RoadVitals

2012 Kia Rio Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
53
Latest Aug 6, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
12

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 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

  • Engine2434.8%
  • Airbags1217.4%
  • Driver assistance710.1%
  • Electrical68.7%
  • Brakes68.7%
  • Seat belts34.3%
  • Other / unspecified22.9%
  • Suspension11.4%

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

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Waiting to get air in my tire. Car was turned off and the car started fire under the hood.

NHTSA ID 11716009 · filed Feb 5, 2026

I brought my Kia in for a recall, and they determined the part was discontinued thus making my vehicle inoperable. When I brought my vehicle in, it was driveable-now I have been without my vehicle for over a month.

NHTSA ID 11701660 · filed Nov 26, 2025
All 24 reports naming engine

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The airbag warning light and the ABS warning light turned on simultaneously while driving. This is a severe safety hazard as both critical, life-saving safety features are currently compromised. I have already contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue, but I am filing this official complaint with the NHTSA to ensure a proper safety investigation is documented for this vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11740746 · filed May 28, 2026

The airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard and has stayed on permanently. This indicates a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Because the warning light is active, there is a severe safety risk that the airbags may not deploy correctly or at all in the event of a crash, putting the driver and passengers at risk of serious injury. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request

NHTSA ID 11740497 · filed May 27, 2026
All 12 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Our granddaughter bought this car from a private seller. My son is a mechanic and when he inspected the undercarriage he found a small leak in the seam of the gas tank. The local KIA dealer said it is not covered. This, to me, is a safety and emissions issue. Please assist. The car is available at any time for inspection. Thank you

NHTSA ID 11603120 · filed Jul 18, 2024

2012 KIA RIO, NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO ANY RECALL, AND HAVING BEEN MAINTAINED CORRECTLY, IS EXPERIENCING DANGEROUS LEVELS OF OIL CONSUMPTION. CURRENT MILAGE 108,000. TWO WEEKS AGO I SENT THE ATTACHED LETTER VIA CASE TO KIA CONSUMER CUSTOMER AFFAIRS SEEKING SAFETY ADVICE FROM THE COMPANY RELATING TO THE ISSUE. KIA NEVER RESPONDED, OPTING TO CLOSE THE CASE WITHOUT A WORD REGARDING THE ISSUE. OIL CONSUMPTION IS VERY HIGH, AND EFFECTING ENGINE PERFORMANCE. I ASSUME THE ONLY RECOURSE IS TO HAVE THE ENGINE TAKEN APART AND EXAMINED, A COSTLY REVIEW, HOWEVER DUE TO LACK OF RESPONSE FROM KIA I HAVEN'T YET; I WAS HOPING THEY COULD COORDINATE THROUGH EITHER A DEALER OR 3RD PARTY INVESTIGATOR. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT BEING USED, AS THIS ANOMALOUS ISSUE IS A CONCERN FOR SAFETY WHEN DRIVING. CONSIDERING THE RECENT RECALL, AS WELL AS HOW THE SYMPTOMS ALIGN WITH PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ISSUES TO SIMILAR ENGINES, I WISHED TO CREATE THIS REPORT, IF ONLY TO ADD MY CASE TO NHTSA'S ACCOUNTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JOSEPH ELLIOTT

NHTSA ID 11384228 · filed Dec 20, 2020
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the RPMs was rising to the red line immediately. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was transmission maintenance needed on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure continued. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and the towing technician noticed that the accelerator pedal was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.

NHTSA ID 11446443 · filed Jan 6, 2022

I WAS DRIVING AND CHECH ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON . I HAD IT TESTED AND IT WAS THE KNOCK SENOR. I LOOKED IT UP AND THEIR WAS A RECALL I PURCHASED THE CAR 9/02/2019

NHTSA ID 11351526 · filed Aug 27, 2020

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WHAT SEEMS TO BE OIL COMING FROM THE ENGINE, POOLING ON TOP OF THE BLOCK BUT ALSO LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR SO. THE WALLS AROUND THE ENGINE, MAINLY ON THE LEFT SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE WERE SATURATED WITH PRESUMABLY THE SAME FLUID. UNDER THE CAR IS ALSO SATURATED FROM WHAT I AM GUESSING TO BE A LEAK, PERHAPS THE SAME LEAK FROM ATOP THE ENGINE BLOCK. I'VE HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AND PAID FOR A SYSTEM FAULT DIAGNOSTIC, AND IN BOTH CASES HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY HELPFUL INFO AS TO WHAT IT IS, THE CAUSE OR WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM, OR HOW TO TREAT IT. I VERY RECENTLY HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND THE INVOICE SHOWED A COMMENT STATING THAT MY CAR APPEARS TO BE LEAKING OIL. THERE WAS NO FURTHER COMMENTARY. I FEAR THAT MY KIA RIO MAY BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE FOR REASONS SUCH AS A FIRE HAZARD OR BREAKDOWN FROM OVERHEATING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LEAVING ME ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY, STRANDED. ALSO THE A/C AND HEATER DO NOT OPERATE AS THEY SHOULD. THE PANEL CONTROLS ARE OUT OF WHACK AND NEITHER A/C OR HEAT PERFORM IN SYNC WITH THE COMMANDS. A MECHANIC HAS SAID THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES, POSSIBLY WITH THE MAIN COMPUTER, THOUGH THE SYSTEMS FAULT DIAGNOSTICS WAS PERFORMED AFTER THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME OF THIS, AND SEEING THAT I WAS CHARGED FOR THAT SERVICE I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE MAIN COMPUTER IS DOING WHAT IT IS MEANT TO DO, RELAYING THE INFO TO THE TECH'S COMPUTER. I JUST DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE A GOOD CAR THAT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK OR IF I'M DRIVING A DEATHTRAP. NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT I SEE A LOT OF KIA'S VEHICLES BEING RECALLED. AND I BELIEVE THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE KIA RIO. JUST AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. TIMES ARE TOUGH FINANCIALLY OR I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE MORE PROPER DETAILED INFO TO GIVE, THAT OR HAVE A GOOD RUNNING CAR...

NHTSA ID 11383239 · filed Dec 13, 2020

DRIVING CAR AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. GOT OUT ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY LIFTED HOOD AND EVERYTHING WAS ON FIRE. PEOPLE ASSING BY ALONG WITH HERO AND FIRE DEPT MADE SURE FLAMES WERE PUT OUT . I NEVER MADE ANY MODIFICATION TO VEHICLE AND WE KEEP IT SERVICED. FEEL LIKE PROBLEMS ARE WITH MANUFACTURE WIRING. I HAVE DONE INSURANCE CLAIM AND CONTACTED MANUFACTURE. THE MILES ARE APROX 102K

NHTSA ID 10903822 · filed Sep 6, 2016

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The airbag warning light and the ABS warning light turned on simultaneously while driving. This is a severe safety hazard as both critical, life-saving safety features are currently compromised. I have already contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue, but I am filing this official complaint with the NHTSA to ensure a proper safety investigation is documented for this vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11740746 · filed May 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11583676 · filed Apr 17, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN, GOING ABOUT 55-60 MPH, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN (LIKE THEY ALMOST MISSED THE STREET AND TRIED TO COMPENSATE LAST MINUTE) I SLAMMED ON THE BREAKS BUT COULD NOT STOP IN TIME AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE SEATBELT DIDN'T CATCH, NOR DID THE AIRBAG DEPLOY, AND MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, CHIN FIRST.

NHTSA ID 10860642 · filed Apr 21, 2016

THE SEAT BELT WOULD OFTEN LOCK UP WHEN ON THE DRIVER/PASSENGER, WHICH WOULD PREVENT THE OCCUPANTS FROM MOVING. ALSO, THE SEATBELT WOULD OFTEN LOCK UP IN THE RESTING POSITION, WHICH WOULD PREVENT AN OCCUPANT FROM PUTTING ON THE SEATBELT UPON ENTERING THE CAR. THE CAR HAD BEEN TAKEN TO A KIA DEALERSHIP TWO TIMES BEFORE THEY REPLACED THE SEATBELT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10495212 · filed Jan 30, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE REAR END OF THE CAR MAKES A WEIRD WHOP WHOP SOUND WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO CHARPER THEY TOLD ME ALL THE KIA RIOS DO THIS. I FEAR THAT A REAR WHEEL IS GOING TO EVENTUALLY COME OF OR BLOW SOMETHING. CANT EVEN PUT WINDOWS DOWN WHEN DRIVING IT SOUNDS LIKE A HELICOPTER IS LANDING ON THE ROOF IT IS THAT BAD. HURTS YOUR EARDRUMS. HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT DRIVING CONDITION.

NHTSA ID 10893470 · filed Aug 5, 2016

4 TIRES WITH ONLY 17,000 MILES ON THEM, HAVE RUBBER DRY ROT CRACKS ON SIDEWALLS AND ALWAYS NEED ALL 4 TIRES AIR ADJUSTED BACK UP OVER SHORT TIME, AND ALWAYS LOOK DINGY DIRTY FROM ROAD DIRT IN CRACKS ON SIDEWALL. SAFETY HAZARD ? KUMHO SOLUS KH25 DOT YOAH YPL8 (5111 ) 185\65R15 ALL 4 TIRES SAME DOT. CAR KEPT GARAGED AND HARDLY DRIVEN SINCE PURCHASED NEW. TIRES SHOULD NOT BE DOING THIS. I CONTACTED COMPANY BUT NOT REPLYING TO PHONE CALLS AND I SENT EMAILS ? I NOTICED SAME BRAND BEING REPLACED BY COMPANY WITH BIGGER SIZE SAME PROBLEM RECALL ? UPDATED 12/01/15*LJ *JS

NHTSA ID 10787208 · filed Oct 30, 2015

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES BECAME WORN PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS A BENT SPINDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000. UPDATED 08/21/2014*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH SPINDLES AND THE STABILIZER BAR WERE BENT. THE BEARINGS WERE NOT RIDING TRUE ON THE SPINDLE. UPDATED 08/26/2014 *JS

NHTSA ID 10587826 · filed May 12, 2014

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

Data on this page last refreshed .