2011 Kia RIO
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2011: 24 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
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
7 of 24 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Coils, I have been through 6 sets of coils since I bought this car in 2011. This causes the engine to run rough , sputter & have no pick up when trying to accelerate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-23
Sold a car that turned out to be a 'lemon' after only a month of having it began breaking down the most recent issue being the Cadillac converter making it a little dangerous to drive because speed is affected along with toxic fuel, whenever I drive...
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-06
Air bags
5 of 24 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
As I was driving straight through an intersection of which I had a green light, the vehicle coming the opposite way through the intersection failed to yield and took a left turn hitting me head-on. We were each going between 30-35 miles per hour.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-04-02
My son was involved in an accident where he rear ended the car in front of him at approximately 35 to 40 MPH. The airbag in the steering wheel did not deploy!! Luckily, he was wearing his seat belt and suffered bruising on his hip and shoulder.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-17
I was in collision on 3/28. I hit another car from the back. The airbags did not deploy. I hit my head on the steering wheel. I had my seat belt on. I was sent to the hospital via ambulance. The car was a total loss.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-08
Also filed under Service brakes
Electrical system
5 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
Service brakes
4 of 24 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
3 of 24 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Safety 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
2011 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Kia RIO reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia RIO?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 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.