MYRModel Year Report

2008 Kia RIO

● Typical for this model
2008 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:12:38.010Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia RIO Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 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 2008 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
2008: 46 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 50%

50% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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, 20170627

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, 20161007

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, 20131106

AIR BAGS 9%

9% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL ROAD TRAVELING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, I SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING A DEAR AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON. I WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WITH INJURIES TO MY NECK, BACK, LEFT SHOULDER AND LEFT KNEE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080620

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT'S CHEST STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. HE HAS A PACEMAKER AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080331

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
ENGINE 7%

7% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.

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, 20190219

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4%

4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

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, 20190219

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

2008 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 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 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 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 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.