2005 · about 90,865 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS WILL NOT FULLY LATCH ONTO THE LOWER LATCH ANCHORS LOCATED BETWEEN THE REAR SEAT BACK AND REAR SEAT CUSHION BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHILD SEAT ANCHORS AND A METAL WIRE LOCATED IN THE FRAME OF THE REAR SEAT BACK. UNTIL THE RECALL REPAIR IS COMPLETED, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY YOUR CHILD SEATS MANUFACTURER ON HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE CHILD SEAT WITH YOUR VEHICLE'S REAR SAFETY BELTS RATHER THAN USING THE LATCH SYSTEM.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Apr 20, 200505V159000Wheels2001
Component: Wheels
Rio model years: 2001 · about 24,119 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO CRACK UNDER LONG TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. IF CRACKS OCCUR, WHEEL NOISE AND VIBRATION WILL RESULT AND BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME.
The risk: IF THE CRACK IS SEVERE, THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Apr 9, 200404V179000Fuel system2001–2004
Component: Fuel system
Rio model years: 2001–2004 · about 187,790 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE OF THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE OR CRACKING DURING REMOVAL OF THE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING SECURING THE MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE, OR WHEN FORCE IS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR DURING ENGINE COMPARTMENT REPAIRS.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Sep 24, 200303V352000Fuel system2001
Component: Fuel system
Rio model years: 2001 · about 57,340 vehicles in the whole campaign
The problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUEL LEAKS MAY DEVELOP AT THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF QUALITY DEVIATIONS.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND FUEL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
How to check if your Rio has an open recall
- Find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the door-jamb sticker, or your registration.
- Enter it in the free VIN recall check. It queries NHTSA for your exact vehicle, not just the model.
- If a recall is open, call any Kia dealer's service department to book the free repair. Bring the recall number from the list above.
- Buying used? Ask the seller for the dealer's recall-completion printout before you pay.
Or browse by year, for example the 2022 Kia Rio recall check.
Recalls are only part of the picture. Owner complaints show which years have the most problems: Kia Rio years to avoid.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Rio have?
11 NHTSA safety recall campaigns cover the Kia Rio across model years 2001–2022. A single campaign often spans several model years, so the per-year counts in the table add up to more than 11. The 2003 model year has the most, with 3.
What is the latest Kia Rio recall?
23V652000, filed with NHTSA on Sep 25, 2023: service brakes, covering 2012–2017 Rio models. The fix is free at Kia dealers.
What is the biggest Kia Rio recall?
By vehicles covered, 23V652000 (Sep 25, 2023), a service brakes campaign covering about 1,730,192 vehicles in total. That count is for the whole campaign, which can include other models besides the Rio.
How do I check if my Kia Rio has an open recall?
Run your 17-character VIN through a VIN recall check. A model-level list can't tell you whether your car was built in the affected range or has already been repaired. Any Kia dealer can also look up the VIN and do the repair.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety-recall repairs are done free at franchised Kia dealers, whether or not the warranty has expired and wherever you bought the car. Manufacturers must offer a free remedy for vehicles up to 15 years old at the time the recall is filed, and many still repair older ones.
Sources and method
- NHTSA recalls database: every campaign for the KIA RIO, queried by model year through NHTSA's public recalls API (api.nhtsa.gov).
- Affected-vehicle counts are NHTSA's "potential units affected" for the whole campaign, which can include other models.
- Campaigns filed under a separate NHTSA model name (for example a hybrid or heavy-duty variant) are not included here.
- Data pulled Nov 7, 2026. Problem, risk and fix text is NHTSA's own campaign wording.