MYRModel Year Report

2006 Kia RIO

◆ Worse than typical
2006 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:12:31.334Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia RIO Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2006 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 36 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 52 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 51 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 77 complaints 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 27 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2020: 26 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 10 complaints 2023: 12 complaints 2023
2006: 74 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200536
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201252
2013153
201451
201552
201677
201731
201827
201921
202026
202115
202210
202312

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 51%

51% of complaints: air bags — 38 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHERE I RENEDED TWO CARS. MY AIR BAG SID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS HYDROPLANE ON WET ROADS GOING ABOUT 55 WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20191210

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD A SEIZURE AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND HOSPITALIZED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190401

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, AN UNKNOWN NISSAN VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170710

AIR BAGS 9%

9% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
AIR BAGS 7%

7% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 5%

5% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 5%

5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2006 — complaint volume: 74
R 20120726 — air bags

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING.

Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

Campaign 12V244000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2006 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (38 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 12V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ■ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2006 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Kia RIO is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Kia RIO have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.