2021 Kia Rio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Rio — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Rio years?

Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Rio problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	6	26%	— flat
Steering	4	17%	— flat
Brakes	3	13%	— flat
Driver Assistance	3	13%	▲ up
Transmission	2	9%	▼ down
Engine	2	9%	▼ down
Seat Belts	1	4%	— flat
Fuel System	1	4%	▼ down
Electrical System	1	4%	▼ down

Does the 2021 Kia Rio have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V304000SteeringMay 5, 2022 · 30 units

Defect

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 cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.

21V936000BrakesDecember 1, 2021 · 87 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.

Consequence

Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“At speeds over 20 miles per hours there is a âflappingâ noise that sounds like a bag or piece of paper that is blowing in the wind. Although I donât know were the noise originates, I can hear it clearly from the driverâs side b-pillar. It is incredibly annoying and greatly diminishes what…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 26, 2023

“Having been complaining about a noise from under the front right tire, I was initially told it was a little piece of plastic and that got cut off. I was still hear the scraping and squealing and I kept check the from right tire because I thought that's where it was coming from. I mentioned this to…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 28, 2022 · crash

“Vehicle failed to reduce speed effectively while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle during a left turn, which then caused the vehicle to turn widely and collide with the curb.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 17, 2022 · crash

“Center Console Display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affected creating safety concern.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 24, 2023

“Placed car in park got out to open a gate. Car took off forward even when shifter was in Park Position and almost ran a child over. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 14, 2023

2021 Kia Rio — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Rio reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Rio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), steering (4 complaints), driver assistance (3 complaints).

Does the 2021 Kia Rio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2021 compare to other Rio years?

What are the most common 2021 Kia Rio problems?

Does the 2021 Kia Rio have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2021 Kia Rio — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Rio reliable?

What are the most common 2021 Rio problems?

Does the 2021 Kia Rio have recalls?

Which Kia Rio years should you avoid?

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