Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Rio has 1 recall, 50 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
1
Recalls
50
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 8, 2026
23V652000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Op...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2012 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 31, 2026 | ENGINE | Waiting to get air in my tire. Car was turned off and the car started fire under the hood. |
| Oct 11, 2025 | ENGINE | I brought my Kia in for a recall, and they determined the part was discontinued thus making my vehic... |
| Jul 30, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I went to the Kia dealership in Laredo Texas and was told that they cannot fix the fault, that my ve... |
| Jan 1, 2025 | ENGINE | The GDI 1.6L engines are manufactured with a flaw that affects piston rings and makes oil consumptio... |
| Jul 16, 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Our granddaughter bought this car from a private seller. My son is a mechanic and when he inspecte... |
| Apr 17, 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V6520... |
| Feb 29, 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact's sister owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number... |
| Jan 19, 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V6520... |
| Apr 13, 2023 | ENGINE | Car started running oddly pulled over went to restart and Fire came up an engine compartment |
| Jun 21, 2022 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that after the niece had park and exited the veh... |
| Jan 31, 2022 | ENGINE | Check engine light comes on. I pull the code of p050a. I looked that up and there is a Techincal S... |
| Nov 7, 2021 | ENGINE | Will not start early morning, use about 3 quart oil a week, before warranty ran out Kia dealer check... |
| Dec 2, 2020 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2012 KIA RIO, NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO ANY RECALL, AND HAVING BEEN MAINTAINED CORRECTLY, IS EXPERIEN... |
| Aug 26, 2020 | ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | I WAS DRIVING AND CHECH ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON . I HAD IT TESTED AND IT WAS THE KNOCK SENOR. I LOOKED ... |
| Aug 11, 2020 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE | I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WHAT SEEMS TO BE OIL COMING FROM THE ENGINE,... |
| Jul 15, 2020 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the RPMs... |
| Apr 2, 2020 | AIR BAGS,ENGINE | I'M AT 96K MILES. THE MECHANIC PULLS CODES FOR THE AIRBAGS. THEY ARE SHOWING A DEFECT AND THE REASON... |
| Mar 2, 2020 | ENGINE | LOSS OF RPM IN CARS TACHOMETER DURING DRIVING, THEN LOSS POWER, THEN CAR STALLED AT IDLE. NOW THE CA... |
| Feb 19, 2020 | ENGINE | TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, WHITE ... |
| Feb 17, 2020 | ENGINE | TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN DEPRESSING THE A... |