VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Rio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2019 Kia Rio — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

29

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Rio years?

Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted355 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 355 complaints2002: 171 complaints2003: 103 complaints2004: 53 complaints2005: 46 complaints2006: 89 complaints2007: 64 complaints2008: 57 complaints2009: 54 complaints2010: 38 complaints2011: 32 complaints2012: 73 complaints2013: 218 complaints2014: 74 complaints2015: 69 complaints2016: 110 complaints2017: 37 complaints2018: 39 complaints2019: 29 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 12 complaints2023: 20 complaints
Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Rio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other931%
Engine621%
Airbags310%
Transmission27%
Steering27%
Electrical System27%
Speed Control13%
Suspension13%
Body & Structure13%
Driver Assistance13%
Brakes13%

Does the 2019 Kia Rio have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V622000Latches & LocksAugust 9, 2021 · 253,074 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I APPROACHED A GREEN LIGHT IT TURNED YELLOW I MASH DOWN ON MY BRAKE IT ENGAGED FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND IT GAVE ON ME AND I COULD NOT GET THE BRAKE TO ENGAGE AGAIN I COULD NOT STOP FOR THE LIGHT AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 21, 2020 · crash

“Unknown of specifics. I was driving up a hill. I heard a loud pop. I pulled off the side of the road. The battery light, oil light, and one other came on. I turned my car off. Tried to start it, again however it sounded like the starter wasn't working. Then smoke started to come out of the car.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 25, 2022 · fire

“Victim was hit head on by a truck. Victim was going 10-15mph truck faster. Victim was t-boned on the driver side at the front tire. The entire front fender and frame were damaged. Victim sub-stained a bad shoulder injury and ptsd. Air bags did not deploy. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 28, 2021 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF STOCKTON LOCATED AT (6215 HOLMAN RD, STOCKTON, CA 95212) BUT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 19, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF STOCKTON LOCATED AT (6215 HOLMAN RD, STOCKTON, CA 95212) BUT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 19, 2020

2019 Kia Rio — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Rio reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2019 Rio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (9 complaints), engine (6 complaints), airbags (3 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Rio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Rio years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rio years to avoid are 2001, 2013, 2002, 2016, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2012, 2015, 2017. The cleanest record among Rio years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.