Is the 2008 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Kia RIO is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Kia RIO have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2008 Kia RIO

● Typical for this model

2008 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:55.078Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 46
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 46 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

59% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Following a tire blowout the vehicle went into then out of a ditch. The vehicle was traveling at approximately 45-50MPH. There was significant front end damage. The driver was wearing a seat belt.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-27

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Kia RIO. While driving 25 MPH in the rain, the contact's vehicle skidded and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-07

I have driver/passenger and side airbags. I was blindsided by a Dodge dakota on the passenger side. Her vehicle slammed both of my doors on the passenger side so badly neither one would open and my daughter had to climb out of my side.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-06

Service brakes

11% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Engine

7% · 3 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall. The computer that tells the transmission to switch gears is stuck and doasnt work. My car will only stay in 3RD gear and reverse. It has no power and goes in limp mode.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-19

Also filed under Vehicle speed control and electronic stability control (esc)

Vehicle speed control

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

Fuel system, gasoline

4% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 27 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V244000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

201731

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Kia RIO reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Kia RIO is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Kia RIO?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 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.