2006 Kia RIO
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.
- Complaints
- 74
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
69% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 74 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 223 |
| 2002 | 128 |
| 2003 | 74 |
| 2004 | 38 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 46 |
| 2008 | 46 |
| 2009 | 39 |
| 2010 | 26 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
69% · 51 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
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, 2019-12-10
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, 2019-04-01
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, 2017-07-10
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Steering
5% · 4 reportsStructure
4% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
This man purposely rammed my car. He saw me in the lane but came over anyway and hit my car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-02-22
Electrical system
4% · 3 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2006Complaint volume 74 complaints filed for this model year.
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2012-07-26Air bags12V244000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 51 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V244000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
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 69% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Kia RIO have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.