Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2021 Kia Rio has 2 recalls, 15 complaints.
2
Recalls
15
Complaints
N/A
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 8, 2026
21V936000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can ...
22V304000
STEERING:COLUMN
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 ...
Overall
Not Rated
Front Crash
Not Rated
Side Crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Rating for: 2021 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | STEERING | Steering Gear Assembly completely broke at 81,000 miles. My daughter was backing up in a busy street... |
| Dec 31, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Back up camera sometimes flips sides, so that obstacles on the right side of the car are shown on th... |
| Nov 14, 2023 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Placed car in park got out to open a gate. Car took off forward even when shifter was in Park Positi... |
| Aug 24, 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Center Console Display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affect... |
| Apr 14, 2023 | SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | seatbelts in rear are inoperable/anti theft not working. Kia dealership told me that its not their i... |
| Mar 26, 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | At speeds over 20 miles per hours there is a “flapping” noise that sounds like a bag or piece of pap... |
| Mar 19, 2023 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE | On 3/19/23, as I was driving on a dry, straight, two lane road at the posted speed of 40mph, the car... |
| Jan 7, 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The contol post for lights, turn signal, and high beams is too sensitive. To control the lights, y... |
| Nov 28, 2022 | STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES | Having been complaining about a noise from under the front right tire, I was initially told it was a... |
| Aug 11, 2022 | STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The steering wheel column does not have a lock therefore someone broke into my car and tried to stea... |
| Jun 16, 2022 | POWER TRAIN | I had driven my wife to her school about 5 miles and headed back to my work another 5 miles when i ... |
| Mar 17, 2022 | ENGINE | I was driving 60-70 miles an hour for 45 minutes then car lost all acceleration and engine light c... |
| Jan 17, 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES | Vehicle failed to reduce speed effectively while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle du... |
| Dec 11, 2021 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Vehicle has less than 4000 miles and throttle body had to be replaced |
| Jul 23, 2021 | SERVICE BRAKES | On the way to work, I had the brake pedal pressed waiting for a traffic signal to change. After it c... |