2006 Kia RIO

◆ Worse than typical

2006 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:45:12.050Z

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

2006: 74 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	3
2001	223
2002	128
2003	74
2004	38
2005	36
2006	74
2007	46
2008	46
2009	39
2010	26
2011	24
2012	54
2013	153
2014	52
2015	52
2016	77
2017	31
2018	28
2019	21
2020	27
2021	15
2022	11
2023	12

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

AIR BAGS 69%

69% of complaints: air bags — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

CRASH

STEERING 5%

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

CRASH INJURY

STRUCTURE 4%

4% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20260222

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4%

4% of complaints: electrical system — 3 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 (51 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 12V244000 (air bags) has been completed.

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 69% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Kia RIO have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.