2008 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 | 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.
59% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
11% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH7% 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
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
4% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 2 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
2008 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.