2009 Kia Rio Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Kia Rio, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1734.0%
- Engine816.0%
- Interior & seats48.0%
- Body & structure36.0%
- Fuel system36.0%
- Driver assistance24.0%
- Electrical24.0%
- Seat belts24.0%
- Suspension24.0%
- Steering24.0%
- Brakes24.0%
- Visibility12.0%
- Powertrain (other)12.0%
- Tires & wheels12.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My airbag light will not go off for my passenger side!!! I think it is absolutely ridiculous that my car is not included in the recall because it definitely should be! What everybody says about the 2005 to the 2008 Kia Rios and the 2001 to 2008 Kia Rios is the same thing that is happening with my Kia Rio which is a 2009... Can y please add my vehicle too??? Also in the latest class action lawsuit it talks about the passenger seat pad sensor being broken and that's what breaks the passenger airbag so how in the world is my car not included in this?
MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD WILL NOT GO OUT WHEN IT IS RESET, I DON'T KNOW WHAT SENSOR IS BAD, IS THERE A RECALL ON THE SENORS
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine went out 8 months after there always been electrical issue has caused problems where it wnt accelerate causing a wreck the break light had shorts they didnt even have the radio n i went to a car lot dealership . this car left me in bad situations im just surprised its not recall I barely drive it it paid off after so many years n really only reason I have it cuz I put too much in n it n now it aint worth nuthin because of the issues that gave me
MY COILS KEEP GOING OUT AFTER REPLACING ALL 4. I'VE REPLACED THE COMPLETE FUEL PUMP BUT EVERYTIME I FUEL UP MY CAR IT HESITATES TO START WHICH IS WHY I REPLACED THE PUMP TO BEGIN WITH.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
My airbag light will not go off for my passenger side!!! I think it is absolutely ridiculous that my car is not included in the recall because it definitely should be! What everybody says about the 2005 to the 2008 Kia Rios and the 2001 to 2008 Kia Rios is the same thing that is happening with my Kia Rio which is a 2009... Can y please add my vehicle too??? Also in the latest class action lawsuit it talks about the passenger seat pad sensor being broken and that's what breaks the passenger airbag so how in the world is my car not included in this?
2009 KIA RIO LX: WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN AT 20MPH AND HAVING 26,875 MILES IN THE OD, THE AIRBAG RED LIGHT TURNED ON AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN AUTORIZED KIA DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED USING A KDS HAVING 26,927 MILES, FINDING 3 CODES: B1448 OCS MAT DEFECT, B1513 BUCKLE SWITCH OPEN SHORT PASSENGER SIDE, B1511 BUCKLE SWITCH OPEN SHORT DRIVER SIDE. DEALER SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR REPORTS FROM KIA ON THIS COMPLAINTS FOR 2009 KIA RIO AND DECIDED TO NOT REPLACE THE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY. THEY RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BUCKLE SWITCH AND THE PASSENGER MAT SEAT FOR A TOTAL CHARGE OF $1,700. THE VEHICLE IS USED BY ITS ORIGINAL OWNER, NEVER HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY CRASH EVENTS, HAVE LOW MILEAGE AND STILLS UNDER THE 10YEARS/100,000 MILES WARRANTY OFFERED BY KIA.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO 5 LX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, BOTH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATION PEDAL BECAME SEIZED. THEN THE CONTACT CRASHED THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE INTO A CONCRETE WALL. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WHERE NO INJURIES THE CONTACT FILLED A POLICE REPORT WAS FILLED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP (BRENDANS AUTO BODY - ELMSFORD NY 10523)THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000. JW
CAR HAS SUFFERED REPEATED STRESS CRACKS OF WINDSHIELD. CRACKS START AT SAME SPOT ON WINDSHIELD. REPAIRED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY WITH HUGE HASSLE WITH DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRED AGAIN BY OWNER WHEN CAR OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER AGREES CRACKS ARE NOT RESULT OF IMPACT AS NO CHIPPING ON GLASS TO INDICATE FOREIGN BODY IMPACT. IT IS MY OPINION THAT A CAR LESS THAN FOUR YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT BE HAVING REPEATED WINDSHIELD FAILURES. DEALER'S SOLUTION IS TO SELL ME A NEW CAR. KIA'S SOLUTION IS TO HIDE BEHIND CAR BEING OUT OF WARRANTY ON SECOND FAILURE. INSPITE OF REPEATED REQUESTS BY ME AND DEALER'S KIA QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER, KIA CORPORATE NEVER RETURNS MY CALLS. THE ONLY CONTACT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IS A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP WHO JUST REPEATS "CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY". WHEN I ASKED WHAT KIA WOULD DO IF NEW WINDSHIELDS CONTINUE TO CRACK, HIS SOLUTION WAS "FILE A CLAIM WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY". CAR HAS HAD OTHER DISTURBING FAILURES, WHICH REQUIRED REPEATED TRIPS TO DEALER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY SUCH AS AIR BAG SENSOR FAILURE, REPEATED STALLING WHILE BEING DRIVEN, ETC. MOST DISTURBING IS KIA'S UNWILLINGNESS TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT'S REPEATED FAILURES ONCE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine went out 8 months after there always been electrical issue has caused problems where it wnt accelerate causing a wreck the break light had shorts they didnt even have the radio n i went to a car lot dealership . this car left me in bad situations im just surprised its not recall I barely drive it it paid off after so many years n really only reason I have it cuz I put too much in n it n now it aint worth nuthin because of the issues that gave me
MY COILS KEEP GOING OUT AFTER REPLACING ALL 4. I'VE REPLACED THE COMPLETE FUEL PUMP BUT EVERYTIME I FUEL UP MY CAR IT HESITATES TO START WHICH IS WHY I REPLACED THE PUMP TO BEGIN WITH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. 4000+RPM BRAKES APPLIED DID NOT STOP IT. MISTAKE WAS TO KILL ENGINE WHICH KILLS THE BRAKES AND STEERING! LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED OR KILLED. STARTED CAR AGAIN AND ENGINE REVVED UP BY ITSELF. TURNED OFF AND ON AND ENGINE WAS NORMAL. IMPORTANT TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL NOT TO TURN OFF, NEUTRAL ALLOWS BRAKES TO WORK!!!!! CALLED KIA THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS.
WHEN CAR SITS OVER NIGHT, THE NEXT MORNING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE IS HARD TO PRESS AND DISENGAGE AS TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN EVER THE CAR SIT FOR SOMETIME AFTER RUNNING. THIS PART WAS CHANGED UNDER WARRANTY AND NOW AT 20,000 MILES IS ACTING THE SAME WAY AND THE DEALER IN SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO DOESNOT WANT TO CHANGE IT AS A CONTINUING DEFECTIVE PART. THIS PART CONSIST OF PLASTIC AND METAL. MAYBE DUE TO HEAT AND COLD TEMP., THE CONTRACTION AND EXPLANATION CAUSES IT TO MAL FUNCTION. I BELIEVE THIS PART SHOW BE REENGINEERED TO BETTER PERFORMANCE STANDARDSAS TO NOT FAIL. FAILURE OF THIS PART COULD CAUSE AN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHICH COULD CAUSE AN FATAL ACCIDENT OR BLOW UP OF ENGINE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine went out 8 months after there always been electrical issue has caused problems where it wnt accelerate causing a wreck the break light had shorts they didnt even have the radio n i went to a car lot dealership . this car left me in bad situations im just surprised its not recall I barely drive it it paid off after so many years n really only reason I have it cuz I put too much in n it n now it aint worth nuthin because of the issues that gave me
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. FOLLOWING THE INITIAL FAILURE, THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER THEN STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 826.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2009 KIA RIO LX: WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN AT 20MPH AND HAVING 26,875 MILES IN THE OD, THE AIRBAG RED LIGHT TURNED ON AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN AUTORIZED KIA DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED USING A KDS HAVING 26,927 MILES, FINDING 3 CODES: B1448 OCS MAT DEFECT, B1513 BUCKLE SWITCH OPEN SHORT PASSENGER SIDE, B1511 BUCKLE SWITCH OPEN SHORT DRIVER SIDE. DEALER SAID THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR REPORTS FROM KIA ON THIS COMPLAINTS FOR 2009 KIA RIO AND DECIDED TO NOT REPLACE THE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY. THEY RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER BUCKLE SWITCH AND THE PASSENGER MAT SEAT FOR A TOTAL CHARGE OF $1,700. THE VEHICLE IS USED BY ITS ORIGINAL OWNER, NEVER HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY CRASH EVENTS, HAVE LOW MILEAGE AND STILLS UNDER THE 10YEARS/100,000 MILES WARRANTY OFFERED BY KIA.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. FOLLOWING THE INITIAL FAILURE, THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER THEN STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 826.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS CUT OFF BY A TRUCK AND THE WIND FORCE OF THE PASSING VEHICLE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. WHILE SHE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A STOP SIGN THE TIE ROD AND BALL JOINTS BROKE OFF OF THE VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TURNED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED BUT THEY STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE KIA MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND STATED SHE MUST HAVE CRASHED INTO SOMETHING. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. SHE WILL CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 46,400.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD, THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY VEERED OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE SHOULDER AND WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. I TRIED BRINGING THE CAR BACK ONTO THE ROAD BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RESPOND WHICH RESULTED IN THE CAR SPINNING IN ONE DIRECTION AND THEN SPINNING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, WHICH THEN RESULTED IN ROLLING MULTIPLE TIMES INTO A DITCH. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. WHILE SHE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A STOP SIGN THE TIE ROD AND BALL JOINTS BROKE OFF OF THE VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TURNED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED BUT THEY STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE KIA MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND STATED SHE MUST HAVE CRASHED INTO SOMETHING. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. SHE WILL CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 46,400.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SQUEAKING SOUND IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BRAKE RESPONSE WAS ALSO HESITANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE FAILURE MAY BE CAUSED BY HUMIDITY OR RAIN. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHILE ACCELERATING AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FOURTH GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR HAS SUFFERED REPEATED STRESS CRACKS OF WINDSHIELD. CRACKS START AT SAME SPOT ON WINDSHIELD. REPAIRED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY WITH HUGE HASSLE WITH DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRED AGAIN BY OWNER WHEN CAR OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER AGREES CRACKS ARE NOT RESULT OF IMPACT AS NO CHIPPING ON GLASS TO INDICATE FOREIGN BODY IMPACT. IT IS MY OPINION THAT A CAR LESS THAN FOUR YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT BE HAVING REPEATED WINDSHIELD FAILURES. DEALER'S SOLUTION IS TO SELL ME A NEW CAR. KIA'S SOLUTION IS TO HIDE BEHIND CAR BEING OUT OF WARRANTY ON SECOND FAILURE. INSPITE OF REPEATED REQUESTS BY ME AND DEALER'S KIA QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER, KIA CORPORATE NEVER RETURNS MY CALLS. THE ONLY CONTACT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IS A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP WHO JUST REPEATS "CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY". WHEN I ASKED WHAT KIA WOULD DO IF NEW WINDSHIELDS CONTINUE TO CRACK, HIS SOLUTION WAS "FILE A CLAIM WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY". CAR HAS HAD OTHER DISTURBING FAILURES, WHICH REQUIRED REPEATED TRIPS TO DEALER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY SUCH AS AIR BAG SENSOR FAILURE, REPEATED STALLING WHILE BEING DRIVEN, ETC. MOST DISTURBING IS KIA'S UNWILLINGNESS TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT'S REPEATED FAILURES ONCE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHILE ACCELERATING AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FOURTH GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO I PURCHASED FOUR (4) NEW FIRESTONE CONTROL PLUS TIRES. THE TREAD BELTS ARE SEPARATING AND YOU CAN SEE LARGE CRACKS INTO THE TIRES. THE TIRES HAVE APPROX. 75% THREAD LIFE. I HAVE NEVER OWNED TIRES OF THIS QUESTIONABLE QUALITY. HOPEFULLY, FIRESTONE DOES NOT WANT TO BE CONTRIBUTING TO HIGHWAY DEATHS? AS A SCHOOL TEACHER, THIS COULD MAKE SOME OF MY STUDENT'S SAD...! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .