2009 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
- 39
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
None on file
46% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 39 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
46% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was involved in a collision 7/7/2017. It rear-ended a 2014 Volkswagen beetle at approximately 35 MPH. The vehicle will likely be totaled due to extensive damage to the front end.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-08
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Kia RIO. While driving approximately 50 MPH on a wet road, the contact attempted to make a turn, lost control of the vehicle, and the left side collided into a wall. None of the air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-05-17
A 2009 Kia RIO md. Police report by anne arundel county police . At approximately 1800 hours the vehicle hit black ice at 30-40MPH and swerved out of control head on into a wooden power pole.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-16
Engine
18% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Replaced ignition coils 1 and 3 at the end of 2018. Coil 1 had to be replaced again in January 2019. Coils 2 and 4 were both replaced along with all spark plugs February 2018.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-08
Seats
10% · 4 reportsStructure
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl- the contact owns a 2009 Kia RIO 5 lx. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, both the brake pedal and the acceleration pedal became seized. Then the contact crashed the rear of the vehicle into a concrete wall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-30
Vehicle speed control
5% · 2 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 Kia RIO reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Kia RIO is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia RIO?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Kia RIO have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.