2007 Kia RIO
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR
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 | 52 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 51 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
39% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 KIA RIO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BY MISTAKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180108
TRUCK STOPPED AT STOP SIGN RAINING AT THE TIME 1304 PM GOT ON BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP AND RAIN WET ROADS MADE THE CAR SLIDE INTO THE TRAILER HITCH OF THE TALL 4X4 TRUCK AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF ON THE RIO CAR HIT CENTER ON THE FRONT BUMPER OVER...
NHTSA ODI report, 20121202
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES MANY TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. FINALLY, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080922
17% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED PERMANENTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070515
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. RALLY KIA (438 AUTO VISTA DR, PALMDALE, CA 93551, (818) 492-3800) WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180205
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TRUCK STOPPED AT STOP SIGN RAINING AT THE TIME 1304 PM GOT ON BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP AND RAIN WET ROADS MADE THE CAR SLIDE INTO THE TRAILER HITCH OF THE TALL 4X4 TRUCK AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF ON THE RIO CAR HIT CENTER ON THE FRONT BUMPER OVER...
NHTSA ODI report, 20121202
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES MANY TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. FINALLY, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080922
7% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121227
7% of complaints: seats — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2007 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2007 Kia RIO reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 Kia RIO is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Kia RIO?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2007 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.